Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Volunteer Befriender

The closing date is 27 June 2025

Job summary

Days/times: Minimum of two hours a week, ideally midweek mornings. Flexible depending on availability. Ideally must be able to commit for a minimum of 6 months

Main Purpose

To volunteer on Coombehaven Ward, befriending patients who may feel socially isolated during admission. The role supports wellbeing through informal conversation, companionship, and participation in ward-based social activities, aligned with the NHS Culture of Care Programme and the wards recovery-focused approach.

About The Cedars and Coombehaven Ward

The Cedars in Exeter includes Coombehaven Ward, a mixed-gender locked unit offering assessment and treatment for adults with mental health needs. The ward provides a safe, therapeutic space with structured activities, individualised care, and a garden for meaningful engagement.

NHS Culture of Care Programme

A national initiative to transform inpatient services by prioritising safety, dignity, and inclusion. Key commitments include:

Ensuring patients feel safe, valued, and included
Supporting staff wellbeing
Promoting equity and trauma-informed care
Involving patients in decisions and daily activities
Designing environments that support recovery

Main duties of the job

Key Tasks

Liaise with a named staff member for direction

Befriend patients through informal conversation and presence

Join social activity groups under staff supervision

Encourage interaction to reduce isolation and loneliness

Offer comfort and emotional support through active listening

Report concerns to the nurse in charge

Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

Ideal Candidate Genuine interest in people and mental health Strong interpersonal and communication skills Compassionate, friendly, and non-judgemental Able to follow guidance in a ward setting Discreet, reliable, and aware of boundaries

Additional Information

Must be 18 plus

Minimum 2 hours/week for 6 months

DBS and references required before starting

Complete mandatory training and log hours via Better Impact

Induction and role-specific training provided

Adhere to Trust policies, including confidentiality and health & safety

Travel expenses reimbursed (per policy)

References available after 6 months

Voluntary role with no employment relationship implied

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Date posted

06 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Voluntary

Duration

1 days

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0465

Job locations

Wonford House Hospital

Dryden Road

Exeter

EX2 5AF

Job description

Job responsibilities

Contribute to planning of daily activities and creating tasks linked to peoples individual goals

To participate in practical tasks around the nursery, allotment and orchard e.g. filling pots with compost, pricking out, potting on, dead-heading, watering and general plant husbandry

Contribute to development of horticulture at New Leaf

To work alongside colleagues and service users during the day

To be aware of health and safety and contribute to the maintenance of a safe working environment.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Contribute to planning of daily activities and creating tasks linked to peoples individual goals

To participate in practical tasks around the nursery, allotment and orchard e.g. filling pots with compost, pricking out, potting on, dead-heading, watering and general plant husbandry

Contribute to development of horticulture at New Leaf

To work alongside colleagues and service users during the day

To be aware of health and safety and contribute to the maintenance of a safe working environment.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

People who are happy volunteering outside in all the different weather conditions.
Basic knowledge /interest in gardening, horticulture
Manual handling experience (not essential)
Commitment to the ethos and values of DPT
Adaptability, flexibility and creativity
Good interpersonal skills and experience of working in a team

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

People who are happy volunteering outside in all the different weather conditions.
Basic knowledge /interest in gardening, horticulture
Manual handling experience (not essential)
Commitment to the ethos and values of DPT
Adaptability, flexibility and creativity
Good interpersonal skills and experience of working in a team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.