Volunteer Companion - Glenrothes, Fife

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Job Description

Spending time with patients alone or with their families and friends, we're looking for volunteers to provide emotional support, a listening ear, short breaks for friends and family, help with signposting for information and support, and to simply be there for people at a difficult time.

What we need you to do
In the first phase of the project your role will include some of, but not be restricted to, the following tasks:

• Spend time listening and talking with patients, family, friends and carers
• Allow family, friends or carers to have a short break while you spend time with their loved one.
• Signpost families, friends and carers to other services, as appropriate
• Support us with the evaluation of the service, including writing a brief report on each visit
• Keep staff informed of any changes or significant happenings in connection with the patient, either in person or by telephone
• Attend individual support sessions, group support and development sessions as required
• Represent the Companions service positively to those using the service

As the project progresses, and if you wish to support patients in the community, your role may involve the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visit as agreed. This could be in a variety of settings, for example, on a ward, in a family's home, in a care home or taking a patient out for a short break in the community
• Providing one-to-one companionship and support in line with agreed boundaries and procedures. E.g. offering a listening ear, engaging in every day conversation, doing activities or hobbies together.
• Driving a patient to pre-arranged medical appointments or taking short trips out.
• Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet and signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested.

N.B This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companions do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice

What skills or experience do you need?

• A friendly and sensitive - a good listener
• Patience, empathy, self-awareness and emotional stability
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others
• Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for 3 hours (approx.) a week
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
• Mature perspective on life and death
• Willingness to learn and operate within the boundaries of the role
• Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status

What we can offer you

• 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
• An opportunity to be part of an innovative project that will make a real difference to people

What we ask of you

• Provide two references from non-family members and relevant documents related to the role
• A disclosure check
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role
• To operate within policies and guidelines, particularly regarding confidentiality.

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.

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact recruitment@mariecurie.org.uk

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.