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Community Companion- Aberdeen

  • VO99540

Description

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 Clare Scott, Volunteer Coordinator at email: Clare.Scott@mariecurie.org.uk or apply online at https://eofb.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_4001/job/3009/?utm_medium=jobshare

Organisation aims and objectives

Every day of your life matters, from the first to the last. We believe everyone living with a terminal illness should be able to get the most from the time they have left, however hard that may sometimes feel. We’ll be here for you and your family when you may feel like no-one else is, to help you cope when you don’t know how. Marie Curie Nurses care for you in your home, when you need them most, day or night. Our hospices are at the heart of communities around the UK. And our trained volunteers and advisers are here for you with practical information and support when you don’t know what to do next or just need to talk. We’ll be by your side with care and support every step of the way, bringing light in the darkest hours.

Restrictions

Travel details: Takes place across the city of Aberdeen. When matching you with someone we will take into account your ability to travel.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: We pay reasonable out of pocket expenses including travel expenses. These will be paid monthly by bank transfer.
Training details: Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. You will be provided with a one day training and induction session that covers all of the information you will need to carry out your role. We also offer additional ongoing training at various times, as well as peer support sessions.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet

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