Supporting Hands Volunteer

We believe that everyone with a life-limiting illness should be able to live well for as long as possible and have a choice to die at home.

Volunteers in this role provide support, companionship and respite care to patients with a life limiting illness and their carers, in their homes and on trips out. This role may involve practical and emotional support and assistance. This service supports both our adult and children services.

Supporting hands volunteers help to reduce the social isolation often felt by patients with a life limiting illness and their carers.

Where will you be volunteering?

Across our nursing area in west Hertfordshire.

How much time are we asking you to give?

One to two hours a week, during normal working hours, plus travelling time.

What will you be doing?

The support that any client needs may differ, and so you may be involved in some or all of the following, depending on their needs.

·        providing supportive companionship

·        sharing an activity such as playing a game of cards or chess

·        accompanying a patient or carer on a walk or a trip out from home

·        providing respites for carers so they can attend an appointment or have a break

·        helping to complete forms such as Attendance Allowance Benefit and Blue Badge car parking permits

·        helping with some LIGHT domestic or gardening tasks, but NOT a cleaner

·        dog walking and/or sitting

·        helping to prepare a meal

·        providing transport in your own car to appointments such as the hairdresser, dentist, GP

What are we looking for?

·        someone who is caring, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others but is able to maintain professional boundaries

·        someone who is trustworthy and non-judgemental

·        an open person with a friendly nature

·        someone who is flexible, reliable and accommodating

·        a good listener

·        enthusiasm to work as part of a team, but able to work independently to manage clients and workload

·        basic IT skills to include ability to keep concise, accurate records and adhere to deadlines for reporting

What's in it for you?

• make meaningful connections with local people at a difficult time in their lives
• the support you provide will help our clinical colleagues focus on the patients' medical needs
• both our patients and volunteers talk about the enormous benefit to them of this service