Companion Volunteer - Durham
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Marie Curie Companion Service is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.
Companion volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. These sessions can take place both in person and over the phone.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING.
Your role will include some of, but not be restricted to, the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, e.g. family home, a care home or in the community.
- Provide one-to-one companionship and support. For example:
- Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting.
- Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out.
- Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet.
- Allowing carers to have a short break.
- You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or
during bereavement. This may involve offering emotional
support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out
information as requested
(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion
volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)
- Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone
- Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required
- Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
- Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required
- Represent the Marie Curie Helper service positively to those using the service
THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED.
- Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for about 3 hours a week
- Patience, empathy and emotional stability
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Respect for an individual’s privacy, dignity and independence
- Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
- Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role
- A friendly and sensitive approach with strong skills around building rapport and empathy
- Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others
- Respect for individuals, regardless of their disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment
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
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
- Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested
Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.
ABOUT US
Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left.
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
Size: More than 1000
We want a better end of life for all. Over the next five years and beyond, our mission is to close the gap in end of life care.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
