Volunteer Companion

Will need to be available to attend 2 training days: next training will be mid July 2023 (dates to be confirmed)

• Following referral for companion support, provide emotional and listening support to patients, families or carers
• Utilise specific training in regards to developing the Companion role, to improve knowledge and skills
• If appropriate, a Companion will initially visit a newly referred client with the Family Support Team Manager or Community Nurse Specialist
• Maintain agreed boundaries set by Weston Hospicecare
• Submit a brief summary of each encounter with a client within 48 hours of the contact to ensure the client record is kept up to date
• Utilise supervision sessions as a chance to update skills and meet fellow companion volunteers.
• Report any concerns in relation to the client back to the Family Support Team Manager (or to the Nurse in Charge of the In-Patient Unit if out of hours and urgent)

Experience and skills required:

• Good listener
• Friendly approach
• Empathy
• Non-judgemental
• Self-aware
• Have a good sense of humour
• Confidentiality
• Have own transport or be able to access public transport confidently

We ask all our volunteers to:

• Be reliable
• Have a warm, friendly, adaptable, caring approach
• Be open-minded and tolerant of different lifestyles and values
• Be able to work within personal and organisational boundaries