Butterfly Volunteers

Butterfly Volunteers are now at MKUH!

Milton Keynes University Hospital have launched a new programme to build on our high-quality end of life care. We believe that no one should die alone and we have partnered with the Anne Robson Trust to introduce Butterfly Volunteers.

What is a Butterfly Volunteer?

Butterfly Volunteers provide company to hospital patients in the last days and hours of their lives providing emotional support, companionship and friendship to patients and families. We know that if a patient is feeling agitated or isolated, just having someone with them can make a difference. Holding a hand, reading, playing a favourite song or just being still will help – a patient being surrounded by love during the final days and hours of life is our aim through the Butterfly Volunteer programme.

The Role

The biggest gift a Butterfly Volunteer can give is their time to:

• To read, listen to music, or simply sit quietly
• Support family or friends who are struggling
• Give respite to family or friends when they need a break
• Simply sit and listen
• Be an advocate for the patient and liaise with nursing staff as appropriate
• Ensure that nursing staff know that their patients are not alone

If you are non-judgemental, compassionate and have confident communication skills then this role will be hugely rewarding. You will be empowered to make someone that is dying feel special and give comfort at a time of need. Families and friends will value your ability to give peace and reassurance at a difficult time. MKUH is a forward thinking, friendly place to be and our volunteers are valued members of the team.

How you will be supported

As a valued member of the team, you will receive excellent training through a Trust induction, e-learning and specialist end of life training in conjunction with the Anne Robson Trust.  You will have access to support through a dedicated co-ordinator and be part of a special end-of-life team where your welfare matters to us.

MKUH are proud to be working in partnership with the Anne Robson Trust charity to create a volunteer service focussed on supporting people nearing the end of their life. The charity enables hospitals to set up and run teams of specialist volunteers to provide bedside companionship to patients in their final days and hours, and emotional support to the patients’ visitors. The work these volunteers do is vital in supporting people facing the end of their life and those around them.

To learn more about the service and referrals in your hospital contact…., on ……

The small print

You will need to be over 18, available for a minimum of two shifts per month, and able to commit to six months and go through a vetting process.

To find out more

At this time, we are not currently recruiting for this post. However we do have a waiting list that you are more than welcome to be added to if you are interested.

If you would like to register your interest, email [email protected].

With the following information:

• Full Name
• Email Address
• What End Of Life experience do you have?
• What days would you be available to volunteer?

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