Become a Community Butterfly Volunteer

Could you offer companionship to someone who is dying?

Community Butterfly Volunteers are local people who give their time to support people who are dying at home in Stevenage and the surrounding villages.

As a Community Butterfly Volunteer, you’ll give your time to talk and listen, share memories or simply sit quietly. You may also support the people closest to them, including family members, friends and carers.

Every person and every visit will be different, you might:

• Listen, chat, share memories or simply sit quietly together

• Offer companionship to someone who may be feeling lonely or isolated

• Provide a listening ear and reassurance to family members, friends and carers

• Give family members, friends or carers the chance to rest, take a break or step outside, knowing someone is there with the person they care for

Your time and presence can make a real difference to the end of someone’s life.

Could this role be for me?

You don’t need a healthcare background or previous volunteering experience. Community Butterfly Volunteers don’t provide medical or personal care.

You’ll work with local health and social care professionals, offering companionship and reassurance to complement the care someone is already receiving.

You will receive comprehensive training before you begin volunteering, as well as ongoing support from the Anne Robson Trust team.

We’re looking for people who are comfortable spending time with others, able to listen without judgement and who want to make a meaningful difference to people in their local community.

It’s natural to have questions or feel a little unsure about volunteering with people who are dying. Our team will be there to answer your questions, help you understand the role and support you throughout your volunteering.

To find out more about what the role involves, see the full role description.

How to apply

We’re not currently recruiting new Community Butterfly Volunteers, but if the role sounds right for you, you can get in touch and we’ll let you know when recruitment reopens.

Call us on 01438 873257 or email communitybutterfly@annerobsontrust.org.uk.

Not based in Stevenage?

You can still play an important part in supporting people who are dying, and those close to them.

We currently work with 18 healthcare organisations across England that have active Butterfly Volunteer teams within hospitals and other care settings.

Visit our Volunteer for our partners page to see if there’s an opportunity near you and register your interest.

You can also support the Anne Robson Trust in other ways, including fundraising, taking part in a challenge or supporting our work in your community.