Independent Living A&E Volunteer (Bristol Royal Infirmary - First Call BNSSG)

You will be providing emotional support to adult patients, their relatives and NHS staff in the A&E department and in queuing ambulances. This role involves volunteering in a busy A&E department. The service provides support Monday to Sunday, between 10am and 8pm. We would like you to volunteer: - On a regular basis, weekly 2 hours per week minimum - For at least 12 months **Health and Safety Statement** We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at [volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk](url)
Why we want you: If you are compassionate and like helping and meeting people, then this could be the role for you. Volunteers, like you, will help provide practical and emotional support to service users and their relatives during what could be a distressing and vulnerable time, as well as supporting the NHS staff within the department.

• Tasks: Volunteering to support people waiting for or receiving treatment.
  
  Giving emotional support and pastoral care to people, including queuing ambulances
  
  Helping improve patients’ experience
  
  Being a point of contact in person or by telephone for patients, relatives, and NHS staff
  
  Signposting patients, relatives, and NHS staff to other services within the community
  
  Assisting with lunch, tea rounds and other practical tasks
  
  Keeping records of tasks

• Skills: Warm and friendly with empathy for others.
  
  Good communication skills.
  
  Encouraging and supportive.
  
  Can work independently and as a part of a team.
  
  Able to commit to a regular shift.
  
  Able to volunteer in a busy and emotionally challenging environment

• Benefits: Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team.
  
  A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones.
  
  All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training).
  
  Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training.
  
  An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives.