At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome attendees, serve refreshments, and support group activities for those with palliative conditions.
- Company: St Columba’s Hospice Care, dedicated to holistic palliative care for nearly 50 years.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and the satisfaction of making a difference in your community.
- Other info: Flexible two-hour commitment weekly, with comprehensive training and support provided.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team and help enhance the quality of life for individuals in need.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, empathetic, and reliable individuals who enjoy teamwork and supporting others.
St Columba’s Hospice Care has been supporting the people of north Edinburgh and East Lothian for nearly 50 years, providing holistic palliative care and support to those living with life limiting conditions across our community.
Our Compassionate Wellbeing Service provides a range of person centred inpatient and community-based activities in the Hospice and we are now delighted to offer a new social group in Prestonpans Library. We will meet on Tuesday mornings and offer local people living with a palliative diagnosis the opportunity to come together for some good company and coffee and cake. Carers are very welcome too.
The Hospice believes that social support is vital for people with a palliative condition as it helps maintain and add to their quality of life and emotional wellbeing and it provides a sense of connection and feelings of belonging at a time of uncertainty.
What will I be doing/involved in?
- Warmly welcome group attendees
- Help prepare the Meeting Room in Prestonpans Library and tidy up afterwards
- Support the group facilitator during the session
- Provide social support to group attendees and help ensure the group is engaging and inclusive
- Offer and serve tea / coffee and refreshments
- Maintain healthy boundaries
- Report to staff any concerns regarding service users
- Be guided by Hospice values of Care, Compassion, Respect, Trust and Partnership
What experience or skills do I need?
- Be enthusiastic and cheerful with a positive attitude
- Be empathetic and non-judgemental
- Be respectful of confidentiality
- Be discrete, tactful and sensitive
- Be reliable and trustworthy
- Be flexible to change
- Have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- Enjoy being part of a team
Time commitment and duration
Two hours on a weekly morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Current group delivery on a Tuesday morning.
Where will I be based?
Prestonpans Library, West Loan, Prestonpans EH32 9NX
Who will be supporting me?
Compassionate Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Who else will support me?
Compassionate Communities Lead, Compassionate Wellbeing Team, Volunteer Services Manager
Recruitment checks
- Interview with Compassionate Wellbeing Co-ordinator Compassionate Communities Lead
- Online Application Form
- Volunteers must be 18+
- Two references
Please note volunteering will take place after all checks are completed.
Training
- Hospice Volunteer Induction
- 1⁄2 day familiarisation visit to Hospice
- Attend team Meetings
- Food Hygiene module
- Manual handling Training
- Safeguarding module
- Training will take place over the 1st year
Additional Information
- The Spiritual Care team are always available to support volunteers
- The Hospice provides complementary tea and coffee to all volunteers, staff, patients and families as part of the hospitality strategy.
- Due to the sensitivities of this role we suggest that applicants who have had a bereavement within the last 12 months take a little more time before applying.
You can apply online here, or email volunteer@stcolumbashospice.org.uk for more information.
Social Wellbeing Volunteer (Prestonpans) employer: St Columba's Hospice
St Columba’s Hospice Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment where volunteers can make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing life-limiting conditions. Located in Prestonpans, this role provides unique opportunities for personal growth and community engagement, all while being part of a dedicated team that values care, respect, and inclusivity. Volunteers enjoy comprehensive training, ongoing support, and the chance to connect with others in a warm and welcoming setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Wellbeing Volunteer (Prestonpans)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on St Columba’s Hospice Care. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about social support, think of examples from your past where you've shown empathy and teamwork. Be ready to share these stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a volunteer role, showing up looking neat and presentable can make a great first impression. It shows you care about the opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, don’t forget to apply through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Wellbeing Volunteer (Prestonpans)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your enthusiasm for helping others and your passion for social wellbeing.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant experience or skills you have. Show us how your background aligns with our values of Care, Compassion, Respect, Trust, and Partnership.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your points. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Online:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our compassionate team at St Columba’s Hospice Care!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Columba's Hospice
✨Know the Values
Familiarise yourself with the Hospice's core values: Care, Compassion, Respect, Trust, and Partnership. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to show that you align with their mission and understand the importance of these principles in a palliative care setting.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Social Wellbeing Volunteer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and support for others. This will help the interviewers see your ability to connect with group attendees and provide the social support they need.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Inclusivity
The role requires a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Think about how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment for all attendees. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences or ideas you have on fostering inclusivity in group settings.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the types of activities planned for the social group or how the team supports volunteers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best contribute.
