At a Glance
- Tasks: Help families with practical tasks like cleaning, cooking, and gardening.
- Company: EACH, a caring organisation making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and receive training.
- Other info: Flexible hours, travel expenses reimbursed, and supportive volunteer community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in someone's life while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18, friendly, reliable, and willing to help.
Key Activities
This role does not include nursing care tasks such as personal care, feeding or giving medication. These tasks must not be undertaken by a volunteer. You can let us know what household/practical tasks you would rather help with and we will match you with a family who has asked for that kind of help. Tasks could include:
- Cleaning/vacuuming/dusting
- Laundry/ironing
- Cooking/food preparation
- Gardening/mowing the lawn
- Painting/decorating/odd jobs
- Helping with homework/playing with siblings
- Walking the dog
- Having a cup of tea and a chat/being a listening ear
Personal Qualities/Attributes
You need to be over 18 for this particular role (although there are other opportunities at EACH if you are under 18). This role is perfect for practical, friendly and caring people who are looking to make a real difference. We ask that you are non-judgmental and willing to get stuck into jobs in the family home. We ask that you try to commit for 6 months once you are matched with a family but we understand that circumstances change. Being reliable and flexible is important for families. We would like you to be able to have good communication with the family and with your Volunteer Coordinator.
What will you get out of it?
You will make a difference to a family who need an extra helping hand in the home. You will also meet new people, receive all the training you need, and have regular catch ups with your Volunteer coordinator. This role is ideal for anyone with any time to give and for those thinking of a career in caregiving. We will reimburse any travel expenses to and from your chosen hospice base and to and from the family home.
Supervision:
You will be invited to attend a number of group supervisions each year designed to support you and allow you to meet other volunteers.
Location:
Training and supervision will take place at your chosen local EACH hospice. Family homes are all over Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex so we will try to match you with a family near to your home.
Time commitment:
We are very flexible about the times you can visit a family and just ask that you let us know your availability so that we can match that with a family.
Recruitment process:
We would like to meet you for an informal chat following receipt of your application form. You will be guided through an enhanced DBS check with volunteer services. You will then be invited to undertake a hybrid training and induction, some of which will be completed online, followed by a morning at the hospice.
Volunteer Help at Home employer: East Anglia Childrens Hospice
EACH is an exceptional employer that offers volunteers the chance to make a meaningful impact in their local communities across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive training, and flexible time commitments, volunteers can develop valuable skills while connecting with families in need. The opportunity to engage in various household tasks and receive travel reimbursements further enhances the rewarding experience of volunteering with us.
Contact Detail:
East Anglia Childrens Hospice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Help at Home
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the family before you start! A quick chat can help us understand their needs and preferences, making it easier for you to jump right in and make a difference.
β¨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Donβt wait for tasks to be assigned; if you see something that needs doing, just go for it. Families appreciate volunteers who take the initiative.
β¨Tip Number 3
Stay flexible with your schedule. Life can be unpredictable, so being adaptable will help us match you with families who need your support when youβre available.
β¨Tip Number 4
Keep communication open! Regularly check in with both the family and your Volunteer Coordinator to ensure everyone is on the same page and to address any concerns.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Help at Home
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights the skills and experiences that match the role. Focus on practical tasks you've done before, like cleaning or cooking, and show us how you can make a difference in a family home.
Be Yourself:We want to get to know the real you! Use your application to showcase your friendly and caring nature. Share any personal qualities that make you a great fit for this volunteer role.
Show Your Commitment:Let us know about your availability and willingness to commit for at least 6 months. Families are looking for reliable volunteers, so showing us you're in it for the long haul will really help your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on matching you with a family who needs your help.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Anglia Childrens Hospice
β¨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key activities of the Volunteer Help at Home role. Familiarise yourself with the types of tasks you might be doing, like cleaning, cooking, or gardening. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills match what theyβre looking for.
β¨Show Your Caring Side
This role is all about being friendly and caring, so be prepared to share examples of how you've helped others in the past. Whether itβs volunteering, helping a neighbour, or just being there for friends, showing your compassionate side will resonate well with the interviewers.
β¨Flexibility is Key
Families need reliable and flexible volunteers, so be ready to discuss your availability. Highlight your willingness to adapt to different situations and how you can commit to the role for at least six months, even if circumstances change.
β¨Communication Matters
Good communication is essential in this role. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both families and your Volunteer Coordinator. You might want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in building those relationships.