Our fantastic team of companions provide practical support and companionship to patients on our ward or at their home in Oxfordshire, helping to improve their quality of life.

Skills and attributes required

• To be able to actively listen without feeling a need to ‘fix it’.
• To be courteous, friendly, and approachable.
• Enthusiasm to meet new people and facilitate conversations to encourage and motivate individuals.
• Confidence to visit patients and carers in their own homes.
• A clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
• Awareness of procedures for safeguarding adults – training will be provided.
• Willingness and flexibility to support patients who have a range of care needs.
• To work without direct supervision.
• To be comfortable relying on your own initiative and common sense but also recognising your own needs and knowing when to seek support.

Volunteering duties

• Visit patients and carers on the ward or at home at agreed times.
• Call patients at home to offer telephone support.
• Talk to the patients about everyday topics and the patients’ interests and hobbies.
• Offer companionship and a listening ear to patients and carers.
• To offer practical support to patients to re-engage in their crafts or hobbies as required.
• Sitting with patients to enable carers to have time to relax or to go out of the house.
• Assist with legacy work/letter writing/recording of ‘life story’ if requested.
• Complete a brief summary of the support provided after each home visit.
• To email a report to the Voluntary Services Co-ordinator promptly after each visit.
• To attend six monthly Support and Information meetings for Companions.

Please note this role requires an enhanced DBS clearance and OUH Health Check. Successful candidates must agree to abide by Sobell House and Katharine House policies and procedures, code of practice and sign a volunteer agreement. Full training and induction will be provided. Sobell Companions must not provide nursing or medical care, such as administering drugs or changing dressings, counselling, or medical advice.

To apply for this role, or to find out more, please get in touch with our voluntary services team:

Tel: 01865 225868
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Please apply by filling out the forms below.