Volunteer Befriender

Location: Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne, Wareham, Swanage

Required: Weekdays

Purpose: To provide reliable, consistent and dependable support and companionship to lonely or isolated people by committing to spend time (in person) on a regular and scheduled basis through home visits.

What makes a good volunteer befriender?

Someone who is interested in other people
Someone who is a good listener
Someone one who is reliable
Someone who could commit to volunteering Up to 2 hours each week

Key duties and responsibilities

Support patients in their own homes initially (approval required by Volunteer Manager if taking patient out of home after initial 2 months)
Provide one to one companionship and emotional support by listening, reading, talking, playing games, watching TV, letter writing, hobbies, times gone by, time together in mutually agreed outdoor space.
Provide practical help by making drinks and light snacks (food provided by patient)
Communicating promptly with the Volunteer Manager with any concerns or updates.
Send a text or email to the Volunteer Manager confirming arrival and departure for each visit
Complete all mandatory Bluestream online training before starting befriending service
To uphold Lewis-Manning Hospice Care core principles, vision, mission, values and abide by the policies and procedures as per the volunteer handbook

What you will NOT be expected to do

Personal care
Cleaning
Administering of medication
Moving, Lifting or Handling
Give advice on medical, legal, or financial affairs
Anything you feel uncomfortable with

Training and support

You will receive full training and support to help you to improve your confidence and understanding for this role. You will be required to complete mandatory training before you begin your role.

Regular reviews will take place and an opportunity given for peer support through networking events with other Lewis-Manning Hospice Care volunteers.

You will be invited to attend Volunteer Training Day’s as/when required.

There will also be the possibility of getting involved in other areas of fundraising if this is of interest, working with other members of the fundraising team or if you have your own ideas and initiatives

Pre-placement checks

X2 references upon application will be required

What volunteers can expect from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Make a difference to patients in the community
Greater awareness of services and activities in your local area
Gain knowledge, compassion and empathy for people with life limited conditions
An opportunity to be part of a team and help support the charity
To receive the appropriate induction and training
To be supported in the role, with a clear explanation of what it involves
To have adequate supervision in the role
Opportunity to meet new people and use and develop your skills

What Lewis-Manning Hospice Care expects from volunteers

To perform tasks reliably and with flexibility
To work, align with and demonstrate commitment to the values of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
To attend training and volunteer meetings when required and where possible
To accept support and supervision to enable performance of the duties
To respect and maintain confidentiality at all times

This volunteer role description may be subject to change according to the needs of the service.