Volunteer - FAQs

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Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission to support families during their most difficult moments

Become a Volunteer

Below, you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about volunteering with us. If you have further queries or are ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way as you make a meaningful difference in the lives of bereaved families.

What Roles are Available?

  • Our Affiliated Photographers walk alongside families during some of their only moments with their babies. The majority of our sessions take place at hospitals. The photographer goes to the family and takes professional-quality photos of their baby. A selection of photos is then gently retouched in black and white.

    The Affiliated Photographer position requires an application and evaluation of photography and lighting skills, as well as a caring and empathetic disposition. 

  • If you are interested in joining the team but perhaps are not in a position for various reasons to sign up as a photographer, we would love you to consider joining us as a DRA. This role will involve taking photos either from volunteer photographers or from the parents or hospital staff themselves and editing them into beautiful black-and-white images.  Our DRAs are highly skilled in the use of photography software i.e. Photoshop, Lightroom, etc and they undertake the retouching of photographs sent to NILMDTS by parents who have taken their own photographs. DRAs also provide support to photographers who may need support in delivering high quality images to a family.

    Volunteer DRAs have to be highly skilled and undertake online training to ensure a high standard and consistency in the work we deliver.

  • Join our team as a dispatcher and play a pivotal role in connecting families with our compassionate services.

    In this role, you’ll professionally and sensitively handle phone requests, arrange photographer availability and coordinate sessions and DRA requests. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, a fluent level of English and basic IT skills (ability to update a spreadsheet tracker etc) Dispatch Team members man the phone line and are on call for a number of hours per week or when they are available. Phones are active from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm every day.

  • If you are interested in volunteering for NILMDTS and have a particular role in mind that you think could assist us in the provision of our services, please let us know and we’d be happy to discuss with you.

FAQs - Training, Support, & Common Questions

  • We understand how nerve-wracking it can be to start volunteering, which is why our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Upon joining, you’ll connect with a NILMDTS Ireland volunteer who will walk you through the application process.

    • Photographers will receive access to our training portal, which covers bereavement photography, hospital session considerations, and image delivery processes. You’ll also be paired with an experienced mentor for hands-on guidance and support.

    • Dispatchers will receive a simple process guide, contact information for photographers and hospitals, and training. Additionally, you’ll join a supportive WhatsApp group where the dispatch team provides assistance, especially during your first shifts.

  • Session length can vary greatly from session to session, depending on the circumstances. On average, we expect photographers to spend up to about 45 minutes with the family. This will depend on whether the family would like images of just the baby or whether they would like to include family photos with the immediate and sometimes extended family. 

  • JNILMDTS welcomes photographers from all genres and skill levels, from professionals to skilled enthusiasts. Our application process includes an image guide, dos and don’ts, and criteria to help you understand what’s required. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact us—we’d be happy to discuss your suitability.

  • Spreading awareness is a big part of our mission, and we encourage volunteers to do so. Many of our volunteers show their involvement with NILMDTS by adding our official volunteer badge to their website and social media.  This badge is provided in the training portal once the role-specific course is complete. Of course the confidentiality of our bereaved families must be fully respected and no details or imagery of their session should be shared without their express written consent.

  • Simply put, you don’t know until you try. The number one thing we hear is that “I’m too emotional” but it is our belief that the majority of the time this just is not true. We do not want robotic volunteers. We are looking for people who are compassionate and sincere. It is absolutely normal to feel the weight of what you are doing but we find that most volunteer photographers get into “photographer mode” and are so focused on getting the perfect shots that the emotions may not come until after or during the editing process.

    That said, it is OK to shed a tear or two with the family. They will not see that as unprofessional but rather as a sign of compassion and truly caring for them and it will make the gift even more precious knowing someone was taking photos that cared enough to step into their worst nightmare to make something beautiful out of their love for their child.

    So if you have the skills but think you cannot do it, we urge you to contact us. We will have a very honest conversation with you, sharing all the challenges and addressing all the concerns you have.  If you decide to move forward you will go through our training to ensure you are prepared to walk into the first session, and you will be supported 100% of the way by our caring staff and volunteers. If you take one session and realise it is not for you, there is no obligation to continue. You will have made a direct impact on that one family and countless other families indirectly due to the sharing that family will do of the photos you took and of the positive experience you were able to help create in those final moments. 

    We’d love for you to read our blog post compiled with our volunteer feedback here. You might be surprised to read that everyone has those same fears.

  • Yes. We carry General Liability, Directors & Officers, and Worker’s Compensation policies. Each photographer/volunteer active in the program must sign a “Volunteer Services Agreement” which outlines expectations for their duties, code of conduct, and policies they must adhere to as a representative of NILMDTS.

  • bsolutely, we are so conscious of the incredibly generous gift our volunteers already give with their time and talent. We would never want any of our volunteers to have to consider the financial element of volunteering for sessions, particularly as some sessions may be some distance away. We are happy to pay a fuel and parking allowance.