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*Ward Befrienders - King George Hospital

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust

This role is currently only available for those interested in volunteering in the Emergency department at Queens Hospital or King George Hospital.

Many of our patients, especially the elderly and vulnerable, will be feeling very alone and isolated while on one of our wards. Our Ward befrienders are reliable, committed and empathetic. They assist patients and relatives to complete the FFT survey; encourage and empower them to share feedback.

Main tasks and responsibilities 

Supporting staff in non-clinical tasks such as; 

  • Filing
  • Calling relatives
  • Tidying areas or running errands to aid discharge home.
  • Playing games with patients (cards etc.)
  • Having a conversation with patients, sitting with patients who have no visits to help combat loneliness, reassure nervous patients by keeping them company. 
  • Help patients during mealtimes, issuing hand wipes, serving refreshments and replenishing water jugs, encouraging patients to eat and support feeding, when trained and clinically safe to do so. 
  • Meet & greet patients and relatives of other services offered by the hospital, ensure patients know where facilities are located to help patients contact their relatives using an ipad. 

Benefits to volunteer

  • Ward Befrienders help patients to take part in social and recreational activities.
  • Listening and chatting with patients, keeping them company and reassuring anxious and nervous patients a daily task. 
  • Spending time with patients.

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, qualifications and experience

  • Someone who is confident, outgoing and friendly.
  • Patience and empathy are essential qualities.
  • Someone who can remain calm and collected.
  • Is able to talk to people from a diverse number of backgrounds.
  • Someone who is physically active and can do some escorting around the building.

When do I need to be available?

Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Details

Daily.

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
  • Children & Young People
  • Families and Parenting
  • Health and Social Care
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Ideal for people who like
  • Befriending
  • Application Process
  • Application Form
  • DBS Check
  • Informal Discussion
  • Interviews
  • Online Application
  • References
  • Support provided
  • Access to group meetings/socials/team events
  • Basic reference can be provided
  • Induction provided
  • Peer support / buddying system in place
  • Training provided
  • Volunteer Handbook available
  • Volunteer will have named supervisor
  • Written role description
  • Accessibility
  • Accessible parking available
  • Accessible toilet facilities
  • Hearing/Induction loop available
  • Information in alternative formats
  • Expenses reimbursed
  • Meals/refreshments
  • Travel/mileage
  • Organisation Policies
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Safeguarding policy
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Other Information
  • Are there any age limits?
    18+
  • Recruitment Process - additional information
    Our recruitment session are held virtually via MS teams and are held every 3 months
  • Reference can be provided after how long volunteering?
    after 1 year
  • Role is exempt from Ex offenders Act 1972
  • Support Provided - additional information
    Paired with a volunteer champion for their first day
  • Volunteers covered by insurance

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