At KCLSU, we are proud to introduce you to Evelina Bedside Fun (BSF), a volunteer-led initiative that brings arts and crafts activities to children in Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Through these creative sessions, children are given the opportunity to reimagine the hospital space as one defined by fun, community, and self-expression.
We are committed to highlighting all projects that give back to the community and create safe spaces for everyone. If you have read our Volunteer Spotlight series, you know how dedicated we are to introducing you to all kinds of volunteering projects, helping you connect with incredible people and making positive change.
We asked some of the Evelina volunteers to tell us about their experience with this heartwarming project. We spoke to Sookyong Sung, who you know from the Paediatric Society, and who has coordinated the student volunteering scheme with Evelina. Sookyong’s story will help you learn about this initiative and how to get involved!
What is your project about?
Evelina Bedside Fun is a volunteer-run program where we host weekly arts and crafts sessions for kids in Evelina hospital wards. These sessions give children and their siblings a chance to take a break from their hospital beds and get creative with fun activities alongside other kids.
We’ve done all sorts of things in the past, like building with Lego, painting, colouring, and making holiday-themed crafts. The activities are designed for all ages, and we usually have about 12 kids joining in each day. There are 4 - 5 volunteers to help keep everything safe and make sure everyone has a great time!
Why is this cause important to you?
Our program gives children a fun, safe space to play and takes their minds off the stress of being in the hospital. Playing while also getting medical treatment helps them feel better emotionally, physically, and socially, easing stress and making their experience in the hospital as comfortable as possible.
It also helps them connect with others so they don’t feel so isolated. Our work is beneficial for parents and caregivers, too: it’s a chance to relax, knowing their kids are in good hands. Many parents tell us how heartwarming it is to see their children playing so freely.
How did the funding help your project?
Thanks to the funding, we’ve been able to offer a wide range of activities for kids of all ages. Recently, we got some extra funding that let us buy new supplies, like paint pens and suncatchers with dinosaur and mermaid designs. This way, there’s something exciting for every age group to enjoy!
What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
One of our biggest challenges has been low attendance on certain days. To tackle this, volunteers now go around the wards before sessions to personally invite kids and encourage them to join in. We’re also spreading the word with posters and through word-of-mouth to make sure more people know about the sessions!
How did you manage to volunteer alongside your studies?
Our volunteering program happens on weekends, which makes it easy to balance our university commitments. We can focus on our studies and assignments during the week and then spend a couple of hours volunteering on Saturdays. Since Evelina's BSF sessions are just two hours long, it’s a perfect way to occupy your morning without negatively impacting your studies.
What was the most interesting part of your project?
The most fascinating part was meeting and connecting with kids who were going through tough times. Unlike other childcare or school volunteering, this role requires a lot more empathy, which makes it even more meaningful. The children really appreciate the time spent with them – it gives them a fun, much-needed break from their hospital stay.
How has volunteering impacted you?
Volunteering has been such a fulfilling experience and has really opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on life. Spending time with children who still hold on to their innocent and imaginative spirit, even when facing adversity, is so heartwarming. It’s a great reminder to appreciate life’s little joys—like arguing over which dinosaur is the coolest or whether unicorns are real—rather than getting weighted down by the stresses of adult life.
What advice would you give to other King’s students interested in volunteering?
I’d say go for it! Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, have fun, and make a real impact on others. It’s also a great opportunity to spend your Saturday mornings creating something magical with children: it’s an experience you won’t regret!
What are your future plans to support the community?
We’re working to raise more awareness of our volunteering programme within the hospital trust of Evelina (GSTT). We want to increase promotion and support on the wards so we can reach more children and encourage them to participate in the programme.
It was incredibly inspiring to hear from the Evelina team of volunteers. If you decided to take part in this project, it would be beneficial to you both in terms of personal growth and in making a positive impact on children. Sookyong has reminded us of the power of play, creativity, and human connection. Make sure to reach out and support this wonderful initiative!
How You Can Get Involved
We want to thank the whole Paediatric Society! We love to see students empowered and connected through volunteering opportunities. To start doing tangible work to help underrepresented communities, and make it fun, head to our Volunteering Page to learn more on how to get involved!
If you have been wondering how to approach volunteering, this week is the perfect chance! At KCLSU, we have so many events planned for you to connect with charitable organizations and fellow students in the name of a good cause. From friendship bracelet making to CPR training, our Student Volunteering Week offers an exciting array of opportunities for you to learn and grow in your volunteering journey!