Volunteer Community Companion- Adults

Posted for Northamptonshire Carers

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A volunteer companion enables individuals with a caring responsibility for an adult with health needs to take some time away from their caring role. 

The volunteer will spend time with the looked after person whilst their main carer is away. The role is a befriending role. You will not be expected to do any personal care or to give any medications.

All adults using the service will have one or more health needs / disability that have an impact on their day-to-day life. This may include dementia, Parkinson’s disease, heart or breathing difficulties such as COPD, mental health problems, stroke, learning disability or a physical health need. The level of support required will therefore vary on a case by case basis and we will only match you with someone you are comfortable volunteering with. Volunteers will be matched with a Carer living in their local area and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

A volunteer companion enables individuals with a caring responsibility for an adult with health needs to take some time away from their caring role. 

The volunteer will spend time with the looked after person whilst their main carer is away. The role is a befriending role. You will not be expected to do any personal care or to give any medications.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• To spend time an adult with a health need and/or disability in their own home through regular visits.
• Read and understand the policies relevant to a volunteer working with adults with health needs and/or disability.
• Should you have any concerns during the befriending visit to report them to and seek advice. 

Apply here:

Skills

• Understanding
•  Caring and trustworthy
•   Patient
• Empathetic
• Good communication skills
• Willing to undergo training and improve knowledge and awareness of adults with health issues.

 

Whilst previous experience is not essential it may prove helpful to this role if you have:

•    Worked in the caring professions, for example, social care, social work or nursing.
•  Have skills that are transferable from either work or life experience (for example, having been in a caring role yourself or supported another family member in a caring role).

• Working in an unsupervised setting 

Details

Location

This opportunity is available Countywide.

When do I need to be available?

Availability Details

The service runs 9am-9pm Monday-Sunday. It is anticipated that for this role you would be able to offer approximately one visit of 2/3 hours on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
The length and frequency of visits will be arranged in agreement between the volunteer and the carer.