Patient Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Belfast

Volunteer Role Description

Role Titles: Volunteer Mobile Support Unit Receptionist  &

Volunteer Mobile Support Unit Officer

Department: Support Services

Reporting to: Logistics Manager

Location: Nantgarw / Ystrad Mynach / Bangor / Llandudno / Rhyl / Wrexham / Port Talbot / Bridgend / Carmarthen / Aberystwyth / Haverfordwest

Why am I needed?

Our Mobile Support Units bring cancer treatment into the community & closer to home. We’re looking for volunteers to provide support on the reception desk of our specialist Mobile Clinic (the first in the world of its kind!), so that we can continue to support NHS patients & their loved ones.

What will I be doing?

Welcoming patients & their families on board the Mobile Support Unit

Undertaking basic admin skills including taking patients’ details

Offering refreshments to all visitors

Basic Logistics work

Speaking with visitors about all of our services

Liaising with the nurses on board the Mobile Support Unit to help provide an excellent service for those receiving treatment.

What skills do I need?

Excellent communication skills and experience of dealing with people face to face

A friendly and enthusiastic approach, with great customer service skills

Efficient with good attention to detail

Sensitivity

Commitment

Health care or transport experience would be beneficial

Welsh speaking skills are desirable but not essential.

How much time do I need to commit?

Usually between the hours of 0730-1600

What support will I be given?

You’ll receive an induction to the charity and the Mobile Unit team will support you as you begin your role. There’ll always be another member of the Mobile Unit team to support you when you’re volunteering with us.

There may also be the opportunity for further training such as Supportive Skills and Welfare Benefits. You'll also have access to our eLearning training system.

What benefits can I expect?

The chance to gain experience of supporting Wales’ leading cancer charity in a unique environment

The opportunity to develop a range of skills & apply for all internal vacancies

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to people’s lives through our unique work.

Where will I be based?

Your local Tenovus Mobile Unit location

Why we need your help

Marie Curie recognises that the best way to understand its services is by seeing it through the eyes of the people we support.  Feedback from people we care for is critical in telling us what we are doing well and where we can improve. 

Through this exciting volunteer role, you will help us understand our services’ quality by listening to the people we support. You will help us by contacting people while they are receiving our services to make sure we are providing our patients and families with excellent care, and if there are issues, to help us nip things in the bud. 

This role has the scope for broader conversations with people about their experiences at the end of life. Gaining insight and understanding allows us to ensure we’re there for all people experiencing dying, death and bereavement. 

What we need you to do

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Speak with patients and families over the phone to complete surveys about their experiences of our care and support.
• Record data accurately, capturing as much as possible in the person’s own words.
• Input feedback data into online an online database.
• If comfortable, undertake analysis of data to help us report on themes and trends; what we are doing well and what we can improve.
• Communicate with patients and families how we use their feedback and ideas to improve services, where appropriate.
• Work with the Clinical Nurse Managers to highlight any issues and concerns about the care provided in their services.
• Relay positive feedback to Marie Curie Nursing staff and volunteers.
• If comfortable, conduct semi-structured interviews to understand peoples’ lived experiences of dying, death, and bereavement.

What skills or experience do you need?

• Good communication, listening and people skills.
• The ability to deal with people in a warm, friendly, and sensitive manner.
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality.
• Empathy and an understanding of the needs of people experiencing end of life care issues.

What we can offer you:

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment – there may be opportunities to develop qualitative data analysis and video editing skills
• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

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

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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.

We are looking for digital champions to deliver a series of in person workshops in our services in South-East London and in West London. The workshop will be delivered to our service user who would like to improve their skills to engage in a pilot of hybrid service delivery.

What you will be doing

• To collaborate with staff to design a format for a series of workshops to support service users with tasks like setting up a new device, creating and using email, being able to join and initiate a call on Zoom or Teams, using WhatsApp.
• Support service users in building their confidence, self-esteem and familiarity using digital technology.
• To support service users with changing setting to help them remain safe and maintain privacy when online.

The skills you need

• Some knowledge of technology, including programs and apps, and how they adapt on different platforms, is desired.
• Awareness of the needs of a diverse community, including people experiencing mental health problems, older people and people with disabilities
• Confident in passing on digital skills in a friendly and supportive manner.
• Approachable, patient and able to remain calm.
• Understanding the challenges faced by those who are not confident with technology.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

JOB DESCRIPTION

Coping with a diagnosis of a terminal or life-limiting illness involves painful feelings, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. 

