Volunteer - Ward Caterer

About us

The Ayrshire Hospice provides excellence in palliative and end of life care for patients and their families.

We support people who are aged 16 years and over, who have a diagnosis that is life limiting - this includes respiratory and heart diseases, neurological conditions as well as cancers and other illnesses. In addition, our Family Care Team also support children and young people – as well as the wider family unit – with counselling and bereavement services.

Where necessary, we provide a seamless transition from young adult hospice services to our care. Our care seeks to improve quality of life in various ways, for example; we support and advise on symptom control, provide emotional and spiritual care, social care and we provide personal care when it is needed at the end of life.

We also have pharmacy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy specialist services as well as our much-valued complementary therapy and Respite and Response services. Care is provided in a number of places including NHS Ayrshire and Arran hospitals, care homes and people’s own homes as well as in our In-Patient Unit and Living Well Hubs. In fact, we can provide care anywhere a person considers their home to be, regardless of the complexities associated with this.

Family members, close friends and carers are also supported both during a person’s illness and in bereavement.

The Role

Volunteer catering assistants within the IPU play a vital role in helping patients and visitors feel supported, comfortable and relaxed. Our care is person centred, meaning that all of our patients choose what is important to them and that includes what they eat and drink. Our patients are empowered to make choices, to have something small to suit their appetite or to ask for something special to create a treasured memory with family whilst sharing food.

As a volunteer, you would be involved in serving meals and refreshments, spending time chatting with patients and their loved ones, keeping the kitchen and refreshment areas neat and tidy and any other tasks relevant to role. You will play a pivotal part in ensuring meals with loved ones are a special experience at a time where these moments matter most. If you love to chat and make a real difference to someone's day, this is the role for you.

What you will gain

• The opportunity to gain experience in the charity sector
• Take on a new challenge and meet new people
• Opportunity to make a difference to your community
• Learn and develop new skills and use existing skills to help others
• Training and support will be provided to carry out your role
• Reimbursement of expenses in accordance with our volunteer expenses policy