Complementary Therapy

                Volunteer Role Title

Complementary Therapist Volunteer

Location

Whittington

Hours

Ideally once a week for half a day

Role Purpose

St Giles Hospice offers emotional, physical and practical support to patients and those important to them. Whether supporting pain management, offering a hand massage, or introducing new coping strategies, we recognise that sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference.

Complementary therapists support the hospice’s commitment to holistic, person-centred care by delivering gentle, compassionate, and non-intrusive therapeutic approaches. These therapies are provided with sensitivity and respect, and are tailored to each individual’s needs, preferences and condition.

St Giles’s has been supported by volunteer therapists trained in Reflexology, Massage, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Reiki and other modalities. Their work helps to enhance well-being and relaxation while reducing discomfort and pain.

Complementary Therapists are a valued part of the hospice team, contributing to creating moments of peace and connection.

What will I be doing?

• Provide safe, compassionate agreed therapy for patients, relatives and potentially staff which is tailored to each individual’s diagnosis, current condition, symptoms, needs and comfort levels.
• Carry out basic consultations and be able to adapt treatments where necessary.
• Record accurate clinical records on a database in line with hospice procedures.
• Listen and support the patient or relative and be prepared to offer holistic support alongside the complementary therapy treatment.
• Work in accordance with hospice policies and professional standards.
• Attend supervision and volunteer meetings as required.
• Report concerns to clinical staff.
• Liaise with and support the Complementary Therapist Lead when required.
• Uphold confidentiality, dignity and safeguarding standards at all times.
• Complete hospice induction and mandatory training, and demonstrate competence by delivering a treatment under observation before commencing the volunteer role.  

What’s in it for me?

• The chance to use your skills and gain experience in a meaningful way.
• To make a difference to patients, carers, and families at a vulnerable time.
• Full hospice induction.
• Learn new skills and gain experience strengthening your CV and adding to your CPD.
• Reference provided after a period of commitment.
• Opportunity to network, meet new people and be part of a caring, multidisciplinary team.
• Support within your role.
• The change to skill swop with other therapists.
• Travel expenses reimbursed.
• A sense of purpose, fulfilment and contribution. 

What do I need? 

• Recognised qualification in chosen discipline - Level 3+.
• Experience of providing complementary therapy in a health or professional environment.
• Registration with a relevant professional body.
• Good and effective communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to work sensitively with people affected by illness, pain, bereavement or emotional distress.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and manage own schedule and client bookings.
• Comfortable using a PC to record clinical notes following sessions.
• Good organisational skills and time management.
• Demonstrate emotional resilience, empathy and patience.

•     A creative, resourceful and reflective approach to practice.
•     Undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

What to do if I’m interested

Download and complete an application form from our website https://www.stgileshospice.com/support-us/volunteer/

email volunteering@stgileshospice.co.uk

For more information or an informal chat, call 01543 432031 and speak to someone about how volunteering would work for you.