We are looking for volunteers to offer emotional and/or bereavement support either in a group setting through facilitation of support groups, or on one to one individual basis. You will be helping people to explore their feelings and adapt to their new life after a diagnosis or the death of a loved one. 

This role is supporting patients and families who are over 18 only.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Provide emotional and/or bereavement support either in the hospice, in a small group setting, over the phone or at the person’s home, according to local resources.
• Actively listen to clients and explore their feelings around the diagnosis/loss with empathy 
• Pass on appropriate information to your line manager.
• Complete appropriate documentation as required in line with our confidentiality (service user) policy.
• Assist staff in the Patient and Family Support team when necessary 
• Adhere to hospice record keeping procedures 
• Assist with other related tasks when necessary

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Doorstep Library Online Reading Volunteers visit the same families online via Zoom every week to share their love of reading with the children they visit.

Our volunteers don’t just read stories though; they do silly voices, handpick the e-books, and give special recommendations for each child.

Through our long-term approach, our volunteers build trusting relationships with families, helping to connect them with the community and signposting to additional sources of local support. We are there to support children and families who need us most.

Our online projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. We have a weekly volunteer opportunity or a stand-in opportunity. Stand-ins fill in for when regular volunteers aren't available and volunteer every 3 weeks.

Time Commitment: Weekly or every 3 weeks if you are a Stand-in volunteer

Hours per week: 2 hours

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Skills / experience needed

Be able to make a regular weekly commitment if you are a regular volunteer or every 3 weeks if you are a Stand-in volunteer, during school term time of at least 9 months

Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all

Have comfortable fluency in English

Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children's learning

Have excellent communication skills - be able to listen to families and communicate efficiently with Team Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)

Be confident in using technology – for connecting with families via Zoom and completing records

Be organised - be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children

Be reliable - always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences

Be friendly - to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team

Be confident - to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer

Be patient, persistent and flexible - tailoring your approach to each family's needs.

Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer. 10,000 people are newly diagnosed each year. Currently only five percent of those diagnosed survive beyond five years.

Pancreatic Cancer Action aims to improve the survival of men and women diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by raising awareness of symptoms and risk factors, funding research into early diagnosis, campaigning for more funding and providing patients with information and support.

We are looking for Events volunteers to represent the charity at events in their area. 

What the role involves: 

• Volunteering at events 

• Holding cheering stations 

• Stewarding at mass participation events 

• Inspiring your networks to take part in our flagship events and challenges such as Striding for Survival. 

Who are we looking for? 

Anyone can apply to be an Events volunteer however these skills and attributes will help in this role. 

• Confident communication skills with individuals and groups 

• Enthusiastic

• Reliable

What can we offer you? 

• Resources to help you carry out your role 

• Ongoing support from the fundraising team 

• Regular updates about the charity and the difference you are helping us make. 

• Access to our Volunteers Facebook page where you receive immediate updates and share ideas and stories with fellow reps. 

Description: You could make a real difference to the lives of patients and doctors struggling with a rare disease. That's what we do at Mast Cell Action - a charity dedicated to supporting the Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) patient community and improving the evidence base for the disease.

We work hand-in-hand with doctors and patients to develop materials that truly make a difference. And with the help of our medical advisory panel, we're constantly improving our activities to better serve our community.

But we're not done yet. We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in this area, with medical, health, NHS, and research experience to join our team. You'll be responsible for developing and executing our strategy to engage with the medical community, research organisations, NHS policymakers, and our community as a whole.

You'll lead multiple projects, collaborating with doctors to better understand and define our community, as well as initiating and executing new projects. And with your expertise, you'll ensure that all our communications are evidence-based and informative.

So, if you're passionate about making a real difference, come and join us at Mast Cell Action. Together, we can create a brighter future for patients and doctors alike.

You will lead a team of passionate volunteers and interns, working closely with our Operations Director to drive our mission forward. One of your key responsibilities will be to nurture and grow our Medical Advisory Panel, working hand-in-hand with supportive doctors and medical institutions. You'll be the face of the charity, representing us in all our interactions with these key stakeholders.

You’ll report directly to our trustee board, ensuring that all of our activities are aligned with our overall strategy and goals.

We're looking for a dynamic individual who can inspire and motivate their team to achieve great things. If you're passionate about healthcare and have experience working with medical institutions, this is the perfect opportunity for you. So why not join us at Mast Cell Action and help us make a real difference in the lives of patients and doctors?

What impact will they have?

At Mast Cell Action, we know that communicating, engaging, and educating the medical community and policy makers is crucial if we want to improve support for MCAS patients. And that's where you come in.

