Joining a club is about more than making new friends—it’s a chance to connect with like-minded people, have fun, and even enhance your CV. 

At Queen’s, we’re proud to have over 200 clubs and societies, each with its own unique community and opportunities. In our Spotlight series, we’re delving into the stories behind these societies and meeting the passionate students who turn shared interests into something extraordinary. Whether you’re new to campus or simply looking to explore, this series promises inspiration, connection, and maybe even a little motivation to get involved. 

This time, we’re chatting with Orla Kelly, the current president of the Teddy Bear Hospital Society, to discover more about their mission and why you should consider joining their society. 

Hello, my name is Orla Kelly and I am currently a 4th year QUB student studying medicine.  

I am fortunate to be the current president of the society, having already been the secretary for 2023/24 academic year. I have been involved in the society since first year – I heard about the society and wanted to join as a member.  

I really like the idea of teaching the school children – as I had considered being a teacher when I was younger. I thought the aims of the society were great and so I signed up and haven’t looked back!  

Can you tell us a bit about the origins of your society? When and why was it founded? 

The QUB Teddy Bear Hospital Society is part of a wider international body of Teddy Bear Hospitals. The concept began in Norway in 2000 and by 2006, it had spread to over 28 countries.  

Many other medical schools in the UK have their own teddy bear hospitals- approximately 28.  I really like this idea, as it allows each university to give its own twist on the concept of educating young people on health and wellbeing.  

What are the main goals of your society? 

The society aims to visit schools and educate children on health and wellbeing, in order to reduce the children’s fears of healthcare. This means that when children inevitably encounter a healthcare professional, they are less frightened, and have a more positive interaction with those who work in the health care sector.  

I believe this is really important, as it means that they will create a better rapport with their healthcare professional, therefore allowing more trust, with the knowledge that the staff are there to help and not hurt them.  

What makes this society unique? 

This society is unique as we allow not just medics, but student who have an interest in health from any course to teach in the local primary schools, granted safeguarding information is completed.  

It allows us to use our knowledge on health and wellbeing for good and help to enrich the local community. We also learn a lot from the community in turn, and this helps us as individuals and as a society.  

Why do you think a society like this is important for students at Queen’s? 

I think this is important for Queen's students as it helps create a community of like-minded people. People who want to teach to improve the experiences of healthcare and children, who care for the future generations.  

I also feel that it helps you develop interpersonal skills – teamwork, collaboration, and communication/presentation skills. Presenting the context helps with transferable skills like confidence, ability to explain things clearly and time management.  

What do you think draws students to your society? 

I think the experience of working with younger children, and teaching through play! The society is unique in the fact we are involved with local schools, so I think it encourages people to get involved and try something new.  

What kind of events or activities does your society organise? Do you have any traditions? 

We run visits to local primary schools every Wednesday afternoon! We have a brilliant committee who organise both schools and volunteers for these. We bring our Build-a-Bear teddies and other equipment like stethoscopes, to the schools to aid the playing after the presentation. The children are encouraged to bring their teddies in, and they ‘treat’ their teddies using bandages etc!  

Last year we also entered a relay team of Teddy Bear Hospital volunteers into the Belfast marathon. We raised over £1000 to give to the Children’s Cancer Unit, which is based here in Belfast, and supports children and their families who have unfortunately been affected by childhood cancer.  

How does the society stay connected outside of events? Are there online groups, newsletters, group chats, regular meetings?   

We have a very active Instagram page, which posts photos of the volunteers from visits, and allows members to see when more visits occur. I also email the volunteers with new dates, and we also have a WhatsApp group for all volunteers for announcements.  

How do you come up with new ideas for events, and how do you make them engaging for members?  

Again, as previously mentioned, I am so fortunate to have the support of an amazing, creative committee, along with the year reps. We have regular meetings about the society, and have our own committee chat, where ideas are discussed.  

We also have a feedback form, once volunteers complete a visit. This allows us to improve the session for not just our volunteers, but for the children we teach.  

What’s one of your favourite memories with the society?  

I really enjoyed running the relay marathon! The charity kindly donates tops to us to wear on the day, and it was a really great way to raise money for an amazing cause. Apart from that, the school visits! They are a lot of fun and an enjoyable way to spend a Wednesday afternoon.  

How has being a member (or leader) in this society shaped your time at Queen’s?  

Being both a member and leader has really shaped my time at Queen’s and has had such an impact on my medical degree. I have recently started my paediatric rotation, and I find that the skills learnt in school visits have been very beneficial when interacting with children.  

Being president of the society during my busiest year of university yet has made me more organised and has helped me with my time management. I also have developed better teamwork and leadership skills.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining your society?   

Get involved! We are a very welcoming society, and love to see new faces at visits! We provide training ahead of the school visits of what to expect, so you’ll have everything you need to know before you go. It’s a brilliant way to make new friends and meet with like minded people.  

Who is the society open to? Are there any requirements to join?  

The society is open to all Queen's students.  

What’s the best way for students interested in the society to get involved or find out more?   

They can message our Instagram page @teddybearhospital_qub, or email us using the email teddybearhospital@qub.ac.uk where someone in the committee will get back to you.  

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about the society?  

We are always open to new ideas and ways to improve the society! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, please get in touch using the above email address.  

We also are a voluntary society, and because of this, we ask that if schools are able, to donate to the Children’s Cancer Unit, on our behalf for the visits.  

Find out more

Teddy Bear Hospital Society

Society Instagram page

Clubs and Societies at Queen's

A Guide to Medical Student Societies at Queen’s

Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.