Companion Volunteer - Dumfries & Galloway

Marie Curie
VO100785

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 YOU WILL DO
This list is not exhaustive, but all tasks will be within the boundaries of the role of Community Companion

Provide one-to-one companionship through active listening, conversation, activities, or hobbies.
Support patients nearing the end of life and their loved ones.
Give family and carers a break by spending time with their loved one.
Signpost to relevant services and resources.
Help evaluate the service by writing brief visit reports.
Keep staff updated on significant changes or events regarding the patient.
Attend scheduled support and development sessions.
Conduct planned visits in various settings, such as a home, ward, care home or within the community.
Assist with practical tasks like making tea, finding out information, or taking short trips.
Represent the service positively to all users.

WHAT WE OFFER
Opportunities to build or develop skills in a charity environment with induction, training, and ongoing support.
Connection with staff, volunteers, patients, and families.
Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, including mileage, per Marie Curie policy.
The chance to be part of a team making a meaningful impact on end-of-life care.

Experience required

SKILLS & QUALITIES
Friendly and sensitive
Patient, empathetic, self-aware, and emotionally stable
Strong listening and rapport-building skills
Reliable and committed to appointments
Respectful of confidentiality and boundaries
Flexible to individual needs
Mature perspective on life and death
Open to learning and participating in training
Respectful of diversity in all forms

Travel details

When matching you with someone, we will consider your ability to travel and the distance from your home. You can choose to use your own vehicle or public transport.

Travel expenses

Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed, including travel at 45p per mile for personal vehicle use or public transport costs with receipts. Reimbursements are paid monthly directly to the volunteer.

I want to volunteer

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About
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Support

Training details

Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers wishing to apply. We provide one full day training and induction session that covers all of the information relevant to the role.