Carers Break Volunteer Companionship Service

Carers Break Volunteer Companionship Service

Carers’ Break Volunteer – Companionship Service

Role Description

Outline of role:

As a Carers’ Break Volunteer you will provide peace of mind to Carers by supporting the person they care for, giving Carers the opportunity to have free time to take a break to relax.

Volunteers will spend time with the people with care needswhile their Carer has a break. This could involve reading to the person, chatting, watching television or playing cards or board games.

This role would suit individuals who would like to work directly with people with care needs, who are maybe interested in a career in Social Care.

We would welcome individuals with Asian language skills.

Main responsibilities

  • Staying with the person being cared for at their home to give the Carer a break
  • Accompanying the person cared for out if necessary
  • Helping the person cared for with mobility, forinstance:pushing a wheelchair, giving an arm for walking.(Moving and Handling training will be given)Please note, volunteers will not be required to carry out personal care tasks
  • Prompting the person with eating and drinking if necessary
  • Ensuring the person cared for is warm and comfortable
  • Supporting the person cared for with the activities they want to do, for instance playing board games, going out for a walk or shopping
  • Contacting the Volunteer Development Officer if any problem arises

Personal skills and Experience

  • Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy towards people who have a long term health condition or a disability
  • Non-judgemental and caring attitude
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Reliable and punctual
  • A commitment to the project of at least 6 months
  • Commitment and ability to work within Wandsworth Carers ‘Centre Confidentiality policy
  • Commitment and ability to work within Wandsworth Carers’ Centre Safeguarding policies
  • Commitment to the implementation of an Equality & Diversity policy

Code of conduct

As a volunteer, and therefore a representative of the Carers’ Centre, you will be expected to comply with this code of conduct.

  1. Treat carers, the cared for people and their families politely and with respect
  2. Ensure that your appearance is clean, neat and tidy at all times
  3. Maintain professional boundaries

Benefits to Volunteer

  • Obtain experience of working with a diverse group of people
  • Training offered
  • Out of pocket expenses will be covered
  • References available upon request (after 3 months)
  • Regular supervision with the VolunteerDevelopment Officer

Additional Information:

DBS required:Yes

Responsible to:Volunteer Development Officer

Supervised by:Volunteer Development Officer

Hours:Flexible

Expenses:Travel fares will be refunded and lunch provided up to the value of £4 per day (all receipts must be provided).

Supervision:Regular sessions with the Volunteer Development Officer to be arranged mutually

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