As our communications expert, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing patient care over time. You'll work closely with doctors, medical institutions, and policy makers to raise awareness of MCAS and advocate for better support for patients.

By effectively communicating the importance of MCAS and engaging with key stakeholders, you'll help improve patient outcomes and quality of life in the long run.

If you're passionate about making a real difference and have experience in healthcare communications, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

About the volunteer

What skills should they have

We are looking for a volunteer who has experience in the NHS and medical/research environment. If you're someone who can assess a situation and develop a clear strategy to achieve the desired outcome, we want to hear from you.

As our ideal candidate, you're an effective communicator who can engage with doctors and produce written and visual materials that really make an impact. You're also a team player who can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Managing projects and team members is second nature to you, and you're able to keep everyone on track and motivated. And with your awareness of the political and economic landscape in the area of complex diseases, you can navigate through any obstacles that come your way.

If you're passionate about making a real difference in the lives of patients with complex diseases and have the experience we're looking for, we want you on our team at Mast Cell Action.

Skills

Medical related background

Medical writing skills

Project management

Team management

Analytical and conversant with research methodologies

Are you a Clinical Supervisor interested in supporting counsellors and therapists?

Burning Nights CRPS Support has a highly skilled counselling and therapy team who provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults and children who have been affected by a debilitating chronic condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This team is expanding rapidly and we are now looking for 2 volunteer Clinical Supervisors to join this team ensuring we can continue the provision of our vital emotional support services to this community. We would ideally like to take on 2 Clinical Supervisors - one supporting the therapists who deal with adults, and the other supporting the therapists dealing with the children and young people.

All our Counselling and therapy team help to develop our growing mental health support service for patients, families and carers affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a volunteer with the CRPS Counselling & Therapy Service, your skills and experience as a Clinical Supervisor will be providing support to therapists who offer therapy to vulnerable individuals, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health support.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, you will provide Supervisor support for counsellors or psychotherapists who provide counselling support or specialist services, such as general talking therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for CRPS patients, their loved ones and carers. The service currently offers specialist support to anyone over the age of 5 who is affected by CRPS.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Facilitate Clinical Supervision one to one (or group sessions) on a monthly or fortnightly basis (online)

• Administer this supervision from invitation through to record keeping

• Maintain appropriate clinical records of all work and to report, along with any concerns on individuals or their practice to the Chair of Trustees

• Commitment to ongoing supervision of supervision practice at Burning Nights CRPS Support as well as engaging in separate own personal supervision as/if appropriate

• Work flexibly as part of a small team as necessary to provide maximum coverage for supervision, such as in the event of emergencies

• Abide by all Burning Nights CRPS Support policies and procedures

• Adhere to BACP, BABCP (or other appropriate therapies governing body) Ethical Framework

Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Psychotherapy/Counselling qualification with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a similar field

• Qualification in Clinical Supervision - ideally level 7 or above (could also suit experienced counsellors who require a placement during Clinical Supervision placement, or experienced counsellors wishing to gain experience in supervision)

• Accreditation/registration (or working at the level of or towards this qualification) as a Supervisor with BACP/HCPC/BAPT or equivalent

• Significant proven experience of supervising individual counsellors/psychotherapists from a range of training backgrounds 

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with clients with a range of difficulties including complex medical health issues, loss and bereavement. Ideally experience of working with clients living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Willingness to engage in any Burning Nights CRPS Support training

• Understanding of issues regarding confidentiality and management of risk within a counselling service

• Good administrative skills

• Understanding of the voluntary sector

• Commitment to on-going engagement in personal supervision

• Knowledgeable of and committed to equalities’ provision

Desirable:

• Appropriate and proven clinical experience of working with clients living with or affected by chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Being able to supervise therapists who work in therapy such as CBT, ACT, EMDR etc

• Experience of working within a low-cost voluntary sector counselling setting

• Experience of working within the voluntary charity sector

Healthcare providers need access to high-quality information in order to make sound clinical decisions. Unfortunately in many developing countries, this information need is not met. The lack of high-quality information often leads to inefficient patient care. This also adversely affects reporting and clinical research. Current systems are expensive and time-consuming to set up thereby making them inaccessible to marginalized communities. Patients often don’t have access to their own medical data. The sharing of medical data within countries and globally is still very challenging to do.

We want to use medical data to its full potential and to digitalize medical data globally. That is why we are building an affordable, easily accessible, modern AI-based EHR (electronic health record) that provides real-time support using a range of data sources which includes data about the patient's environment. We want to empower physicians and patients to have access to relevant data that allows for well-informed decision-making. We aim to make the sharing of data easier between various stakeholders. We want medicine to become predictive rather than reactive.

