Volunteer Scotland

Find opportunities

Companion Lead Volunteer - Care Homes - Glasgow

  • VO100816

Description

The Marie Curie Companion Service 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.

We’re expanding our service to provide support directly to care homes, providing their residents with regular visits and company so that they can live well and take part in the things they enjoy. In order to expand our service to reach more care homes we will need help to:

Raise awareness and knowledge of the Companion Service.
Ensure that care home managers have a good understanding of the service, what we can do to support their residents, and a point of contact.
Increase our number of trained Companion Volunteers and ensure that they are supported in their role.
Demonstrate Marie Curie Values; Always Compassionate, Making Things Happen, Leading in Our Field, and People at Our Heart.
Support Volunteers in training, offering 1:1 support and facilitating peer support groups.
Organise social events and engagement activities for volunteers.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING.
Your role will be based around care homes in your local community, and may include some of but is not restricted to, the following typical tasks:

Meet with Care Home Managers and their staff to introduce the Companion Service and how we can support their residents.
Arrange orientation sessions for volunteers in the care home they will be working in.
Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Companion Service.
Be a point of contact for volunteers as needed.
Keep up to date with Companion Service guidance and best practice.
Liaising with managers of care homes already receiving our support.
Collecting feedback from care home managers and passing this to the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Promote the Companion volunteer role in the local area, including (with training and approval) media activity.
Helping with the recruitment of new volunteers including interviews and selection.
Keeping accurate records.
Liaising regularly with the Volunteer Services Coordinator and other team members.
Reporting concerns and celebrating compliments and successes.
Assisting with evaluations and the development of the Companion Service in Care Homes.
Help with other related tasks when necessary.

THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED.
Good organisational skills.
Commitment, reliability and a willingness to be flexible within the boundaries of the role.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, public speaking skills and listening skills.
IT skills and internet access (a Marie Curie email address will be provided for you)
A friendly and sensitive approach with strong skills around rapport building and empathy.
Confidentiality and a respect for an individual’s privacy, dignity and independence.
Self- awareness, emotional stability and a mature perspective on life and death.
A confident approach to collecting personal information and assessing individual circumstances.
Respect for individuals regardless of their disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY.
An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU.
To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
To complete an induction and any training related to the role
Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact the Volunteer Operations Centre on volunteering@mariecurie.org.uk

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.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Restrictions

Experience required: What skills or experience do you need? A friendly and sensitive nature – a good listener Patience, empathy, self-awareness and emotional stability Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments An understanding of the importance of confidentiality Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual Mature perspective on life and death Willingness to learn, participate in training and operate within the boundaries of the role Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status
Travel details: Access to own vehicle desired but not compulsory
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes

Report this opportunity
Find out more about Marie Curie
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite
Similar opportunities

Companion Volunteer - Dumfries & Galloway

Why we need your help The Community of Dumfries and Galloway - Marie Curie, health professionals, patients and families - together have identified a need to offer a service to support patients and their families at the end of life. Volunteers spending time with patients alone or with their families and friends, providing emotional support, a listening ear, short breaks for friends and family, help with signposting for information and support, and to simply be there for people at this very difficult time makes a huge impact and will help us to ensure a better end of life for all. What we need you to do As a volunteer these are some of the tasks that you may be asked to carry out in your role, this list is not exhaustive, but all tasks will be withing the boundaries of the role of Community Companion Providing one-to-one companionship and support. E.g., offering a listening ear, engaging in everyday conversation, doing activities or hobbies together. Spending time with patients who have been identified as nearing the end of their life and providing support for them and their loved ones. Allow family, friends or carers to have a short break while you spend time with their loved one. Signpost families, friends and carers to other services, as appropriate Support us with the evaluation of the service, including writing a brief report on each visit Keep staff informed of any changes or significant happenings in connection with the patient, either in person or by telephone Attend individual support sessions, group support and development sessions as required Carry out planned visits as agreed with you as a volunteer. These could be in a variety of settings, for example, on a ward, in a family’s home, in a care home or taking a patient out for a short break in the community Driving a patient to pre-arranged medical appointments or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet and signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested. Represent the Companions service positively to those using the service N.B This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companions do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice What skills or experience do you need? A friendly and sensitive nature – a good listener Patience, empathy, self-awareness and emotional stability Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments An understanding of the importance of confidentiality Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual Mature perspective on life and death Willingness to learn, participate in training and operate within the boundaries of the role Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status What we can offer you An excellent opportunity to build on your existing skills or gain new skills in a charity environment through induction, training and ongoing support. Meet and engage with new people – staff, volunteer’s, patients and families Paid out-of-pocket expenses in line with the Marie Curie Policy - including mileage etc An opportunity to be part of a dynamic team at Marie Curie who make a real difference to people at the end of life. What we ask of you To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role – this role will require a disclosure check To provide the details of one or more lone worker Buddies in line with our lone working procedure and to keep to all Marie Curie policies and guidelines To complete an induction, training and participate in support opportunities related to your role To ensure you make us aware of any issues or concerns you may have in your volunteering role as soon as you can. To make us aware of any changes in your personal circumstances that may impact you and your ability to carry out your volunteer role. Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users. 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. W
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite

Companion Lead Volunteer - Glasgow

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. To enable us to reach more people who would benefit from our support we need help to; Raise awareness and knowledge of the Companion service Ensure that people who are referred to the Companion service are appropriately assessed Increase our number of trained Companion volunteers and ensure they are well supported in their role. Demonstrate Marie Curie values; always compassionate, making things happen, leading in our field, people at our heart Support volunteers in training, offering 1:1 support and facilitating peer support groups Organise social events and engagement activities for volunteers Provide cover for Companion volunteers, offering companionship and emotional support, practical support and short breaks for carers With support from their Volunteer Coordinator a Lead Volunteer will play an important part in supporting the Companion service to reach more people within their own local community. Your role will mainly be based in your local community and may include some of, but is not restricted to, the following typical tasks: Assess terminally ill people and/or their carers either in their own home, nursing or residential care to identify their needs and determine if the Marie Curie Companion service would be appropriate for them. Provide cover for Companion volunteers, offering companionship and emotional support, practical support and short breaks for carers. 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 Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice) Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Companion service. Provide cover as a lone worker Buddy to support Companion volunteers, as needed Keeping up to date with Companion service guidance and best practice Liaising with existing and potential referrers to the Companion service Liaising with clients and their families via telephone Promoting the Companion volunteer role including (with training/approval) media activity Helping with the recruitment of new volunteers, including interviews and selection Keeping accurate records Liaising regularly with the Volunteer Coordinator and other team members Reporting concerns and celebrating compliments and successes Assisting with evaluations and development of the Companion service Help with other related tasks when necessary 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.
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite

Companion Volunteer - Scotland South and East

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.
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite

Companion Volunteer - Grampian

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.
Find out more
Volunteer I want to volunteer
Favourite