Become a Volunteer
We simply couldn’t do what we do without the incredible support and commitment of our volunteers!
As a Volunteer Visitor, you’ll be providing emotional support and practical help to people in our community who are living with a life-limiting illness. You will meet and support people from all walks of life, each with their own unique story to share. Our volunteers frequently express what a humbling and meaningful experience it is to be alongside someone at such a difficult time in their lives. We will provide you with full training, and all the support you need to succeed in your role!
We offer our services to people living in the Surrey area, and are looking for volunteers from any of the 11 Surrey Boroughs;
- Elmbridge
- Epsom and Ewell
- Guildford
- Mole Valley
- Reigate and Banstead
- Runnymede
- Spelthorne
- Surrey Heath
- Tandridge
- Waverley
- Woking
If you want to be part of an amazing team and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives, learn new skills, meet interesting people and make new friends, we’d love to hear from you!
What is the role of a Brigitte Trust volunteer?
When any life-threatening illness is diagnosed, a Brigitte Trust volunteer offers emotional support and practical help at home. You will visit the same client each week and give your time to listen, as well as helping with practical tasks such as transport and shopping trips, and even going for a drive and sharing coffee and cake.
Offering this time to listen can be the greatest support of all at a time of anxiety and change.
How much time do I have to give?
You need to be able to give around 3 hours each week, plus travel time. You will also attend one of our Volunteer support group meetings- these are held every other month for around 2 hours.
What skills and experience do I need?
All of our volunteers receive comprehensive free training, so you do not need any previous qualifications or specific experience to volunteer with us! During the training, participants will be expected to demonstrate openness, compassion, reliability, trustworthiness, recognition of any major losses of their own and a commitment to learning.
What training will I receive?
All volunteers are required to attend our free comprehensive training course which covers the following:
1. Active listening and responding skills
2. Boundaries
3. Assumptions and beliefs
4. Safeguarding and Mental Capacity Act
5. The first visit
6. Bereavement and endings
7. Loss and change
8. Who am I?
What support will I get?
Volunteers are fully supported throughout their time at The Brigitte Trust. Our Service Manager and Volunteer & Training Manager will make sure you have all the information and support you need to carry out your volunteering role. You will be expected to attend a bi-monthly support group facilitated by the Volunteer & Training Manager. We also offer optional training and ad hoc workshops throughout the year. Recent workshops have included ‘Building Resilience’, ‘Coping with Change’ and a much enjoyed Sound Bath session.
We value our volunteers and hold an annual celebration event, giving out long service awards and certificates. We also invite our volunteers for coffee and cake during Volunteer’s Week.
How far will I need to travel?
We try and match a volunteer with a client who lives relatively close by- you can specify how far you’d be willing to travel and we will try to stay within your range.
Do you reimburse travel expenses?
Yes, we pay mileage and other expenses incurred such as car parking fees.
Important Information
- Any adult aged 18+ can volunteer with us, ideally living in Surrey or on the Surrey borders.
- You’ll need to be able to drive, have access to your own car and be insured for business use.
- You’ll visit your client in their home, care home, hospital or hospice. Support to a client initially lasts for 6 months but may go on for longer if needed.
- We pay mileage and other expenses incurred such as car parking fees. We try to match volunteers with a client who lives relatively close by- you can specify how far you’d be willing to travel and we will try to stay within your range.
- As part of our safeguarding policy, we ask all our volunteers to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you already hold a DBS certificate and are registered with the ‘Update Service,’ you may not need to complete a new check- please speak to us about this and we can confirm whether we will be able to use your existing check or not.
- You will be insured with us- we have comprehensive insurance cover for professional indemnity and public liability.
Training Dates
Our training programme consists of 6 x 3 hour sessions, plus one weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm). It is essential that trainees attend all sessions.
Dates: 11th February – 18th March 2025. The weekend training will take place on 1st & 2nd March.
Location: Dorking
To book a place on one of our training courses, please complete our online application form by clicking the “Application form” button below. Alternatively, please contact us by email or call us on 01306 881816.We simply couldn’t do what we do without the incredible support and commitment of our volunteers!