Supportive Listening Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers who have excellent listening skills to provide support to people who are bereaved.
What will I be doing?
As a supportive listening volunteer you will offer one-to-one supportive listening sessions to people who are bereaved. You will offer a space for a bereaved person to share and explore their thoughts, feelings and emotions around their grief and bereavement.
What skills and experience will I need?
- Excellent listening skills
- Able to follow guidance and be aware of the boundaries of the role
- Good communication skills
- Timekeeping skills
- Show patience, non-judgement and emotional resillience
- Empathy and openness to understanding individuals needs
- Good understanding of confidentiality and data protection
- Able to work as a wider team
- Awareness of procedures for safeguarding adults
Training will be provided to help develop some of the skills you need mentioned above.
What training will I receive?
As a Supportive listener you will be expected to attend a 3 day training course, which will give you skills and understanding required for the role. You will then receive ongoing training to support you within your role, giving you tools and resources to support you in your one to one sessions. Once you have completed your training, you will then be paired with someone needing the bereavement support. You will be expected to continue to attend training throughout your time as a supportive listening volunteer.
How often will I be volunteering?
The role takes place at the Hospice in one of our bereavement rooms and you would be expected to volunteer for at least 1 hour per week once you have been paired with someone. You will work with the Bereavement team to determine the days that you are able to volunteer.
What Support will I get?
You will receive ongoing training to support you in your role. You will also receive ongoing support from the Bereavement Support Coordinators and have annual individual supervision. You will also be able to attend monthly group supervision as well with other supportive listening volunteers.
Why should I volunteer for The Mary Stevens Hospice?
Becoming a Supportive Listener is a fulfilling and impactful opportunity. You will play a crucial role in supporting our mission to provide essential care, compassion and kindness to individuals and families living with life-limiting illnesses. By dedicating your time and skills you will be supporting people through their bereavement journeys.
Other benefits of Volunteering?
Not only will you be part of the wonderful supportive listener volunteer team, you will also become a valued member of the wider Hospice volunteers. You will have the opportunity to join in with socials, celebration events, come along to drop - in sessions to ask questions, share feedback about your volunteering experience, gain long service awards and make meaningful connections along the way.
Other things to note:
We are committed to the wellbeing of our volunteers. If you have recently experienced a bereavement, we kindly ask you to wait two years before volunteering with us within this role. Whilst we appreciate that everyone's bereavement journey is individual, we have a duty of care to both our volunteers and our service users, therefore, we are unable to progress any application that falls into this category at this time.
Due to the nature of this role and the hospice environment, please note that we can only accept applications for this role if you are 18 years or older. Thank you for your understanding.
You will be required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
To become a Supportive Listening Volunteer please complete the volunteer application form on the right hand side under 'I would like to volunteer.'
If you have any questions about the role or need a different format to complete the application form, please email volunteer@marystevenshospice.co.uk or call 01384 443 010 and ask to speak to the volunteer team.
