As a Companion Volunteer, you'll provide one-on-one companionship and support to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families across the UK. Your dedication will enrich lives, offer you a profound sense of fulfilment and professional growth
Your role will be based around care homes in your local community, and may include some of but is not restricted to, the following typical tasks:
• Meet with Care Home Managers and their staff to introduce the Companion Service and how we can support their residents.
• Arrange orientation sessions for volunteers in the care home they will be working in.
• Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Companion Service.
• Be a point of contact for volunteers as needed.
• Keep up to date with Companion Service guidance and best practise.
• Liaising with managers of care homes already receiving our support.
• Collecting feedback from care home managers and passing this to the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
• Promote the Companion volunteer role in the local area, including (with training and approval) media activity.
• Helping with the recruitment of new volunteers including interviews and selection.
• Keeping accurate records.
• Liaising regularly with the Volunteer Services Coordinator and other team members.
• Reporting concerns and celebrating compliments and successes.
• Assisting with evaluations and the development of the Companion Service in Care Homes.
• Help with other related tasks when necessary.
You have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Providing companionship and support in care homes can deeply impact residents' well-being, making your contributions highly meaningful.
- Personal Growth and Skill Development
- Support and Training
- Flexibility and Commitment - role offers flexibility in how you manage your time and tasks
- Inclusive and Respectful Environment
- Recognition and Appreciation
WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY.
- An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
- An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
- Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
It's an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
What You’ll Gain:
- Develop and refine your abilities in a charitable setting.
- Receive comprehensive induction, training and support.
- Connect with professionals and volunteers across the charity and healthcare sectors.
- Experience the profound satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives during a crucial time.
- Good organisational skills.
- Commitment, reliability and a willingness to be flexible within the boundaries of the role.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, public speaking skills and listening skills.
- IT skills and internet access (a Marie Curie email address will be provided for you)
- A friendly and sensitive approach with strong skills around rapport building and empathy.
- Confidentiality and a respect for an individual’s privacy, dignity and independence.
- Self- awareness, emotional stability and a mature perspective on life and death.
- A confident approach to collecting personal information and assessing individual circumstances.
- Respect for individuals regardless of their disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.
WHAT WE ASK OF YOU.
- To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
- To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
- To complete an induction and any training related to the role
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