Companion Volunteer
Marie Curie
- Age: 18+
- Cookstown and Magherafelt District
- AccessNI required and Training provided
Hours
At least 3hrs a week,
A 18 month commitment
Volunteering can happen between 9am-9pm any day of the year.
Where we are
Head Office:
1a Kensington Road
Belfast
BT5 6NF
About the Volunteer Opportunity
Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness 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.
Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.
Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:
• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support.
For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting.
• Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out.
• Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement. This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested
(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)
Additional role requirements:
• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required.
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support.
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required.
• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service.
About the Organisation
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity. They provide frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.
Now more than ever, they need your help to support people with a terminal illness and their families.
If you want to make a difference to the lives of people living with a terminal illness, and are looking to give a few hours a week to offer companionship and support, becoming a Helper might be just right for you.
Share this opportunity.
Register your interest
Volunteers may be required to complete an Access NI disclosure for some volunteering roles. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a volunteer position.
