On-Shift Care

Our new shift adjustment process ensures that disabled volunteers can volunteer with us by receiving the support they need.

Due to the growing number of volunteers we take to each festival and the nature of our roles—which require standing for long periods and working overnight—there are some limits to the adjustments we can offer. This is because we have a contractual obligation with the festival to carry out the roles they have asked us to cover. This includes 24/7 support, and a large number of roles that must be carried out while standing (or in a wheelchair).

Unfortunately, this means we are unable to provide ‘Shift Adjustments’ for health conditions and temporary illnesses or injuries that do not meet the criteria for a disability.

We do however, provide on shift care. Before applying, please read the info below about the support we can offer on shift and consider whether you will be able to carry out a role at the festival(s) you have signed up to, including standing and overnight roles.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we want every volunteer to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. As part of our commitment to you, we strive to ensure that all volunteers receive the support they need while on shift.

We encourage open and honest communication with your supervisor—if you have any concerns or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to speak with them. They will open a dialogue with you at the start of your shift. They’re there to help ensure you have the best possible experience while volunteering.

While on shift, all volunteers can:

• Move around as needed
• Use the toilet
• Get a drink
• Have snacks
• Take short breaks
• Sit occasionally

As long as your position is covered by another steward.

Additionally, every volunteer is entitled to a longer 30-minute break at a time agreed with their supervisor.

To further enhance on-shift support, our supervisors will receive additional training to ensure they can effectively assist volunteers and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.

We recognise that some volunteers may need to sit occasionally, even if they do not qualify for a Nimbus access card. For reasons including but not limited to:

• Chronic pain (e.g., arthritis, back pain)
• Joint issues (e.g., hypermobility, knee/hip problems)
• Fatigue-related conditions (e.g., Long COVID, anemia)
• Circulatory issues (e.g. low blood pressure, poor circulation)
• Neurological conditions (e.g. migraines)
• Diabetes (managing blood sugar, preventing fatigue or dizziness)
• Heart conditions

If you require seated adjustments for longer than a few minutes every hour, you will need to apply through our shift adjustment process by providing a Nimbus card number.

We understand that some volunteers may need to take short breaks during their shift. This could be for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• Taking medication
• Moving out of the sun or into a warmer/cooler area
• Eating a snack (e.g., for diabetes or low blood sugar)
• Using an inhaler or other medical device
• Stretching or resting (for chronic pain, joint issues, or fatigue)
• Managing mental health (e.g., anxiety, sensory overload)
• Staying hydrated (especially for conditions requiring increased fluid intake)
• Using assistive technology (e.g., checking blood glucose, adjusting hearing aids or mobility aids)

If you need to take a short break, please let your supervisor know so they can support you while ensuring your role remains covered.

If you have a medical condition that may affect you while on shift—such as a pain flare-up, panic attack, or blood sugar crash—we encourage you to inform your supervisor. This will help them understand your needs and respond appropriately should you require support.

If you do experience a medical issue while on shift, rest assured that we will support you in the same way as we would for any volunteer who becomes unwell, ensuring you receive the care and assistance you need.

If your needs aren’t fully covered by on-shift care and you don’t qualify for a Nimbus Access Card, we want to ensure you have all the information needed to make the best decision for you.

We encourage you to visit our other webpages, where you’ll find details about our volunteering roles and key information about each festival, including terrain and walking distances.

These resources can help you assess whether festival volunteering is the right fit for you and which festivals may be better suited to your needs.

Please keep in mind that festival environments can be physically demanding, with varied terrain, and limited facilities in some areas – which is unfortunately, beyond our control.