Volunteers
Introduction
Jersey Hospice Care offers a highly professional service provided by specialist trained staff who are active both at Clarkson House itself and within the community. The work of Jersey Hospice Care also relies on a team of committed volunteers who provide valuable help and support for both patients and families at Clarkson House. Many volunteers are also actively involved in a wide range of fund raising activities.
To help maintain and develop our role we are seeking two key volunteers. Click here to find out more about the roles.
Fundraising & Shop Volunteers
Fundraising volunteers help with a wide range of activities organised by the Fundraising Committee. There are three Jersey Hospice Care shops. A town shop in St Helier, a boutique in St Aubin and a country shop in St Ouen. Any donations are gratefully received and volunteers are always welcome. It is not mandatory for a full training course to be undertaken by volunteers wishing to help in this area. If you'd like to become a fundraising volunteer you can download the form and send it into the fundraising office at Clarkson House.
Clarkson House Volunteers
Prospective volunteers who wish to help in the care of patients and their families, are invited to attend a Training / Selection Course which gives them an opportunity to learn in depth about our work and which area is most suited to their skills and talents. It is only after successful completion of this course that a volunteer will be allocated to an area of Hospice. An ongoing education and support programme is offered.
Clarkson House Volunteers work in many different areas:-
The In-Patient Unit (IPU)
Here the tasks undertaken by volunteers are many and varied, but they will not include any nursing duties. The volunteer role within the IPU is always under the direction of the nurse in charge and may include, sitting with a patient, manning the nurses’ station, serving tea or coffee to visitors or helping the cooks in the kitchen. A volunteer who wishes to work within Clarkson House, but who would prefer little contact with patients, can become ‘Housekeeper’ volunteers. This is particularly useful at weekends.
The Day Hospice (DH)
The volunteer’s duties in this busy area will vary but will include talking with patients, taking part in various activities, helping with outings and using specialised skills such as hairdressing.
Home Care Service
Volunteers who are very experienced in hospice work might be asked to sit with a patient in the patient’s own home. They may be asked to do some shopping for a patient or to accompany them on a shopping trip.
Bereavement Service
In order to become a volunteer Bereavement Support Worker, an intensive specialist training course must be completed. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Bereavement Service – telephone 285144.
Gardening
This oasis is largely maintained by a group of green fingered volunteers.
Driving
Volunteers who are on the register of drivers are primarily used to transport patients to and from the Day Hospice. They may also be asked to take patients to hospital appointments or to bring relatives to visit the In-Patient Unit.
How to find out more:
Jersey Hospice Care has two Volunteers’ Organisers who are responsible for recruitment, for volunteers’ education programmes and for co-ordinating the rotas. Training / Selection Courses are usually held twice a year. For more details of how you may be able to help, and for dates of the next course, please contact Clarkson House, telephone 876555 during weekday office hours. Potential volunteers wishing to help with fund raising or in the Hospice shops, should contact the Fund Raising Administrator, telephone 510349.