Volunteer help in patient care
Befriending and caring, supporting and helping - these words sum up just what Weldmar Hospicecare Trust volunteers do for patients, carers and for the Trust.
In the community . . .
we reach to the far corners of north, south and west Dorset, and volunteers help patients and carers at home in many practical and supportive ways. Befriending patients and their families as well as driving patients to hospital appointments, collecting prescriptions, walking dogs when their owners are unwell, sitting with patients whilst their carer has a well-earned break, and doing some light shopping, are some of the ways in which volunteers help to care for patients.
Some patients live alone and find getting out difficult. Our Social Groups, run largely by volunteers, meet weekly at venues across our area. Volunteers drive patients to and from the group, serve a hot meal at lunchtime and are involved in various activities and outings. Many friendships are made and a happy, caring atmosphere prevails.
Weldmar Hospicecare Trust has two minibuses, which are on the road five days a week all year through, transporting our patients and carers to and from our daycare and social group services up and down the county. The minibuses provide a vital form of transport for patients coming to us in their own wheelchair, and there is always a nurse escort on board providing assurance and advice. For some patients, the minibus is the only means for them to reach our service.
Our team of volunteer minibus drivers are specially trained to drive our multi-seater vehicles, and usually drive once a week complementing the work of our paid minibus drivers.
Volunteers also undertake various admin tasks at our offices such as reception, filing, photocopying and minute taking.
Day hospice . . .
is open to patients in Weymouth, Dorchester and Shaftesbury. Our volunteers work alongside our professional staff helping serve tea and coffee, preparing for lunch, offering complementary therapies, creative arts, beautician expertise, and sitting and chatting with patients. Transporting patients to day hospice is an important role, with volunteers using either their own car or one of our minibuses.
The in-patient unit . . .
in Dorchester affords our volunteers opportunity to work alongside our nursing team at mealtimes on the wards and helping with refreshments for families and staff. Volunteers are often asked to sit with and comfort patients at times when the family is not able to visit. Other areas for volunteers to become involved include reception, flower arranging, gardening, light maintenance, and ‘PAT’ (Pets As Therapy).
Family Support (bereavement) and Complementary Therapy Service . . .
are two further areas within the Trust where volunteers are hugely valued, working to the remit of our professional staff. Both are specialised areas where experience, qualifications and further training are taken into account.
These are some examples of the invaluable contribution made by our patient care volunteers in adding something special for patients and their families.
We believe it essential that all our volunteers are fully trained and confident to fulfil their role, and to this end we offer a two day induction course, plus further on-site training and support as appropriate.
We are committed to equal opportunities, and believe volunteering should be open to all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, religion or political beliefs.
Could you become a volunteer?
We have numerous volunteering opportunities and we will help you choose a role which suits you and supports the needs of the Trust. There is enormous flexibility and giving a few hours of your time can make a real difference.
All successful volunteers will have references and a Criminal Records Bureau check undertaken.
Please phone Caroline Munslow, Volunteer Services Manager on (01305) 215318 for more information - or download, complete and post back the form to apply to be a patient care volunteer (Word 168KB)
