Volunteer- Hospital Project

With the support and guidance of the Project Lead, to offer relational support to young people for the duration of their time in hospital by: -Being a friendly face, building good rapport with a young person, giving them time and space to express their feelings and circumstances -Interacting sensitively with young people’s family or friends who are accompanying them -Gain an understanding of and provide information to the young person about the processes and assessments involved in their care whilst at hospital, finding out details from staff where necessary -Being available to accompany young people during treatment and assessments where appropriate, acting as an advocate where necessary -Working within the Policies of both east to west and the ASPH, with particular emphasis on Safeguarding and Lone Working -Where possible and appropriate make subsequent visits to young people during their stay in hospital to provide companionship and support -Where possible and appropriate A-be involved in discussions and plans for a young person’s discharge from hospital B-explain to the young person about decisions that are being made about them C-help them to voice their own wishes and concerns D-explain options available to them, including further support available from an east to west RSW in their school -Talking with the young people about their thoughts and feelings about going home, helping them to anticipate and manage risks, helping them to identify positive short and mid-term goals -Helping young people engage with treatment offered to them by CAMHS or other services, possibly accompanying them to appointments at first if desired -Knowing where to get information and then signposting young people to community groups and clubs where they can pursue hobbies and interests, form more friendships, etc -At all times whilst on duty, remaining open to God for strength and guidance

To effectively interact with other professionals in order to gain the best outcomes for young people by: -Becoming a registered volunteer with the ASPH which includes an enhanced DBS. Volunteers will be required to undergo the hospital volunteer process and be accepted as a volunteer. Should the hospital determine that it would not be appropriate for you to become a volunteer we will be unable to accept you onto the project -Building and maintaining the good reputation of the east to west amongst hospital staff and other professionals -Communicating key information about young people’s concerns and circumstances, where appropriate and permitted, with other professionals in a timely manner -Ensuring that safeguarding related information is dealt with in line with both the hospital’s and east to west’s Safeguarding Policies -Making useful notes on your observations and interactions with young people and ensuring these are stored correctly -Being a friendly and helpful presence within the hospital

To be part of the east to west team by: -To be an active member of the east to west team, including volunteers and trustees, and work within its ethos and guidelines -To recognise and support the local church in its engagement with east to west and in the project as appropriate -To uphold and fully engage with the organisational mission and ethos of The east to west Trust as written in the Core Documents -Participating in bi-monthly team meetings and training which includes praying together for our work and young people we support -Meeting with the east to west Project Lead for supervision and support -Being available to attend other training and events to further equip you -To embody east to west in all situations, in person and online, socially and in public, inside and outside of a project

Training - all volunteers will be benefit from the east to west Hospital Project training. This will involve initial induction training as well ongoing team training which will allow volunteers to continue to expand their knowledge and expertise in the role Support – volunteers will undergo a short debrief by phone within 24 hours of the end of every shift. They will also be offered regular relational support Expenses - reasonable expenses will be paid if signed off by the project lead

All joining this team agree that they undertake to live out the east to west ethos: Be Compassionate: We recognise that in all of Jesus’ interactions he is compassionate, driven to be selfless and serves through his compassion for the needs of humanity. Therefore, we too are driven by compassion to build relationship that will offer hope and transformation. It is because we know and value the worth of everyone who is made in the image of God that we are broken, moved and concerned when what we see distorts that. This compels us to respond and bring Hope. Act with Integrity: We will always be transparent in our work and accountable to all for that we do and who we are. Be Selfless: Being selfless doesn’t mean that we work 24/7, it means that we put the needs of others first. In the great commandment Jesus said we must love one another as much as we love ourselves – selflessness, sacrifice and servanthood are central themes in the life and teaching of Jesus. Through putting children’s, young people’s and family’s needs first, and not our own personal gain, we will be able to meet more accurately their needs, answer their questions and support them in their choices. Build Community: We are committed to relationships, to participation and to partnerships. Strong and selfless relationships with children, young people, families, partners and stakeholders are essential; for it is the quality of relationship that binds together and strengthens our work and life together. Be Devoted: If we are to be community, relational and selfless, then by default it must be devoted to our projects mission and purposes. Our commitment has to be intrinsically within us in order that we are devoted to those we serve. Stimulate Fun: Due to the fact that life is often too busy and serious, and the need so overwhelming and heart-breaking, we are committed to sharing fun and laughter together. We encourage applications from people of all ages, expressions of churchmanship and walks of life. If your application is successful, your references will be taken up and you will be invited for interview with the Project Lead and a representative of East to West. The offer of a position is subject to a DBS disclosure. Please don’t be put off by the process, it’s very important for the success of the work in helping vulnerable young people that we get these things in place and to ensure that we have the right people with the proper training. It is also for your own support as we want volunteers to be equipped and with a good idea of the aims and scope of the project so that they can be confident and relaxed in carrying out their role. Thank you for your interest and we do hope you hear from you soon.

It is required for the purposes for this role that the volunteer is a committed and practising Christian as the role is a recognised extension of the local churches outreach and commitment to the community. Therefore, the ethos of the Trust and local church must be able to be expressed and delivered with all integrity which the Trust believe can only be delivered by a committed and practising Christian.