Compassionate Neighbour

About the Hospice

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] have been providing exceptional care to people living with a terminal illness in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge, Malling and surrounding areas since 1991. We support patients with both cancer and non-cancer diagnoses, and those closest to them, and all our services are provided free of charge.

Our vision is that everyone living with a terminal illness in our community will have the best quality of life, for as long as they live. Our highly trained colleagues and volunteers do everything to help our patients live in comfort, with independence and dignity in their own homes, local care homes or in our Hospice. All our care is underpinned by our core values of compassion, integrity, respect and teamwork.

As a local charity independent of the NHS, we are reliant on our supporters and donors, our services cost £5 million to run, with over £4 million raised through the generosity of our local community. Our supporters fundraise in so many ways for us – from taking part in Hospice events and physical challenges, to local business support, to giving in memory of a loved one (and so many more other ways), their generosity is incredible.

About this role

Role Purpose

- Compassionate Neighbours is free, community-led support to combat loneliness and isolation for people living with a serious, long term or terminal illness, frailty or caring for a loved one, in your local area.

- The Compassionate Neighbour programme works by matching local people based on shared likes, experiences and interests with the aim of forging a genuine reciprocal friendship.

- Compassionate Neighbours can really make a difference. They are a network of trained volunteers who are willing to offer their time (a minimum of one hour per week), companionship and support.

Main Duties

• Once introduced to your community member, and both parties are happy to proceed, you will arrange to visit them in their own home
• Offer companionship, emotional support and a listening ear
• Provide practical support, such as making a cup of tea
• Help your community member to stay connected to their friends and the community
• Liaise with the CN Team to help direct your community member to important support services they may benefit from

Training and Development

• There are two days of initial training
• Further training opportunities at our practice development meetings
• Monthly social events
• Day to day support from the Compassionate Neighbours team

General

• This role is flexible around your schedule, ideally 1 – 2 hours per week but decided with community member
• Willing to develop a new friendship
• Good communicator including being an active listener
• Has empathy for others and is non-judgmental
• Respects diversity and others’ opinions even if they don’t agree
• Wants to make a difference in the local community
• At all times to behave in a manner befitting the role and the professional dignity of the Hospice and ensure that the Hospice is positively represented to the public and other stakeholders
• To preserve confidentiality of information acquired by virtue of the role
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide two references

Essential Skills

• A helpful, friendly approach and courteous manner
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with others
• Ability to positively promote the ethos of the Hospice and the work it does in the community

Safeguarding and Health & Safety

• To take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others.  Safeguarding and Health and Safety is delivered during the two-day training.

Values and Code of Conduct

• Adheres to Code of Conduct
• Adheres to Hospice Values and Behaviours
• Shows compassion
• Exhibits integrity
• Shows respect for others
• Teamwork
• Exhibits Hospice Culture Behaviours (I Care, I Learn, I Own, I Improve)

Why volunteer for us?

The roles our volunteers carry out are essential to the daily operation of [Employer hidden]. Volunteers give their time across all areas of the Hospice and we couldn’t provide the quality care to terminally ill people and their families in our community without them.

However much time you can give and whatever role you choose to do, whether you join our Fundraising Team or decide to volunteer at your local [Employer hidden] shop, you will be part of a network of volunteers all helping to make a difference.

Who can volunteer with us?

We welcome people from any background, with any level of experience, regardless of age, genders, race, faith, sexual orientations, parental or relationship status. We’re committed to equal opportunities and building diversity across [Employer hidden].

Commitment, reliability and flexibility are just some of the qualities needed to be a [Employer hidden] volunteer.

What support will I receive?

We are a warm and welcoming bunch and you’ll be encouraged to use all your unique skills and talents. Our volunteer roles are all given relevant support, guidance and training so you can carry out your duties in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

What impact will I have?

The support from our volunteers is invaluable from providing a much-needed cup of tea and a chat, to planting up the flower beds in the Hospice garden and assisting customers in our retail shops. They all make a profound impact and help [Employer hidden] to continue providing outstanding care to those living with terminal illness and their families.