Freya Gilbertson: From teenage volunteer to paramedic – Giving Back and Transforming Care   

When most 16-year-olds were focused on school, friends, and exams, Freya Gilbertson was stepping into a children’s hospital during the height of the global pandemic — not as a patient, but as a volunteer.

Freya grew up in Liverpool and had a personal connection to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital long before she wore a volunteer’s uniform. As a child, she underwent treatment for persistent ear problems that eventually required grommets, and her younger brother was monitored for a heart murmur when he was a baby.   

“I remember the old Alder Hey with the long corridors,” she says. “They looked after me, they looked after my brother, and they’ve cared for friends and family too. It’s a huge part of our community.”  

How she became interested in volunteering

From a young age, Freya knew she wanted to work in healthcare, but like many aspiring healthcare workers, she hit the frustrating age barrier — most opportunities required her to be 18. “I’d reached out to other hospitals before, and it was always, ‘You need to be 18.’ I’d almost given up when I saw Alder Hey accepted volunteers from 16. I applied straight away.”  

Motivation to volunteer

Freya’s drive came from two places — wanting to give back to the hospital that had helped her family, and wanting to explore possible careers in healthcare. “It felt like the perfect way to say thank you, but also to get a taste of the real work behind the scenes. I wanted to see what healthcare was really like before committing to a career.”  

Getting started

The application process was straightforward — a written application, an informal phone interview, and a DBS check. “It never felt intimidating, which made it really accessible for someone my age. They understood that most 16-year-olds haven’t been through formal interviews before.”  

Support in the role

From the beginning, the hospital’s volunteer coordinator, Nicky, and the team offered Freya tailored support. “They knew I was interested in becoming a paramedic and went out of their way to find opportunities that would help me — like getting me into the emergency department to work with the play and distraction therapy team. That was incredible experience.”  

She was paired with experienced volunteers to help her settle in and encouraged to try different areas of the hospital. “The support was there from day one. Anything I wanted to see, they’d try to arrange it.”  

Progression and gaining experience

Over two years, Freya’s role grew. She worked every Friday during term time and more during school holidays, often stepping in when other volunteers had to shield during COVID-19. She spent time on wards, supported families, helped at charity events, and assisted in the emergency department.  

“COVID meant volunteers were more important than ever. We became an extra set of hands when staffing was stretched, and it felt good to be genuinely useful.”  

Highlights of Her Volunteering Journey

For Freya, the best part was feeling part of the team. “At first, you’re just the new volunteer, but over time people get to know you. It’s a real community — everyone has different backgrounds and experiences, and you learn so much from them.”  

She also valued the variety of experiences. “One week you might be helping on a ward, another in the emergency department, another supporting a charity event. No two weeks were the same.”  

Personal gains from volunteering

Freya says the experience matured her far beyond her years. “I went from being in school all my life to suddenly being in a hospital environment, seeing what patients and families go through. You learn that you never really know what someone else is facing. Their worst day could be your best. That awareness has stayed with me.”  

It also prepared her for her paramedic degree. “When I walked into my first university placement, I already knew how a hospital worked. I wasn’t intimidated by the environment — I could focus on learning.”  

Where she is now

Freya’s experience not only gave her an early insight into the realities of healthcare but also shaped her career path. Now 20, Freya is a newly qualified paramedic about to start full-time work. She credits her volunteering with helping her get there, helping her develop the maturity, clinical awareness, and people skills she needed to succeed . “It gave me a head start, confidence, and a network of people who believed in me. I miss it now and would love to go back when I have the time.”  

Her advice to others

“I’d say 100% do it. Even if you’re unsure about healthcare, you’ll meet amazing people, learn new skills, and become part of something special. Volunteering isn’t just about helping others — it changes you too.”  

Freya says she has started a trend in her family to volunteer with her cousin and brother following in her footsteps as volunteers in other areas.   

Her story is a testament to the power of volunteering in transforming lives — both for patients and for those who give their time. As Freya says, “It’s the best thing I ever did. You become part of a family, and the experience stays with you forever.”