DATA SCIENCE

• Lead the development of a robust data model that will offer clinicians and patients valuable insights into medical data. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in data analytics and machine learning to extract meaningful patterns and knowledge from healthcare data. Your collaboration with healthcare professionals will be instrumental in translating data-driven insights into actionable healthcare decisions. Previous applicants are encouraged to apply again. Please make sure to highlight your data science projects.

• Volunteer 6-8 hours per week remotely

Pancreatic Cancer Action aims to improve the survival of men and women diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by raising awareness of symptoms and risk factors, funding research into early diagnosis, campaigning for more funding and providing patients with information and support.

We are looking for Community Volunteers to represent the charity and help us reach as many people as possible when spreading awareness of pancreatic cancer and supporting PCA with our vital work by raising funds. 

 We know that together we can change the numbers. 

What the role involves: 

• Inspiring local community businesses to take part in campaigns such as “Bake It Purple” or “PJ’s for PanCan”

• Holding awareness stands in your local area

• Give short awareness talks in your local community 

• Distribute our bespoke healthcare information to Pharmacies and GP surgeries 

• Promote and manage our collection tin(s) within your community. Empty, record and bank the collections.

• Attend cheque presentations and thank fundraisers in person on behalf of PCA 

• Organise bucket collections and handing out information about pancreatic cancer in your local area

Who are we looking for? 

Anyone can apply to be a Volunteer Community Ambassador however these skills and attributes will help in this role. 

• Confident communication skills with individuals and groups 

• Ability to work on own initiative

• Good organisational skills 

• Reliable and professional demeanour 

• An honest and trustworthy nature 

What can we offer you? 

• Resources to help you carry out your role. 

• Ongoing support from the fundraising team 

• Regular updates about the charity and the difference you are helping us make. 

• Access to our Volunteers Facebook page where you receive immediate updates and share ideas and stories with fellow volunteers. 

Could you spare about 30 minutes each week to chat to a lonely person over the phone?

We need volunteer telephone befrienders all over the UK for our award-winning Chatterbox service.

We give full virtual training, including an induction session and adult safeguarding course, and you will receive ongoing support from our caring team of coordinators.

Loneliness and social isolation can affect us all. Having the opportunity to communicate with someone who will listen and support, or to just have a friendly chat on the phone once a week, can make a huge difference.

Omega volunteers have helped change people’s lives and as a member of our Chatterbox team, you’ll offer one-to-one telephone support by establishing a trusting, supportive relationship with a client. You can work from home, or anywhere you like. Omega volunteers come from all walks of life and all over the UK, but have a small amount of time to spare and want to make a difference.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Are a good listener, empathic, patient and of a caring nature
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Have good verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect
   

What are the benefits for you:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team and taking action against loneliness and social isolation and helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

What support and training will be provided:

• The Omega Chatterbox Induction
• Regular and ongoing support from a Chatterbox Co-ordinator
• Ongoing training and support as the role requires
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone provided if appropriate

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis we have moved all of our training online, so though we're based in Shrewsbury we welcome applications from volunteers all over the UK. Unfortunately due to safeguarding legislation we are unable to accept Chatterbox Befriender applications from under 18s.

If you think this could be for you, then the first step is to let us know! We can then have a chat, tell you more about what we strive to achieve through Chatterbox and you can then decide if you would like to register with us. We really look forward to hearing from you.

About the role

Our volunteers are an essential part of our organisation, enabling us to provide a wide breadth of services to our service users.  By becoming a home visitor, you can develop your communication and interpersonal skills. You will make a vital difference to the person you visit by reducing their sense of loneliness and social isolation.

Time Commitment

This role requires a weekly commitment at a time to be agreed by both you and our client. We will regularly make contact with you both to see how the relationship is building and would ask you to commit to a weekly call for the minimum of 12 weeks.

In order to ensure a member of staff is available in case of a safeguarding concern, we ask that visits take place Mon-Fri between 9am-4pm.

Requirements

· We are looking for friendly, reliable people who can be patient with clients who may be hard of hearing or may have a vision impairment. Your role is to be there to provide a befriending service and allow clients to feel less social isolated. The role will not involve providing personal or health care.

· You may observe difficulties the person has developed and with agreement from the person, you should inform Sight for Surrey of any concerns, needs or additional support requirements.

· To assist the person to continue any hobby that their sensory impairment is making it more difficult to achieve, within the home environment

· To make recommendations for further support from other Sight for Surrey services, at the end of the pre-arranged time of service

A regular commitment for this service of between 1-2 hours a week per client will be initially for 12-16 weeks after which the match will be reviewed. 

