Keep in Touch (KIT) Volunteer

About this role

What will I need to do?

At Rainbows, we support around 750 babies, children and young people with serious and terminal conditions throughout the East Midlands, providing support at our Hospice, in local hospitals and at home. As part of this, our Family Support Team work with families to navigate through the emotions of caring for a child who has a life-limiting condition.

As these families can be based all across the region, Keep in Touch Volunteers play a vital role in connecting families with the Hospice. Volunteers do this by making an outreach telephone call to a family; checking-in with them and signposting them to any wider support which may be needed, as well as any support or services which Rainbows may be able to provide.

Typical tasks the role could involve:

• Making outreach telephone calls to Rainbows families.
• Checking on a family’s welfare and alerting them to available support if needed.
• Relaying any concerns to the Family Support Team
• Regularly submitting an activity log summarising their calls so we can make sure everyone is receiving the help they need.

Will it suit me?

This profoundly rewarding volunteer role is ideal if you love engaging with people and are passionate about directly supporting Rainbows families across the East Midlands. This role is ideal for someone with excellent interpersonal and listening skills who can think on their feet. Given the nature of our work, empathy and sensitivity towards the needs of children, young people, and their families are crucial. You’ll be using your computer skills to record outcomes of your conversations in our database, so a basic confidence with technology is a must. Understanding the importance of confidentiality, boundaries, and safeguarding is essential within Rainbows. While previous experience in caring for others is beneficial, it is not a requirement.

What benefits and support will I receive?

• An induction and training, including a e-learning training package, to assist you in your role and comply with policies and procedures.  There will also be role specific training provided when you start.
• Staff will be available at all times to provide support, advice and guidance.
• Feel a sense of accomplishment through supporting the work of Rainbows in being there for babies, children, young people and their families across the East Midlands.
• Gain new skills or develop current skills in communication and active listening.

Time Commitment & Location

The volunteer role is located at the Hospice in Loughborough. We are looking for volunteers to commit 4 hours a week (9:30am-1:30pm although there is some flex to this) between Monday and Friday.

When you can volunteer

Requirements

• References needed
• Willing to take a DBS Check
• Age restrictions

- Standard DBS will be required (which Rainbows will process).
- 12 Month commitment due to the level of training provided.
- Must be over 18 years old.

Location

Location Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, Loughborough LE11 2HS, UK