Volunteer Counsellor – Part Time

Location: St Vincent’s Hospice, Howwood and community settings (including remote support)

Are you a qualified counsellor looking to use your skills to support people through some of life’s most difficult moments? We are looking for compassionate Volunteer Counsellors to provide therapeutic support to patients and families facing life-limiting illness, bereavement, and loss.

In this role, you will offer person-centred counselling, helping clients navigate emotional and psychological challenges with empathy, professionalism, and care. Your contribution will play a vital role in supporting wellbeing and enhancing the quality of life for those in our community.

This role is ideal for someone who is emotionally resilient, reflective in their practice, and committed to delivering high-quality therapeutic support within a hospice setting.

Duties include:

  • Providing comprehensive assessments to understand clients’ needs

  • Delivering person-centred therapeutic support tailored to each individual

  • Supporting clients with decision-making and problem-solving strategies

  • Maintaining accurate and professional client records in line with policies

  • Working sensitively with bereavement, loss, and end-of-life issues

  • Offering support both face-to-face and remotely

  • Making referrals to other services where appropriate

  • Working in line with safeguarding policies and escalating concerns when necessary

  • Ensuring inclusivity and respect for all protected characteristics

Skills and experience required:

  • Qualification in counselling or a related therapeutic discipline (degree/diploma or equivalent experience)

  • In-depth knowledge of at least one counselling approach

  • Understanding of grief, loss, and bereavement

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

  • High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical awareness

Professional requirements:

  • Working within the ethical framework of the BACP (or equivalent professional body)

  • Maintaining active registration with a relevant professional body

  • Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)

  • Participation in regular clinical supervision

  • Ability to reflect on and audit own practice

Key aspects of the role:

  • Supporting individuals experiencing high levels of emotional distress

  • Working with pre-bereaved and bereaved clients

  • Supporting clients with life-limiting conditions, including end-of-life care

  • Managing emotionally demanding situations while maintaining personal wellbeing

  • Making professional judgements around risk and safeguarding

Time commitment:

Flexible depending on availability, with agreed counselling sessions scheduled during hospice service hours. Some remote support may be required.

Training, support and benefits:

  • Full induction and role-specific training

  • Ongoing support from the hospice team

  • Access to clinical supervision

  • 20% discount in our community charity shops

Application Form

    Availability - Please give details of which days/times you are available to volunteer.

    Please tell us why you would like to volunteer with St Vincent’s Hospice. Do you have any skills/interests that you would like us to know about?

    Are there any further circumstances that you would like us to be aware of or any medical conditions that we need to consider?

    Please give details of 2 persons we can contact to give you a character reference e.g. long standing friend or neighbour. These should not be relatives and at least one should have no existing connection with St Vincent’s Hospice.

    Reference 1

    Reference 2