Companion Service Volunteer

Marie Curie Companion Service
VO102774

We're looking for volunteers to join our Companion Service and support someone in their community affected by a terminal illness. We know that living with terminal illness or caring for a loved one who is dying can be an isolating experience, and our Companion service provides weekly support so that patients and those close to them can continue to do what matters most to them.
Join Marie Curie as a Companion Volunteer

Join us in providing invaluable support to individuals and families during challenging times. Your time and compassion can make a significant impact.

If you are a compassionate and sociable person and can spare three hours a week, then you could join us and help make someone's day better. You might be meeting someone for a chat, helping a carer have a few hours off, or taking someone to a place they love. Whatever you are doing, you will be the friendly face that someone looks forward to seeing every week. You don't need to have previous experience to join as we will provide you with full training. You will also have access to regular peer support and supervision sessions with our friendly team.

If you're looking for a role where you can have a real impact in your community,y then this could be the opportunity for you.

Role Overview:

As a Companion Volunteer, you will:

-Offer Emotional Support: Provide a listening ear and companionship to individuals living with terminal illnesses, either over the phone, at home, or in hospital settings.?

-Assist with Practical Tasks: Help with everyday activities such as attending appointments, running errands, or participating in hobbies and social events.?

-Provide Respite for Carers: Allow family members and caregivers to take a short break by spending time with their loved ones.?

Time Commitment:
Volunteers typically dedicate up to three hours per week, with a minimum commitment of 18 months. Volunteering can occur between 9 am and 9 pm any day of the week.?

Training and Support:
Marie Curie provides comprehensive training to equip you with the skills needed for this role. Ongoing support is available to ensure you feel confident and valued in your volunteering journey.?

Who Can Volunteer:
We welcome individuals over the age of 18 who are empathetic, reliable, and possess good communication skills. A background in healthcare is not required.?

How to Apply:
If you are interested please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder for your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on info@volunteerglasgow.org.

To learn more and apply, please visit our Companion Service page at https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/services/companion. Here, you can find detailed information about the role and submit your application.?

Experience required

Our ideal volunteer will be warm, empathetic and compassionate, and able to deal with the needs of the people we support sensitively. Ideally you will have good basic office skills as we will require you to submit a weekly visit report by email. Open mindedness and a sense of humour will be desirable. The most important quality will be good conversational skills and the ability to build rapport with our clients.

Empathy and compassion

Active listening

Good communication skills

Reliab

Travel details

This role is community-based based covering the whole of greater Glasgow.
?As a Marie Curie Companion Volunteer, you may be required to travel within your local community to visit individuals in their homes, care facilities, or hospitals. Marie Curie recognizes that such travel can incur expenses and typically offers reimbursement for reasonable travel costs associated with your volunteering duties. This ensures that volunteers are not out-of-pocket when providing invaluable support to those in need.?

Key Points Regarding Travel for Companion Volunteers:

Travel Reimbursement: Marie Curie generally reimburses volunteers for travel expenses incurred during their volunteering activities. This may include costs for public transportation or mileage if using a personal vehicle. Specific details, such as reimbursement rates and procedures, can vary by location.?

Local Assignments: Efforts are made to match volunteers with assignments close to their homes to minimize travel time and expenses. However, some travel within the community is often necessary.?

Insurance Considerations: If you plan to use your personal vehicle for volunteer duties, it's important to inform your insurance provider to ensure appropriate coverage. Marie Curie may require confirmation that your insurance policy covers such use.

Travel expenses

Expenses can be claimed for travel costs, including mileage in your own vehicle as well as for other agreed activities. These will be reimbursed monthly by bank transfer.
Marie Curie is committed to ensuring that volunteers do not incur personal costs while contributing their valuable time. As a Companion Volunteer, you are entitled to reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses, including:?

-Travel Expenses: Costs associated with traveling to and from your volunteering activities are reimbursable. This includes public transportation fares or mileage if you use your personal vehicle. ?

-Meal Allowance: If you volunteer for more than four continuous hours over a mealtime, you can claim up to £3.50 for lunch, subject to manager approval. ?
Marie Curie
To claim these expenses, you'll need to complete the Volunteer Expenses Claim Form, detailing the amounts and purposes of the expenditures. While Marie Curie covers travel and meal costs, please note that childcare expenses are not reimbursed.

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