Volunteer Buddies work alongside, and give guidance and reassurance to, volunteers who might need extra support (e.g who have visual or hearing impairments, learning differences, limited English language, physical and medical needs). You could choose to support volunteers within a particular team or could float between roles across the Hospice as the need arises. It is desirable that each volunteer requiring extra support is paired with a couple of Buddies in order to provide flexibility around shift times and absence cover.

This role is required across all Hospice departments but is needed particularly in our Retail venues.

When am I needed?

We are looking for people who can help on an ad hoc basis, as and when another volunteer needs support, and for the duration of their shift. Actual times would be arranged between yourself, your supervisor, and the volunteer you are assisting on a regular basis. Core times are Monday to Friday for Hospice based roles and Monday to Saturday for Retail roles. Ideally you would be able to provide support for an extended period (at least 6 months) to provide consistency for your Buddy.

What will I be doing?

• Giving your time to support the learning and development of volunteers
• Building a good relationship with volunteers who need extra support
• Working closely with your supervisor to understand the needs of the individual and the department
• Providing personalised support to Volunteers in the role and venue that they are volunteering in
• Assisting volunteers who have extra needs, such as helping explain tasks when English is not the first language, or if they have difficulty remembering tasks
• Supporting new and existing volunteers, answering questions, and giving guidance as needed

What skills and qualities will I need?

• Be able to engage people and put them at their ease
• Be tolerant and understanding of the issues others face
• Be patient, enthusiastic and approachable, and able to perform volunteering tasks
• Enjoy working alongside people with a variety of backgrounds
• Experience of supporting or working alongside others with additional needs would be beneficial but not essential
• Demonstrate good attention to detail
• Enjoy being part of a friendly, hardworking team
• Be reliable and trustworthy
• A reasonable level of confidence with IT would be helpful but not essential

Why might I want to volunteer at St Leonard’s?

• Use your time and skills for a good cause
• Have the feeling you have made a difference
• Support your own mental health and wellbeing
• Meet new people
• Gain new skills and experiences
• Boost your CV
• Be part of a friendly and inclusive team
• Be valued and respected

Support and Supervision

Volunteers will be supervised by the department Line Manager/Supervisor and supported by additional team members and the Volunteer Services Team. The Volunteer Services Team will help guide you through the application and induction process and be your point of contact for general enquiries about volunteering.

Volunteers are required to complete mandatory training modules which are usually delivered via our online platform. Additional, booster and refresher training may be delivered as needed via e-learning, video links or face to face. You may also be invited to attend role specific in person meetings where appropriate.

For all volunteering enquiries please contact the Volunteer Services Office on 01904 777765 or email volunteers@stleonardshospice.org.uk

About the Hospice

St Leonard’s Hospice provides care and support to those living with life-limiting illnesses and to the people they care about. We couldn’t carry out the important work we do without a committed and talented team of Volunteers and Supporters – people of all ages, and from all walks of life who help us provide care, assistance, and support throughout the organisation, as well as promoting the work of the hospice in local communities and raising crucial funds.