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*****Hospital Visitor Volunteer***

VoiceAbility

Hospital Visitor

Could you help someone in a mental health facility access our advocacy services? Do you have the patience and understanding to chat with people in mental health facilities about their experiences there?

You can make a real difference to their experience and recovery.

This role is ideal for mental health and psychology and psychiatry students or anyone with an interest in mental health. We also welcome people with lived experience. 

Hospital Volunteers provide support for patients who are in hospital for mental health reasons. They support our paid IMHAs (Independent Mental Health Advocate) – who provide the statutory support patients are entitled to under the Mental Health Act by

Main tasks and Responsibilities.

• Making site visits and conducting drop-ins.

• Explaining client’s basic rights under the Mental Health Act.

• Keeping detailed notes and records of interactions with clients and visits.

• Referring clients to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) if necessary.

• Signposting clients to other services.

• Building working relationships with site staff.

• Promoting our IMHA services and organisation


What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications.

• Good communication skills – written and verbal.

• Empathy and patience when dealing with clients.

• A knowledge of or interest in mental health & well-being.

• A basic level of IT literacy – email, docs.

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage own time and prioritise workload.

• Ability to work independently & as part of a team.

• A commitment to the aims and ethos of VoiceAbility.

  • Need to be 18+

When do I need to be available?

Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Details

2-3 hrs per week. Preferred minimum length of commitment: 6 months Volunteers will complete their tasks within working hours Mon- Fri 9-5pm. Times may be dictated by access to facilities and agreed with the Service Team.

Register your interest

We limit the number of roles you can initially express an interest in to 3 opportunities. Please only register an interest in 3 roles maximum.

  • Ideal for people interested in
  • Health and Social Care
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Ideal for people who like
  • Advocacy
  • Information, Advice and Guidance
  • Research
  • Application Process
  • Application Form
  • DBS Check
  • Informal Discussion
  • Interviews
  • References
  • Support provided
  • Basic reference can be provided
  • Induction provided
  • Training provided
  • Volunteer Handbook available
  • Volunteer will have named supervisor
  • Volunteer will have regular one to one supervision meetings
  • Accessibility
  • Information in alternative formats
  • Expenses reimbursed
  • Meals/refreshments
  • Travel/mileage
  • Other Information
  • Are there any age limits?
    18+
  • DBS checks - additional information
  • Expenses - additional information
  • Recruitment Process - additional information
  • Reference can be provided after how long volunteering?
    6 months
  • Role is exempt from Ex offenders Act 1972
  • Support Provided - additional information
    Volunteers with additional Support Needs: Volunteers are risk assessed and every effort is made to ensure they can volunteer on the same terms as other volunteers who do not have additional needs. Support needs are tailored to the individual.
  • Thanks / Recognition for Volunteer contribution

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