Description 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. Spending time with patients alone or with their families and friends, we’re looking for volunteers to provide emotional support, a listening ear, short breaks for friends and family, help with signposting for information and support, and to simply be there for people at this very difficult time. What we need you to do Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks: Support patients in line with agreed boundaries and procedures Spend time listening and talking with patients, family, friends and carers. Signpost families and friends to other services, as appropriate Write and submit, to the Service Manager, a brief report on each visit Keep the Service Manager informed of any changes or significant happenings in connection with the client, either in person or by telephone Be an active part of the team of Marie Curie Companions and the wider team of MPH volunteers Attend regular group support and development sessions for Marie Curie Companions What skills or experience do you need? Friendly and sensitive - a good listener Self-awareness and emotionally strong Respect for confidentiality Willingness to learn and operate within set boundaries Reliability - keep commitments and appointments Respect for individuals regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status Mature perspective on life and death Good humoured What we can offer you An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment An induction, training, support and supervision in your role Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses An opportunity to be part of an innovative project that will make a real difference to people. To also operate within Musgrove Park Hospital’s policies and guidelines, particularly regarding confidentiality. What we ask of you To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines To complete an induction and any training related to the role Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users. For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact recruitmentmariecurie.org.uk