Volunteer Complementary Therapist - Cancer Information and Support Centres (Epsom & St Helier)

People affected by cancer have a lot of stress and anxiety when they are diagnosed with cancer, when they are having treatment, after treatment ends and if they are living with incurable cancer. Some patients and carers are also dealing with a life changing / limiting illness and being able to offer gentle complementary therapies can help to make them feel better and give them something to look forward to. Clients are people affected by cancer, their relatives or carers.

About the Organisation

Our Cancer Information and Support Centres at both Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital provide information and support to anyone affected by cancer, and those who are worried about the risks of cancer.

What you will be doing

To provide complementary therapies to clients who visit both the Cancer Information and Support Centres at Epsom Hospital and at St Helier Hospital (aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, reiki, yoga). Clients are people affected by cancer, their relatives or carers.

You will be offering the therapy you are qualified in, in order to offer relaxation and reduction of stress and anxiety for people affected by cancer.
 
We are looking for people qualified in the following complementary therapies:
  • massage
  • aromatherapy
  • reiki
  • healing
  • reflexology

What's in it for you?

Volunteering in this role can be very rewarding as you see the benefit of your interaction with the patients. Volunteers are part of a team of approximately 28 volunteers, including counseloors and front of house volunteers, working at both Epsom and St Helier Cancer Information and Support Centres. 

You will be joining a friendly, supportive team of diverse professionals all working together in the interests of people affected by cancer.

Our mandatory induction and training covers:

  • Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust mandatory training (online)
  • Face-to-face training on listening and responding skills training, cancer awareness training and a general induction training for the centres

All training has to be completed before starting as a volunteer. There is a three month probation period, after which there will be a discussion with Centre Manager to see how things have gone.

Volunteering with us as a complementary therapist can contribute to your continuing professional development.

What skills will you need?

  • Be qualified and competent to practice specific therapies and be registered with one or more of the professional bodies pertaining to your therapy
  • Provide evidence of appropiate professional liability insurance
  • Be reliable and make a regular commitment
  • Have good listening and communication skills
  • Have at least 1 years’ experience post qualification of working with clients
  • Register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (regulatory body)
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of the particular therapy they are qualified to practice
  • Practice the therapy in a competent, safe and hygienic manner, in accordance with the centres’ guidelines and the therapist’s own professional body
  • Take account of contra-indications or precautions in relation to the therapy and adapt the treatment accordingly
  • Maintain accurate records according to the treatment plan
  • Ensure the client is safe to leave the premises at the end of the session
  • Follow the Volunteers’ Policy and the Complementary Therapy Guidelines and Policy
All complementary therapists are required to have a DBS check (organised and funded by us) as they work with a very vulnerable client group.

What's the time commitment and where? 

Time Commitment

Half a day per week or fortnightly or monthly. Volunteers should be able to commit to the role for at least 18months – 24 months.

Role Address

Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust Macmillan Butterfly Centre, First Floor Bradbury Wing, Epsom Hospital, Dorking Road, Epsom, KT18 7EG AND

Cancer Information and Support Centre, Block B, Springall Unit, St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 1AA

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

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