Become a volunteer
A Jumbulance holiday opens doors for sick and disabled people and offers them the opportunity to look ahead again, to make friends and to have fun with other like minded people, this applies as much to the volunteers as well.
You do not require any particular experience to volunteer as a helper on a Jumbulance trip. All groups travels with a medical team and helpers with many years of experience who will be able to advise you. You will never be asked to do anything you do not feel comfortable doing. Ideal qualities include compassion and willingness to care for others and the ability to act on what you are seeing.
It can be strenuous and hard work but also incredibly rewarding. It involves everything from getting a number of wheelchairs or trolleybeds on and off the Jumbulances to helping with needs and care of persons throughout the day. It is sometimes difficult to put others needs before your own, but a Jumbulance holiday involves a lot of fun and laughter from start to finish.
All volunteers must pay their own expenses. Rarely do any have regrets and many become addicted to joining the annual holiday with a Jumbulance group. The volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and all walks of life. It is encouraged that you carry out your own personal fundraising to help fund your holiday fare – click here to learn more about fundraising ideas.
If you want to know more send an email to volunteer@jumbulance.org.uk and we should be able to answer most of your questions and even put you in touch with one of our group leaders if you would like to find out about a group.
Why Jumbulance? Why volunteer?
I became involved as a volunteer nurse for the Jumbulances in the 1980’s and from my first pilgrimage to Lourdes I knew this was something special. I have travelled every year since, sometimes doing multiple trips each year and have never lost that enthusiasm and admiration for the high level of care given by all the volunteers. We open the doors again for sick and disabled people (VIPs) who feel there are no more options for them and this can be liberating for them and their families who need respite from caring almost as much as the VIPs need a real holiday. It really does make such a difference.
I’ve seen people who have never been abroad, never stayed in a hotel, never swam in the sea and suddenly they are transported out of the confines of their four walls and into a new world with new friendships and rekindling of their interest in life.
The wonderful 24/7 care they receive from our volunteer helpers and nurses is impressive. Where needed there will also be a doctor so we can cater for people with quite complex needs.
It is not about being altruistic it is about having fun and meeting people. At the end of every trip I know why I will return again – exhausted yes but also humbled and my life back in perspective. They are some of the happiest weeks of my life and the most meaningful.
Don’t just think about it, come and join us.
Chris Chisholm, Group Leader, Hampshire & Berkshire Jumbulance Group
