We simply couldn’t do what we do without the incredible support and commitment of our volunteers!
As a Home Support Volunteer you will 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.
If you want to be part of an amazing team making 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 cancer or 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 practical tasks like transport and shopping trips, even going for a drive and sharing a cup of tea.
Offering this time to listen can be the greatest support of all at a time of anxiety and change.
Find out more about our Home Visiting Service.
How much time do I have to give?
You need to be able to give around 3 hours each week, plus travel time. Also, attend a support group meeting every other month for 2.5 hours.
What skills and experience do I need?
All our volunteers receive comprehensive free training so 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.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
Any adult aged 18+ can volunteer with us, ideally living in Surrey or Surrey borders.
Do I need to be able drive?
Yes, you need to be able to drive, have your own car and be insured for business use.
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?
How long is the training?
Our training course consists of 6 x 2.5 hour sessions plus a weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 – 4.00 pm). We ask prospective volunteers to make a commitment to attend all training sessions.
When do your training courses take place?
We run our courses three times a year in January-Feb, June-July and October-November, although these may be subject to change.
What support will I get?
Volunteers are fully supported throughout their time at The Brigitte Trust. Our Service Co-ordinator 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’, ‘Anticipatory Grief’ and ‘Faith and Cultural Awareness’.
Where do I carry out my volunteering role?
You will visit your client in their home, care home, hospital or hospice.
How long will I support a client?
We tend to say initially 6 months and then review.
How far will I need to travel?
We tend to 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 try to stay within your range.
Do you reimburse travel expenses?
Yes, we pay mileage and other expenses incurred such as car parking fees.
Do I need a DBS check to volunteer?
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.
Will I be insured?
Yes, we have comprehensive insurance cover for professional indemnity and public liability.
How do you reward and recognise volunteers?
We value our volunteers and we have an annual celebration event and give out long service awards and certificates.
How will I be kept in touch with what’s going on?
We provide regular updates through newsletters and emails.
Training Dates
Our training programme consists of 6 x 2.5 hour sessions, plus one weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm). It is essential that trainees attend all sessions.
Dates: 8th June – 13th July 2023 (inc.) 10.00 – 1.00 pm. The weekend training will take place on 24th & 25th June.
Location: Reigate/Redhill, Surrey
Dates: 17th October – 21st November 2023 (inc.) 10.00 – 1.00 pm. The weekend training will take place on 4th & 5th November.
Location: Woking
To book a place on one of our training courses please complete our online application form by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button below. Alternatively, please email volunteer@brigittetrust.com or call us on 01306 881816.
