Volunteer Companion - Dementia Befriender - Swansea
Volunteer Companion - Dementia Befriender - Swansea
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Job Description
Why we need your help
The Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service is provided by trained volunteers who offer onetoone companionship and support to people with a terminal illness that have dementia 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.
Befriender volunteers provide companionship and emotional support practical support short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.
What we need you to do
Your role will include some of but not restricted to the following tasks:
- Complete all initial mandatory Dementia Befriender volunteer training as well as any refresher training whilst you are a Marie Curie volunteer
- Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) youre supporting as agreed with the Volunteer Coordinator. This could be in a variety of settings for example in a familys home in a care home or out in the community.
- Provide one to one companionship and support. For exampleOffering a listening ear and spending time engaging in everyday conversation activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting.Accompanying them to an appointment social groups or taking short trips out.Helping with small daily tasks eg making tea or accessing the internet.Allowing carers to have a short break.Signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested.
(This list is only an outline as support will vary according to the needs of those using the service. Dementia Befriender volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care or offer counselling or advice)
- Driving clients to prearranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
- Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Dementia Befriending service. Examples include submitting written report forms identifying and briefing a lone worker Buddy and following procedures for lone worker safety.
- Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation or any significant happenings in connection to the person youre supporting and/or their family either in person or by phone
- Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
- Attend group events and training sessions for Marie Curie Dementia Befriender volunteers
- Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Coordinator as required
- Represent the Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service positively to those using the service
- Support with Advanced Care Planning for clients
What skills or experience do you need
- Commitment and reliability able to keep appointments and volunteer for approximately 3 hours a week
- Patience empathy and emotional stability
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
- Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role
- A friendly and sensitive approach
- Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Respect for individuals regardless of their race gender culture religion disability sexual orientation and marital status
- An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
- An induction training support and supervision in your role
- Agreed reasonable outofpocket expenses
- To provide two references from nonfamily members and other relevant documents related to the role
- To keep to all the charitys policies and guidelines
- To complete an induction and any training related to the 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.
For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role please contact the Volunteer Operations Centre on or on 0.
Employment Type
Part-Time
