ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR VOLUNTEERING Hospital Volunteer (Bristol Royal Hospital for Children) What will I be doing? Buddies are based on a ward in the Children’s Hospital and spend time with children and young people who are often bored, lonely or feel isolated. Reading stories Chatting Playing games Sitting quietly to provide some companionship Sometimes a cuddle will be just what a young patient needs. When can I volunteer? 10.00am 12noon, 12noon 2.00pm or 2.00pm 4.00pm Mondays to Fridays. – – – Evening and weekend volunteering may be available once a volunteer is fully established in the role. How much time do I need to give? Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of a weekly two-hour session and offer at least 50 hours of volunteering (30 hours for those volunteering through our Young People’s volunteering programme). More frequent volunteering for a shorter period is also possible. What difference will I be making? Buddies provide valuable social interaction with patients, can help relieve stress and worry and can help a patient’s time in hospital. ‘normalise’ By spending time with a child or young person, Buddies can also give parents and carers a much needed break. Personal qualities we look for in a Buddy What you will gain by being a Buddy Friendly, kind, approachable manner A rewarding experience knowing you Previous experience of spending time have made a difference to a young with children and engaging them in patient’s time in hospital activities Working as part of a team on a ward Being sensitive to peoples’ Experience within a CQC awarded vulnerabilities trust ‘Outstanding’ Proactive An opportunity to challenge yourself Reliable and honest Supporting studies in childcare / Able to follow instructions education / health & social care All volunteers within the Trust receive training, a volunteer uniform, access to NHS Discounts and reasonable expenses paid. A volunteer is a valued member of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and is expected to: Volunteer within the guidelines agreed by the Voluntary Services Manager for the placement
ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR VOLUNTEERING Hospital Volunteer (Bristol Royal Hospital for Children) What will I be doing? Buddies are based on a ward in the Children’s Hospital and spend time with children and young people who are often bored, lonely or feel isolated. Reading stories Chatting Playing games Sitting quietly to provide some companionship Sometimes a cuddle will be just what a young patient needs. When can I volunteer? 10.00am – 12noon, 12noon – 2.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.00pm Mondays to Fridays. Evening and weekend volunteering may be available once a volunteer is fully established in the role. How much time do I need to give? Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of a weekly two-hour session and offer at least 50 hours of volunteering (30 hours for those volunteering through our Young People’s volunteering programme). More frequent volunteering for a shorter period is also possible. What difference will I be making? Buddies provide valuable social interaction with patients, can help relieve stress and worry and can help ‘normalise’ a patient’s time in hospital. By spending time with a child or young person, Buddies can also give parents and carers a much needed break. Personal qualities we look for in a Buddy Friendly, kind, approachable manner Previous experience of spending time with children and engaging them in activities Being sensitive to peoples’ vulnerabilities Proactive Reliable and honest Able to follow instructions What you will gain by being a Buddy A rewarding experience knowing you have made a difference to a young patient’s time in hospital Working as part of a team on a ward Experience within a CQC awarded ‘Outstanding’ trust An opportunity to challenge yourself Supporting studies in childcare / education / health & social care All volunteers within the Trust receive training, a volunteer uniform, access to NHS Discounts and reasonable expenses paid. A volunteer is a valued member of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and is expected to: Volunteer within the guidelines agreed by the Voluntary Services Manager for the placement
patient_buddy_volunteer_brhc_-_role_description_-_feb_2018.doc.docx