Volunteer Carer
Location: Skanda Vale Hospice, Saron, Llandysul, SA44 5DY.
Hours: Flexible, based on volunteer availability and hospice needs. Some volunteers choose to commit to frequent regular shifts while others offer their availability on a pre-arranged basis.
Supported by: Healthcare Support Workers’ Lead / Lead Nurse.
our service
As a volunteer carer at Skanda Vale Hospice, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones. Your role will focus on providing personalised, hands-on care with warmth and dedication.
You’ll be part of a great team in a supportive and encouraging environment – we’ll provide you with the training and everything you need to thrive in this rewarding role. If you have a caring nature and a desire to positively help others, we invite you to join our team.
What you’ll be doing:
- Patient Care: Provide hands-on care and support to patients in their daily living, including personal care and eating and drinking, according to their individual needs. Help them move around the hospice and gardens, accompanying them on outings when needed.
- Supporting Patient Comfort: Watch for signs of discomfort or distress and report any concerns to the nursing team.
- Emotional Support: Offer emotional support and a compassionate presence; a listening ear, empathy, and understanding during difficult times. Create a warm and nurturing environment where patients and their families feel valued, respected, and cared for.
- Support with Activities: Help patients to take part in any meaningful activities and hobbies they may have. Assist with organising recreational and therapeutic activities and entertainment.
- Working in a Team: Work willingly together with nurses, other carers, companions, therapists, and team members to support great team spirit. Share relevant information and observations to support patient care planning and decision-making.
- Observing and Reporting: Report any changes in patients’ conditions or any concerns or incidents to the nursing team and support them in keeping accurate care documentation
Personal qualities & experience:
- A compassionate and empathic nature, with a genuine desire to support and care for others.
- An ability to interact sensitively and respectfully with patients and their families.
- Basic understanding of the principles of care and hygiene.
- Ideally some experience of caring – either at home or in a care setting.
- Ideally some experience of teamwork with people from various backgrounds.
- Patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm.
- Reliability with a sense of commitment to giving your best.
- Willingness to take part in the training and orientation which we provide.
Training & support:
Comprehensive induction, training and ongoing support are provided to our Volunteer Carers to ensure they feel confident and capable in their role. This includes shadowing, one-to-one support, team sharing and development opportunities plus additional learning as needed.
Volunteer accommodation:
- We offer free overnight accommodation at either Skanda Hafan Guesthouse or at Skanda Vale Ashram for volunteers travelling from further afield.
- Find out more about free accommodation for healthcare volunteers.
YOUR STEPS TO JOINING OUR TEAM
Choose how to submit your application:
- Option 1: Complete and submit the online form below.
- Option 2: Download and email the form to: volunteers@skandavalehospice.org
- Option 3: Download print and post the form to: People Team, Skanda Vale Hospice, Saron, Llandysul, SA44 5DY.
One of our team will be in touch to talk through the details.
Come and meet us for a friendly conversation / interview to ensure we’re a good fit for one another.
After we’ve run our checks we’ll invite you to an Induction Day and welcome you into the team!
Volunteering application form
All our teams take part in training, so please ensure you’re happy with that before submitting your form. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for overseas volunteers.
Interested in volunteering?
Nicky Gilbert, our Recruitment Lead, reads every enquiry and will be in touch within a few working days.
