Health and Care Volunteer (Belfast)

For people leaving hospital, adjusting to life at home can be a difficult time. Helping someone get their essential shopping, pick up their prescription or get the heating turned on can make all the difference for them to feel safe at home.

We would like you to:

• Be available to volunteer on a regular basis.
• Be available at least one morning/afternoon per week, during service opening hours; Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months.
• Have held a driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive in the UK.
• Have use of your own vehicle.

Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Access NI check. Applicants will be asked to provide ID documents in support of the Access NI check.

Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness. As part of creating an inclusive space we have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives. We welcome refugees, asylum seekers and others currently in the UK to volunteer with us. We want volunteering to be accessible to everyone.

Health and Safety Statement: We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need. Unfortunately we aren't able to accept applications from 15 – 17 year olds for this role. Please get in touch and we can support you to find another role in your area.

If you are compassionate and like helping and meeting people, then this could be the role for you. Volunteers like you support people who are leaving hospital, helping to build their confidence so that they can continue to live independently in their own home.

What you will be doing:

• Visit people in hospital as they are getting ready to go home.
• Bring people home from hospital.
• Help someone settle in when they first arrive home.
• Support with shopping and collecting prescriptions.
• Help people find further support if they need it.
• Keep records of tasks.

The skills you need:

• Warm and friendly with empathy for others.
• Encouraging and supportive.
• Enjoy meeting and spending time with new people.
• Can work independently and as a part of a team.
• Able to commit to a regular shift.

What's in it for you:

• Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team.
• A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones.
• All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training).
• Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training.
• An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives.