Why we want you
We are currently re-developing our Rehabilitation and Wellbeing service to provide excellent wellbeing care to those on the Woodlands Unit, as well as our developing day services at Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.
To support this ongoing development, we have created a new and important Wellbeing support role that involves working alongside the Rehabilitation and Wellbeing team, as well as wider hospice colleagues, to provide wellbeing support to those who are on our inpatient unit, Woodlands Unit, for symptom management and/or end of life care. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, develop your skills and know that your contribution will be making a positive difference to those who use the services of the Hospice.
What you will be doing
- Provide companionship and a listening ear to patients and carers on the Woodlands Unit
- Encourage patient and/or carer involvement in recreational activities and assist the person in participating in these, e.g. chess, drawing, letter writing
- Provide simple self-care activities with patients, e.g. nail painting, hand massage Serve refreshments, as required
- Review stock equipment and liaising with the team as needed
- Support the team with any additional tasks
Full training will be provided.
Time commitment
3-5 hour shift per week (or more if you have the time!) for a minimum of 4 months. Any time between the hours of 10-4pm Monday to Friday
The skills and qualities you need
- Good organisational skills
- Good listening and communication skills
- A friendly and approachable manner
- Understanding of, and ability to respect and maintain, confidentiality
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Passionate about helping those in your local community
- Able to give the commitment this role requires
- A craft or skill, such as sewing, music or crafting would be an advantage but it is not essential
What’s in it for you
- Experience of volunteering in a palliative care setting
- Increased knowledge of rehabilitation and wellbeing
- Connect with like-minded volunteers and become part of a friendly team
- Develop your existing skills and learn new ones
- Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out your role, and agreed out-of-pocket expenses (reimbursed within our guidelines)
- Ongoing support from your volunteer manager
- Enjoy a rewarding experience and make a meaningful difference to people in your community
- A 25% discount on all items in our 15 charity shops (excluding furniture & new goods) and 10% discount on furniture
Dress Code
Uniform will be provided. Appropriate black flat comfortable shoes and black trousers must be worn. A volunteer badge will be provided and must be worn at all times. In addition you will adhere to Hospice Health and Safety Policies paying particular attention to HS02 Hand Hygiene.
Other Requirements
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring application for Vulnerable Adults is required for this role.
- Shellac and acrylic nails are not allowed to be worn due to Infection Prevention Control.