Sobell House is looking for people who can visit patients as ‘Companions’. This would be either on their ward or at home in the community. Volunteers could spend up to three hours a week doing this incredibly valuable work that directly enhances patients’ quality of life.
Volunteering Duties:
- Visit patients and carers on the ward or at home at agreed times
- Call patients at home to offer telephone support
- Talk to patients about everyday topics and the patients’ interests and hobbies.
- Offer companionship and a listening ear to patients and carers.
- Offer practical support to patients to re-engage in their crafts or hobbies as required.
- Sit with patients to enable carers to have time to relax or to go out of the house
- Assist with legacy work/letter writing/recording of ‘life story’ if requested.
- Complete a brief summary of the support provided after each home visit
- Email a report to the Voluntary Services Co-ordinator promptly after each visit
- Attend six-monthly Support and Information meetings for Companions
Community Volunteers must not provide nursing or medical care such as administering drugs or changing dressing. Volunteers must not provide personal care, counselling, or medical advice.
Availability
- Up to 3 hours weekly, with flexibility to accommodate patient requirements
- This role requires an enhanced DBS clearance and OUH Health Check.
- Successful candidates must agree to abide by Sobell House and Katherine House policies and procedures, code of practice and sign a volunteer agreement.
- Full training (including some online training) and induction will be provided
Skills and attributes required:
- To be able to actively listen without feeling a need to ‘fix it’
- To be courteous, friendly, and approachable
- Enthusiasm to meet new people and facilitate conversations to encourage and motivate individuals
- Confidence to visit patients and carers in their own homes
- A clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Awareness of procedures for safeguarding adults – training will be provided
- Willingness and flexibility to support patients who have a range of care needs
- To work without direct supervision
- To be comfortable relying on your own initiative and common sense but also recognising your own needs and knowing when to seek support
Would you or anyone you know be a great fit for this vital volunteering role? Contact Hannah to discuss!