Become a sun sponsor

La Chaîne de l'Espoir is looking for volunteers to support hospitalized children in France: each child receives a visit from a dedicated volunteer - a "sun godmother" or "sun godfather" - throughout his or her hospitalization. These visits, which take place several times a week, are designed to provide emotional and moral support for the child, which is vital for maintaining psychological balance in the absence of his or her parents.

Volunteering to help hospitalized children

More than 150
accompaniments every year

70%
of children accompanied are aged 5 or under

+ More than 130
volunteers mobilized

Our “sun godmothers and godfathers” provide children with a presence and emotional and moral support, helping to alleviate the emotional shortcomings associated with separation and hospitalization.

As a volunteeryou visit the child in hospital several times a week, including at weekends, when hospital departments may be short-staffed.
During these visits, you offer activities such as reading and games that keep the children entertained and in touch with the outside world, contributing to their psychological stability and preparing them for their return home.

Volunteers never intervene in medical care, but strictly follow the instructions of the care teams.

“We immediately see the benefits of creating a bond that is reassuring for the child. It reduces stress and boredom. And for the care team, everything is well organized. We know that the sun godparent has been selected and trained, and that there’s a contract in place with the family. We don’t go in at random, everything is structured.”

Sylvaine Sondaz-Soulagnes, health executive nursery nurse at Lyon University Hospital

Who can become a Sun Sponsor ?

Criteria:

  • Be over 23 years of age
  • Be available several times a week
  • Minimum one-year commitment

 

Volunteers are integrated into the program following an interview and a 2-3 day training course.
In addition, professionally-led discussion groups are offered to volunteer carers to encourage peer exchange and enrich their ability to provide emotional and psychosocial support to children in vulnerable situations.

The program is currently present in over 20 healthcare establishments in Ile-de-France, Lyon, Toulouse, Tours and Saint-Denis de La Réunion.

Adaptability, stability andopenness to others are essential qualities for the care and balance of the child.

“The day we parted was very touching, not only because I heard him say my first name for the first time, but above all because of the tender way he said goodbye with his eyes. I still admire his courage and wish him all the best for the future.”

Roberta Nicastro, “sun godmother” for the Hospitalised Children’s Support Programme

How do I become a sun sponsor?

Joining our program as a volunteer is a structured process to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the support offered to hospitalized children. Here are the steps you need to follow to join our team of volunteers:

  • Application: send your CV and covering letter to the following email address: enfants-hosp@chainedelespoir.org. Your motivation and commitment are crucial for this role.
  • Interview: if your profile matches our needs, we’ll invite you to an interview to better understand your motivations and discuss your potential role within the program.
  • Training: after a successful interview, you will take part in a 2-3 day training course, usually organized over the weekend. This training is designed to prepare you for the practical and emotional aspects of caring for hospitalized children.

Join our community of sun sponsors and make a significant difference in the life of a child. Your commitment can change lives.