Service Background
Sally Sherman Ward is a 19-bed ward based at East Ham Care Centre.
The ward provides outstanding continuing care to Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Hackney residents who have dementia with complex holistic needs.
The multi-disciplinary team includes a Consultant Psychiatrist, specialist nursing team, GP, pharmacists, support workers, speech and language therapy, activities team, tissue viability nurses and dietitian.
The environment is dementia friendly and provides single en-suite facilities and exceptional care delivery.
East Ham Care Centre also provides an Activity Service to service users. The Service provides person-centred engagement and meaningful activities which all contribute to the quality of life to improve general well-being and the experience of being in the hospital.
Role Tasks/ Skills Required
The role of the Volunteer Assistant is to complement the ward in delivering a service primarily focusing on therapeutic engagement.
The role involves the following tasks if/when necessary:
- Interaction- As a volunteer you need to be able to interact with service users who have a diagnosis of dementia. This gives service users the opportunity to engage, express themselves and to socialise via companionship, befriending and personalised therapeutic activities.
- Encouragement- When working as part of a group or a one to one session service users may need encouragement to engage in therapeutic activities.
- Assistance- Some service users may have physical impairments that might make it difficult for them to complete tasks so you may be asked to carry out these simple tasks for them. This does not include toileting, personal care or manual handling.
- Preparing the Environment- The environment activities are carried out in is an important as the activities itself. The team tries to create an environment that is welcoming and inspirational, this includes decorating the environment and setting up and clearing for groups.
- Preparing Refreshments: Whether as a part of a group session or a party you may be asked to assist with preparing and serving food and refreshments to service users.
- Volunteers are encouraged to be creative and develop their own activities (deemed suitable for service users.)
Essential Skills:
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To be over the age of 18 years old.
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To be physically able to carry out the work required.
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To be able to communicate clearly and have good interpersonal skills.
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To have positive body language
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To have good time management skills.
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The desire to help others and engage in therapeutic activities.
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Patience.
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Ability to remain calm and be a good listener.
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Reading aloud to service users.
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Speaking to carers/staff.
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Knowledge of dementia or willingness to learn about this diagnosis and its impact on the service user and their family/carers.
Desirable Skills (not essential):
Languages of Residents
Various – languages of current service users include English, Bengali, Swahili, Greek and Turkish.
Benefits for Volunteers
This is an opportunity for people who have an interest in working with older adults who have dementia. You will be able to develop a sound and holistic understanding of this client group.
You will be able to improve rapport and communication skills using a friendly, empathetic approach.
You will be able to utilise skills of individual and / or group work in a person-centred manner. You can make use of peer support with other volunteers during your time supporting the residents.
You will gain further understanding of the inner workings of NHS mental health services.
You will be able to interact with NHS staff members, ask questions and learn from them developing networking connections and opportunities.
Benefits for Patients
You will help to improve the well-being and quality of life of care service users. You may brighten their day by having a friendly chat or supporting them to engage in activities that takes their interest. The time you spend with them will be greatly valued.
Benefits for Staff
Staff members at Sally Sherman and external partners will be grateful for your time spent with service users. Your input will help to provide out of hours therapeutic engagement to service users that may otherwise prove difficult.
Ward Induction Details
- A formal induction on the ward during regular office hours will take place prior to volunteers beginning their role.
- You will have the opportunity to observe group sessions currently taking place.
- You will be provided with information for your learning about dementia and invited to training sessions.
- You will receive continuous support from the ELFT Volunteer Service Team as well as the ward team.
Development Opportunities
You will develop various skills in your volunteer role. You will also learn about physical and mental health conditions, relevant to the patients who you will support.
You will receive continuous support from the ELFT Volunteer Service Team as well as the ward team.
Expenses
- Travel can be claimed for journeys to and from your volunteering base.
- A receipt is required/ bank statement.
Health & Safety, Confidentiality & Equal Opportunities
Volunteers must abide by the East London NHS Foundation Trust policies on Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities.
Insurance
In the event of an accident whilst undertaking any part of the volunteer role on behalf of East London NHS Foundation Trust you will be covered by the relevant Trust insurance policies as long as relevant health and safety procedures have been followed.
