Children and Young People's Support Volunteer

Purpose of this role

Children and young people’s support volunteers provide support for children and young people under the age of 18 either in their homes, at one of our hospice buildings in Watford or St Albans, at external venues, including schools, or by participating in events organised by the team. These young clients will either have a parent, sibling or close relative who is seriously ill or who has died.

The role involves empowering the parents or main carer to support children, and to provide one to one support for the child or young person at home or school. Our volunteers allow us to offer this service to more families who need it.

  Main tasks

·        building trusting relationships with children and their families

·        working one to one with children and young people to provide child centred support

·        using a variety of creative activities and play where appropriate, such as making memory boxes and using puppets or art and craft materials as an alternative way to express and share thoughts and feelings

·        potentially offering education about loss and grief and how to support children and young people to school and staff

·        attending mandatory supervision every month for an hour and a half

·        following all Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care policies and procedures at all time

·        supporting either virtually and/or face to face

What are we looking for?

·        experience of working with and supporting young people either one to one or in a group

·        excellent listening and communication skills

·        an understanding that all our work is around death, dying, grief and loss, and you need to feel comfortable to discuss these topics in a sensitive and age appropriate way

·        the ability to empathise with others

·        someone who is flexible and reliable

·        someone with basic IT skills who is able to keep concise, accurate records and stick to reporting deadlines

·        Age 18+