Dining Buddy and Befriender

Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust recognise and value the importance volunteer support is to us and our patients. We currently have a volunteer role available supporting us at The Harbour in Blackpool. You must be 18 years and over to apply for this role. Please apply by downloading the attached application form. As volunteer expenses are limited to a 20 mile round trip, we are unable to proceed with applications if you live to far from the location you are volunteering for.

We have merged the role of dining buddy and befriender to maintain familiarity and consistency for our patients. Dining buddies are volunteers who provide extra support during mealtimes and help complete diet/fluid charts. The role supports people to maintain optimal health and wellbeing, nutrition and hydration.

Vacancy Details

Befrienders can help patients feel content during their stay in hospital by spending time with them, maybe having a chat and a cup of tea/coffee or engaging in other social activities.

1. Introduce yourself to the patients and discuss the menu relevant to that meal time.
2. Assist with providing patients with their meals and ensure cutlery/napkins/specialist equipment is available.
3. Support individuals who may need extra help, for example cutting up food, opening packets, spreading butter (etc). No direct feeding of patients is to take place.
4. Encourage conversation during mealtime so it is a social occasion.
5. Support other staff to clear away utensils between courses and at the end of the meal and clean the dining room area.
6. Support completion of diet and fluid charts following meals.
7. Complete fluid pushes and complete fluid charts accordingly.
8. Establish and build befriending relationships with patients.
9. Ensure appropriate boundaries are maintained.
10. Spend time listening, talking and engaging in activities with the patients.