Wellbeing Group Support Volunteer

Your role will be to support and facilitate group work, providing emotional and practical support for carers and patients who are eligible to access support services from Farleigh Hospice 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

*         A good listener and non-judgemental.

*         Good verbal communication skills.

*         Passionate about supporting people affected by a life-limiting diagnosis.

*         Patient, reliable and understanding

*         Friendly and empathetic

*         Keen to help others in the community

*         Understanding and appropriate application of confidentiality and boundaries

*         Ability to deal with different people and situations sensitively and appropriately, remaining calm and polite at all times

*        Awareness of own response to death, dying and bereavement 

KEY TASKS

Tasks may include (not exclusively)

*         Provide level 1 emotional support (NICE guidance) to carers and patients attending Wellbeing groups, in all hospice settings and the community

*         Assist in the facilitation of Family Support Service groups and drop in groups

*         Attend supervision (in a small group) with a member of the Family Support Service on a regular basis.

*         Attend annual review sessions with a member of the Family Support Service

*         Attend In-Service training sessions (organised by the Family Support Service) 2 days per year

*         Maintain regular contact with the team and keep them up to date with availability.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Telephone the Family Support Service or Locality Navigators if unable to fulfil your commitment as soon as possible. 

• Adhere to data protection policies and procedures and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

• Wear your name badge at all times

• Complete the volunteer mandatory competency workbook within the first year of appointment.

• Participate in mandatory and role specific training and evaluation. Attend any additional courses that may be relevant/required.

• Attend Farleigh volunteer meetings and social sessions whenever possible.

• Familiarise yourself and comply with the Health and Safety policy, COSHH Guidelines, Fire procedure, Equal Opportunities, Lone Worker and Disciplinary and Grievance procedure and policies, where appropriate.

• Ability to show empathy and compassion and work to Farleigh Hospice values (caring, respectful, dedicated and innovative).  

• Awareness of own emotional needs when working with people in emotional distress 

• Physical ability to fulfil the requirements of the role including safe moving and handling

What can volunteering do for you?

• You’ll be able to use your kindness, skills and experience to help people in the local community who may be ill, bereaved, lonely or isolated in order to provide them with support and make a positive impact on their life

• You’ll gain new skills and experience

• You’ll meet other like-minded volunteers

• You’ll be part of a friendly and welcoming team and will receive support and guidance from our dedicated Volunteer & Administration team at Farleigh

What happens now? 

1. Simply fill in our volunteer application form, telling us of your skills and experience and why you would like to volunteer with the walking support group.

2. Once we have processed your application (this could take up to two weeks from the closing date) we will be in touch to confirm if your skills and experience match the requirements of the role and service.  We’ll then invite you to attend an interview, either in person or over Microsoft Teams to discuss the role and application.

3. Following your interview, we will send out your reference requests and will get you started on completing a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service). You will be required to verify your ID in person at our head office in North Court Road, Chelmsford in advance of commencing the role.

4. After checks are completed and you are happy to get started, we will invite you to attend a walking support group session.

5. From commencing your role, you will have regular support/supervision sessions with a member of staff as well as further training as and when required

Thank you for contributing to the valuable work at Farleigh Hospice. Please contact Volunteer Services onvolunteer@farleighhospice.orgor call us on 01245 933735 if you require any further information.