Patient Befriender Volunteer
Patient Befrienders aged 16+ interact with patients who may feel lonely, isolated or bored on the wards. They spend time talking with patients, helping them to connect virtually with their loved ones, and support patients with activities at the bedside or in the day room. This role does not include advocacy or counselling.
Closing date for volunteers applying is 22/04/2025
This role is based in Barry Hospital, University Hospital of Llandough and St David's Hospital.
Main Tasks
To treat all patients with dignity and respect
To spend time in general conversation and listening
Assisting staff with activity sessions, which could include arts and crafts, social games and seasonal activities
Assisting with providing hot or cold drinks as and when requested by staff outside of the scheduled drink services
To reassure anxious or nervous service users or visitors
To provide a reading/writing service where appropriate
Facilitating one to one activities with patients such as cards and puzzles
Using reminiscence tools with patients
Undertaking virtual visiting calls
Using the Interactive Touch Table
Undertaking patient feedback surveys with UHB devices
Personal requirements
To have excellent listening skills and be non-judgemental
To be confident when communicating with service users, visitors, staff and general members of the public
To be enthusiastic about the aims and work of Cardiff & Vale UHB
To display levels of empathy and understanding at all times
To be presentable, smart and always wearing UHB Volunteer uniform and ID badge
To recognise when to refer issues and questions to UHB staff
Benefits to the volunteer
Gain experience of team working
Satisfaction of assisting others and providing an invaluable service to the Health Board and community
An opportunity to develop personal skills and experience
An opportunity to develop communication skills further
An opportunity to develop knowledge about communication difficulties
Reference on request (only available once you have volunteered for six months)
Time Commitment: A suggested weekly time commitment of 2 hours. Days and hours are negotiable with the organisation.
Expenses reimbursed: Travel expenses to and from the place of volunteering are reimbursed.
Training provided: Volunteers will need to undertake Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Training and Induction as well as an appropriate level of manual handling and violence and aggression training. Training needs will be identified through the supervision process and will be met through Cardiff and Vale UHB Training.
Selection procedure: Informal discussion, application form completion, 2 references, occupational health check and a disclosure and barring check (cost met by organisation).
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact us using the form below.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Lots more available, we promote 400+ volunteering opportunities across the Vale of Glamorgan.