Volunteering and Recruitment

We need Community Support Volunteers to visit and offer companionship to patients living with life limiting conditions as well as carers and bereaved carers

Click the following link to learn more about this brilliant role:

Community Support Volunteer Film

 

 

Location: Our patients are located throughout East Sussex within our catchment area. Where possible we match volunteers with patients in a location convenient to them.   

Time Commitment: Flexible, there are no set hours or time limit with this role

Tasks include:

• Work closely with Community Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to understand the needs of the patient/carer being referred and decide if this is a good fit for you
• Attend an initial visit to the patient / carers home on a day and time that suits all parties accompanied by a member of the Community Volunteering team.
• Where appropriate, engage in activities such as life story work, reminiscence, painting, reading, playing games etc, that contribute towards reducing loneliness and social isolation of patients / carers
• Be mindful that you are in an environment where there may be contact with family members and close friends of patients/ carers
• Remain in contact with the hospice and keep us informed of how things are going and any issues or concerns
• Adhere to most recent Infection Prevention Control guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself, patient/carer at all times
• Engage with and support other volunteers in this role by sharing your experience and offering a listening ear

 

Tasks do not include:

• Hosting patients/carers/bereaved carers in your own home
• Delivering personal care or assisting with personal matters, such as legal appointments

 

Training and support:

• Community Support Volunteer Training (in person) prior to starting the role which takes place in the hospice every two to three months
• Organisational induction training including a Welcome Day at the hospice
• Ongoing support from Volunteer Manager and the Volunteer Engagement Team

 

Health and Safety Considerations in this Role:

• You will be made aware of key areas highlighted in the patient/carers home risk assessment
• You will be trained on how to conduct first visits
• You will be given information on individual capability of patient/carer if known
• Awareness of the emotional impact of supporting individuals and a willingness to inform your point of contact should you need support, you will have access to staff and peer support to reduce emotional impact of the role

 

Lone working consideration:

• This role requires you to work independently. Ensure that you are familiar with the requirement to inform someone of your visit and adhering to the lone working guidelines within our CSV handbook.

 

Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced with Adult Barring

This post involves working in Regulated Activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is subject to an enhanced DBS with Adult Barred list check.

It is a criminal offence to apply for or accept a position working with adults at risk and/or children if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity with the relevant group (ie adults, children or both).