We’re looking for kind, caring and empathetic volunteers to join our Family Support team at St Richard’s Hospice. By sharing your time and compassion in this role, you’ll help us reach more people across our community – offering emotional and practical support, and a listening ear when needed most.
What’s involved?
You’ll help us to offer one-to-one emotional and practical support to patients, their loved ones, and people who are bereaved, with particular focus on those in Evesham, Pershore, Upton, Malvern and Kempsey. This could include accompanying clients on local outings such as to supermarkets and cafes, and helping with activities such as light housekeeping, shopping, dog walking and carer respite (where appropriate).
It’ll also be important for you to keep clear written records, and you’ll be asked to attend regular supervision with your manager every 4–6 weeks to ensure you feel supported in the role. There will also be the option to co-facilitate bereavement support groups (full training is provided).
This role could be a great fit for you, if you are:
- Caring, compassionate, inclusive and non-judgemental
- Able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality, and always ensure client safety
- Open to learning from others and developing new skills and knowledge
- Able to communicate clearly and listen attentively
- Organised, reliable and good at timekeeping
- Comfortable with basic IT, such as email
- Willing to take part in all necessary training for the role, including a 2-day session at the hospice on ‘Supporting Effectively in a Palliative Care Setting’ (dates to be confirmed)
- A holder of a full UK driving license and able to travel to patients’ and clients’ homes (travel expenses are reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Policy)
- Available to support at least three clients either face to face in the community or at the hospice, as well as over the phone or by video call.
Please note: all volunteers will be asked to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of recruitment and onboarding for this role.
When is help needed: we ask volunteers to offer 2–3 hours weekly. Days and hours to be agreed with the line manager.
Interview: due to the nature of this role, all prospective volunteers are asked to come along to an interview/discussion. This is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other. We can find out more about your skills and interests, answer any questions you may have, and discuss in more detail the expectations of volunteering and your availability. We can also provide you with a clear understanding of what it’s like to volunteer with St Richard’s Hospice and the Family Support team.
Reporting to: Family Support Practitioner and Supervisor
Location: St Richard’s Hospice, Wildwood Drive, Worcester WR5 2QT
Why volunteer with us?
By volunteering with us, you’ll be making a real difference to our patients and everyone we care for. You’ll also have opportunities to meet new people, make friends, share your your skills and build new ones, enhance your career prospects and opportunities, and enjoy training and support relevant to your role.
Find out more
Interested in getting involved as a volunteer? We’d love to hear from you! Email , call 01905 763963 for a chat before you apply, or complete the full application form below.