Description
You will carry out meaningful activities one-to-one with patients such as painting, playing board games, listening to music, looking through old photographs to reminisce, doing quizzes and crossword puzzles or completing a storybook of the patient’s life. You will also help facilitate group activities with patients during special events like afternoon teas or parties. Where trained, you may also have opportunities to take patients outside for walks and assist with feeding at mealtimes.
Organisation aims and objectives
NHS Lothian Substance Misuse Directorate: The Substance Misuse Directorate provides treatment and support for adults who have drug and/or alcohol problems. There are a variety of services which provide variety of care ranging from Harm Reduction, detoxification treatment and rehabilitation. The bases are at Spittal Street Centre, Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Astley Ainslie Hospital.
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2-3 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months, but we would love you to stay longer. We have volunteers at NHS Lothian who have been volunteering for decades and are still making a difference.
Restrictions
Experience required: We are looking for volunteers who are kind, compassionate, and empathetic. You must also have strong verbal communications skills and be able to connect with people easily. Being reliable and punctual is extremely important. No previous experience is required, as full training will be provided.
Travel details: Ellen's Glen House, 72 Carnbee Avenue, Edinburgh EH16 6FF. Lothian Buses run services close to the site. On-site parking for volunteers is also available.
Minimum age: 16
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Agreed out of pocket expenses which are incurred when carrying out this volunteer role will be reimbursed in line with the NHS Lothian volunteer expenses policy and signed off by the Voluntary Services Manager.
Training details: The induction training is provided over Microsoft Teams and will involve attending two sessions lasting approximately 2 hours each. The training will cover communicating with patients, boundaries for volunteering, equality & diversity, infection control, fire safety and self-care. Additional training will also be available during your time as a volunteer.
Support:
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet