Befriending Volunteer

**Role** Befriending Volunteer

**Location** Blackburn,Darwen,Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Communities.

**Responsible to**: Relevant Head of Service

(This person will be your main point of contact while

volunteering. They will provide you with the support

and supervision necessary for you to perform your role)

**Accountable to**: Relevant Head of Service

**Role requirements**: Minimum age 18 years

Two Satisfactory references

Enhanced DBS check (an enhanced DBS check will only be required for those roles which involve, regular, unsupervised contact with patients)

**Role Summary**:
Under the guidance of the head of service, you will provide a support and befriending service to empower patients, their families and those that matter to them. Depending on the needs, interests and preferences of those using the service, and in order that quality of life and independence can be promoted, you will provide a listening ear /practical support where appropriate for people in their own homes and/or other community settings,or who are inpatients on our hospice unit.The befriending service will also be available to those who have been bereaved.Alternatively you may offer support via virtual means such as Skype/Zoom or telephone.

**When we need you to be available**

**Skills, knowledge, abilities and qualities**

We are looking for individuals with a very wide range of interests, skills and abilities in order that we can best meet the needs of those using our services. This might for example include:

- The ability to really listen to people and be comfortable with silence when others need quiet time.
- Good communication skills,sensitive to the needs of others,approachable and warm with the ability to build relationships.
- Experience/awareness of working with those affecting by bereavement.
- Experience of using any sort of arts and crafts with individuals and/or groups
- Interest and ability in gardening and/or outdoor activity or walking
- An interest in film, theatre, television, reading and news stories
- An interest in world affairs, nature and the environment
- An interest in pets and other animals
- Able to engage in meaningful conversations on topics that matter to individuals
- Able to read in an interesting way to others, sing and/or play music
- Enjoyment of table games
- Ability to support with light domestic/household duties and/or provide light refreshments
- Review of this description
- Work at all times to safeguard the rights of individuals promoting their wellbeing and protecting those at risk from harm, acting on any concerns related to safeguarding children and adults at risk in line with policy and local guidance

This role description is intended as an outline of general areas of activities and will be amended in the light of changing needs of the hospice.

**What we would like you to do**

**Empower and support people to live their most fulfilling life by maybe-**
- Visiting patients in their own homes,or in the hospice during their inpatient stay to provide companionship,support and social interaction.
- Sitting with patients to enable their carers to attend appointments or social events.
- Accompanying patients to appointments or social events including for example libraries, parks and museums
- Helping patients continue with their hobbies or pass-times.
- Pursuing creative activities with individuals in the home environment
- Supporting Individuals with household duties including snacks and drinks as they gain confidence in their own abilities again.
- Listen and support individuals,either face to face or via telephone/zoom/skype etc as they explore their preferences and choices for future care
- Engage with and work alongside individuals to motivate, enthuse, promote independence and empower.
- To provide light assistance in maintaining gardens and paths where possible with the patient if they are able in order to empower/increase patient confidence etc
- To accompany or undertake shopping trips with (or for) patients.
- Help with care of pets e.g. feeding and walking.
- Provide assistance with appearance including for example attending to hair, and painting nails.

**What Volunteering can do for you**
- Make a big difference to your own Community
- Connect with new people
- Develop new or use existing skills
- Increase your experience

**General Requirements**

Undertake training and development applicable to the role.

Be friendly, respectful and courteous to patients, visitors, staff, customers and other volunteers at all times

To ensure the information you have access to as part of your role is kept secure and confidential.

Work at all times to safeguard the rights of individuals promoting their wellbeing and protecting those at risk from harm by advising staff of any concerns

Act in a way that upholds the hospice’s values which are:
Put patients first
- Respect the individual
- Act with integrityServe the community
- Promote positive change

**Equality and Diversity**

**Revi