Why we want you 1 in 5 people in the UK say they are lonely. Volunteers like you help people to gain confidence so that they can reconnect with their local community. What you will be doing Give companionship to people in their home or in the community. Help people to build confidence and self-esteem. Support people with everyday tasks such as shopping or doctor appointments. Help people to use local community services and social groups. Keep records of tasks. What's in it for you Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team. A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones. All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training). Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training. An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives.

Why we want you 1 in 5 people in the UK say they are lonely. Volunteers like you help people to gain confidence so that they can reconnect with their local community. What you will be doing Give companionship to people in their home or in the community. Help people to build confidence and self-esteem. Support people with everyday tasks such as shopping or doctor appointments. Help people to use local community services and social groups. Keep records of tasks. What's in it for you Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team. A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones. All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training). Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training. An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service. Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks: Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community. Provide one-to-one companionship and support. For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement. This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested (This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice) Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact the Volunteering Operations Team at volunteering@mariecurie.org.uk ABOUT US Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one. Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland supports groups across Scotland to meet the needs of people living with chest and heart conditions and following a stroke. Peer support groups give people the chance to share experiences with others who understand what they are going through. Peer support groups have various reasons for coming together. It may be to meet socially, take part in physical activity or learn how to live well with their condition. Each group is unique and tailored to the needs of its local community. Everyone involved with the group will have a say in how the group is run. Tasks may include setting up and clearing the room; organising refreshments; taking the register, and collecting subs; meeting, and greeting new members; organising, and taking part in the programme of activities; supporting, and taking part in fundraising (e.g., raffles); promoting the group; and working to the group’s health & safety and other procedures.