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Role Details

Title

Befriender Volunteer (Weston General Hospital)

Organisation

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

Distance from the search postcode

You did not enter a postcode in the search, or the postcode for this role is unknown.

Website

http://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/work-for-us/volunteering This link will open a new window.

What you will be doing

• Providing companionship and promoting social interaction with a range of people, including
older patients, those with Dementia or cognitive impairment, or patients with a learning
difficulty and/or Autism.
• Providing social support by encouraging and connecting with patients, for instance,
engaging in conversation, reading a newspaper together, playing cards or assisting with
arts and crafts activities.
• Signposting patients to appropriate support, where appropriate.
• Providing a listening ear and reassurance to patients.
• Volunteering alongside and engaging with a team of Health Care staff in your allocated
area.
• Completing the patients ‘All about me’ or ‘Health Passport’ document (where applicable).

Activities

Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,General & Helping

Skills & Attributes

Art & Craft

Skills Description

• A friendly and approachable manner. • Confidence to be able to volunteer on a ward alone. • Good social and communication skills, and proactive in approaching people. • Ability to engage in a range of activities such as simple board games/puzzles, finding music a patient would like to listen to, reading with a patient. • Being sensitive to peoples’ vulnerabilities. • Reliable and able to commit to weekly sessions at the same day and time each week. • An understanding of the impact dementia or cognitive impairment can have on a patient’s stay in hospital. • Ability to follow infection prevention and control standards in place (including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, PPE) in the hospitals, and tactfully and sensitively be able to encourage visitors to follow those same standards. • An understanding and ability to implement good personal and professional boundaries.

What is in it for you

• Experience of the NHS, within a CQC awarded ‘Good Trust’. • Rewarding experience, helping to make a patient’s stay in hospital a bit easier. • Experience of the NHS at ward level. • Working as part of a team. • Training and full induction. • Volunteer uniform. • Access to NHS Discounts. • Reasonable travel expenses paid.

Time Commitment

One session a week for a minimum of 6 months. 14:00-16:00 Monday - Friday

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Contact Person

UHBW Voluntary Services

Role Address

Weston General Hospital Grange Road Weston Super Mare

Postcode (See Google maps below)

BS23 4TQ

Directions

Located on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare near the village of Uphill. Positioned adjacent to the A370 Bridgwater Road going south out of Weston.

Number of volunteers required

How to find out more

https://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/work-for-us/volunteering/

Application Process

Application Form

ID Check

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

References

Informal Discussion (may include an interview)

Support you will receive

Wheelchair Access

Disability and Access Support

We strive to support individuals with disability or access requirements to volunteer in our hospitals. Our team can discuss any queries or concerns you may have.