Compassionate Neighbours Volunteer NWL

About this role

Our highly trained Compassionate Neighbours volunteers provide companionship, practical and emotional support to patients in their homes for up to four hours per week. Our volunteer visitors allow relatives and carers to leave home with peace of mind or to have time to themselves. The service is tailored to meet patients’ needs and the needs of their relative or carer. Our volunteers will adapt themselves according to how patients are feeling on the day. This service does not offer personal care.

Visits are scheduled Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm. Visits outside of these hours are considered on an individual basis. The service provided is on a short-term basis, allowing the service to be offered to a greater number of patients. New volunteers go through a selection procedure. If suitable they are invited to attend a one and a half day education and training programme.

Key Volunteer Duties:
• To visit patients in their own home for specified periods of time to offer respite for carers or company for patients who live alone
• Offer companionship, emotional support and listing ear
• Support with hobbies and interests
• Provide practical support such as making drinks and light meals
• Provide practical support with shopping, and light housework if required
• To provide minor assistance/supervision with personal care
• To provide an escort for Hospice patients attending outside appointments
• To liaise regularly with the Compassionate Communities manager and facilitator for the benefit of patients, carers and other members of the LOROS multidisciplinary team and outside agencies
• Attend regular training updates and be prepared to participate in supervision sessions

Personal Qualities to fulfil role:
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patient and their carers/relatives
• Good communicator and listener
• Team worker
• Honest and reliable
• Friendly
• Have the ability to deal with sensitive and distressing situations
• Confident to support people in their own environment and/or the community

Full training is provided and car mileage paid for visiting.

When you can volunteer

Requirements

• Access to a vehicle
• Driving license
• References needed
• Willing to take a DBS Check
• Age restrictions

18+ volunteers required
Driving license and access to a car desirable but can be worked around

Location

Location North West Leicestershire District, UK