Marie Curie Companion at Home (Befriending)
About organisation / project
Marie Curie Helper Service provides trained volunteers to carry out weekly visits to people living with a terminal illness in their homes. Our volunteers offer companionship and support for up to three hours each week. The role involves helping with activities such as reading, making short trips to the shops, support to attend social events or appointments and providing information on local services. The service also provides support for the carer and family during bereavement for up to three months. Helper volunteers receive extensive training before they start, and then ongoing support throughout their time volunteering. We reimburse out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with the expenses policy.
Further information about Marie Curie Helper can be found at www.mariecurie.org.uk/helper.
Details Hide[-]
The difference you make as a Companion
Everyone’s different, but the people we support say these are the biggest ways in which having a Companion volunteer to support them helps.
Companionship and emotional support
As a Companion volunteer you're someone for the person you're supporting to talk to about whatever’s on their mind.
A bit of practical help
As a Companion volunteer, you might accompany the person you support to appointments or social events, or help with small everyday tasks.
Helping out families and carers
Having a Companion volunteer to turn to might mean an exhausted carer is able to take a short break away from their loved one to rest and recharge. This can make a huge difference to families and they're often so grateful to have the help there.
Information on further support
As a Companion volunteer, you can help the person you're supporting look into other support and services available near where they live - such as finding a gardener or cleaner to help around the home.
Helping families during bereavement
You can also provide support to families for up to three months after bereavement, giving support and companionship at a sensitive and sad time.
Please note that Companion volunteers do not assist with personal and clinical care, formal counselling or regular domestic tasks.
Additional information Hide[-]
Required Role
Marie Curie Companion at Home (Befriending)
Key responsibilities
Our Companion at Home Volunteers allow carers to take a break/do everyday tasks and offers the person who is ill companionship, emotional support and/or practical support which can make a real difference to quality of life – from making a cup of tea to getting to a hospital appointment. Our Companion at Home Volunteers can be available for up to three hours fortnightly.
Mandatory SkillsHide[-]
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Listening
- Non-judgemental
- Positive attitude
- Telephone
Desirable Skills
- Confidence
- Practical
- Time Management
Skill to gain
- Administration and Clerical
- Communication
- Confidence
- Creative and design
- Initiative
- Leadership and Management
- Planning and organising
- Problem solving
- Research
- Opportunity and Recognition
When can you do this role/Calendar
Minimum commitment level: Twice a month
Start Date: 22-11-2023
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 06:00 PM
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- The University of Bradford Students' Union is a unincorporated association registered with the charity commission, charity No. 1148622
