Job Description
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Job Location: Leopardstown Park Hospital, DublinWork Hours: Occasional as required
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Salary: Voluntary RoleJob Type: Voluntary
About Our Organisation
Leopardstown Park Hospital is a dedicated healthcare and end-of-life care facility that provides exceptional care and services to our residents. Our mission is to ensure dignity, comfort, and compassion for all, particularly for those in their final stages of life. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our volunteers play a crucial role in supporting various activities and operational areas. As we embark on special annual events and continue to run essential day-to-day programmes, our volunteers are vital in enhancing the resident experience and supporting our staff.
About This Role
Volunteer responsibilities and tasks:
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the following:
- Annual Events Support: Help us create meaningful and festive experiences for our residents by assisting with events such as Christmas celebrations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and other key cultural and seasonal festivities. Tasks may include event set-up, decoration, accompanying residents to and from events, supporting group activities, and general engagement on the day.
- Activities Support: Volunteers may also support the hospital’s activities team in running day-to-day recreational and therapeutic sessions. These might include arts and crafts, music, storytelling, gentle movement classes, quizzes, or themed events. Volunteers can assist with setting up materials, encouraging participation, offering companionship, and providing one-to-one support where needed.
- Companionship Programme: Our companionship programme is at the heart of what we do. Volunteers are paired with residents for one-to-one visits to reduce loneliness and support emotional wellbeing. This could involve chatting, reading aloud, accompanying residents on short walks around the grounds, playing cards or board games, or simply being a reassuring and friendly presence. Volunteers in this programme provide vital social connection and support, particularly for those at end-of-life stages who may not have regular visitors.
What’s Required:
- A friendly, compassionate, and patient approach.
- Good listening and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity to the needs of older adults and those in palliative care.
- Reliability and a commitment to treating residents with dignity and respect.
- No prior experience is required, but experience with older adults or in a care setting is welcomed.
Where this role will take place:
This is an in-person role at Leopardstown Park Hospital, Dublin. Volunteers will be fully briefed on health and safety procedures, and must follow infection prevention protocols.
Time commitment:
- Annual Events Support: Occasional, based on the events calendar.
- Activities & Companionship Support: Weekly or fortnightly visits are preferred, but we can offer flexibility depending on your availability. We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 months to help build trust and continuity with residents.
Supports you will receive as a volunteer:
- Full induction and orientation provided.
- Ongoing support and supervision by the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Training opportunities related to dementia awareness, communication, and palliative care.
- Insurance cover during your volunteering hours.
- Reimbursement for pre-agreed travel expenses.
Benefits
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer:
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents, especially those at risk of isolation or in end-of-life care.
- A chance to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare and end-of-life care setting.
- Personal fulfilment, confidence-building, and the chance to be part of a caring community.
- Opportunities to build your CV and request references for work or study.
How to Apply
To progress your application, please contact us at LucyLeggett@lph.ie or SusanHogan@lph.ie to express your interest. Or submit your application via the link. Following a short interview, volunteers will be invited to attend an induction and Garda Vetting process before being assigned a suitable role.