We will match you with a client in your local area and wherever possible you will be matched with a client who shares similar interests. 

In order to ensure a member of staff is available in case of a safeguarding concern, we ask that visits take place Mon-Fri between 9am-4pm.

This role would not involve taking the client out of their home.

Benefits

Sight for Surrey will reimburse travel expenses incurred through your role with Sight for Surrey. We also hold regular social events and an annual evening event which allows our volunteers to meet each other.

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a child & young person's (CYP) counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for young patients with a pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? We’re supporting patients, relatives, partners and carers affected by a debilitating condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

We're looking for qualified or student paediatric/child & young person counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our young service users and help develop a psychological support service. 

As a Volunteer Child/Young Person's Counsellor you’ll be providing remote online/telephone counselling/therapy support services to young people aged 5 to 18 who are vulnerable, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling sessions online or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our young services users. We will also consider therapists who are in need of a placement.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, volunteer child counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling) or specialist services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT and EMDR for young CRPS patients.

We are needing to expand this service to support our young clients as it has rapidly received a high number of referrals. People can be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having parents/guardians referring them to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your paediatric counselling skills, organisation, communication and team working skills. If you have experience in younger children please do get in touch.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a child client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 one hour (or 45 mins ate dependant) sessions for each client plus 4 assessments

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to young patients aged 5-18 (we will consider therapists who can only support primary or secondary school age)

• Update our database with the client’s basic information and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these securely

• Attending and participating in meetings
• Project monitoring, creating, reporting and outcomes evaluation procedures

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in regular meetings with the Chair
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us. We can offer you a supervisor.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member (including student membership) of one of the recognised organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum (or be studying towards one), Degree or Masters in Paediatric Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy or Art Therapy 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 2 child or young clients a week, being two hours of your time for counselling sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Personal or professional Knowledge or experience of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS paediatric counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We also welcome trained (or those seeking placements) paediatric counsellors, child therapists and counselling/clinical psychologists who are willing to give their time to support our valuable work.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period as the service is rapidly expanding and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for younger clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our young child CRPS patients who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is continually developing, you would have a key role in developing a young person counselling programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in a child's life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

Main purpose of the role

• To provide telephone friendship service to veterans (and their partners) in their own homes.

Key focus

• To provide telephone friendship and companionship which is appropriate, and person centred. You will need the use of your own telephone /mobile.
• The use of a quiet safe space so you can concentrate on the call and maintain confidentiality.
• Provide telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation and help to build confidence.
• Report any concerns or problems to the volunteer coordinator immediately.
• To record information about the call on the telephone log and submit this monthly.
• Read and understand the information provided as part of the induction training. • Understand and work to the Telephone Friendship Service guidelines, boundaries and expectations.
• Adhere to Royal Star & Garter confidentiality policy.
• To take care of own Health & Safety and that of others affected by your volunteering activities.
• Promote the reputation, culture and ethos of the charity as a quality provider of excellent care and customer service.

Time commitment

• Minimum of 1 hour per week.
• There is no time limit on the length of service, but Telephone Friends are asked to make a commitment for a minimum of 12 months.

Our Values

We are a values-based organisation and strive to demonstrate our values in all we do:

• With love: We carry out our work with love, care and compassion Living positively We are optimistic in everything we do, supporting veterans and their partners leading happy, fulfilled lives
• As a family: We work and live as one team, one family, one community
• Standing in their shoes: We show admiration and respect for people and never forget what they have done
• Take courage: We are not afraid to what is right and what is needed What we are looking for from volunteers

Essential skills and attributes

• It is essential that you are a naturally caring character that always puts people first, shows kindness, warmth, compassion and respect at all times, and loves to embrace life to make it meaningful for yourself and those you support.
• Others include:
• You enjoy working as part of a team
• You understand how to operate within a confidential environment
• You are aware of the needs of older people
• We are also looking for people who are willing to undertake induction and training and who will work within our guidelines and policies.
• The role is dependent on a DBS check.

Behaviours & characteristics

• Good listening and communication skills
• Naturally patient and able to demonstrate sensitivity
• Reliability and at the same time flexible to changing needs

Don’t worry if you are new to a role like this. We will support and train you and encourage you on your telephone friendship journey.

Pathway to becoming a volunteer

• Application Form
• Informal meeting
• References
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Check
• Induction
• Training

Other information you need to know

• This is a remote role, and you will be required to attend online induction training.
• You will need access to a phone to make calls and access to emails to receive information regarding your calls.