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Therapeutic care volunteering

A therapeutic care volunteer massages a woman's shoulders©InfoDo you have a ‘hands-on’ approach to helping people? Our therapeutic care volunteers provide gentle massage to vulnerable people in stressful situations, helping them to relax and reducing their pain.

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How would I be helping people?

As a therapeutic care volunteer, you’ll soon see the beneficial effects of your treatment on those you help. For those who may be bereaved, caring for a sick relative or facing health problems, a simple therapeutic massage and friendly chat can make a world of difference. Your role might include:

  • helping reduce stress and pain
  • providing company and an opportunity to talk
  •  providing gentle hand, neck and shoulder massage, given through clothing.

What skills and training do I need?

You should have good interpersonal skills and an understanding of the differing physical needs of service users. We provide full training, including a two-day course and one-day assessment. 

How much time do I need to give up?

You and your volunteering manager will discuss how much time you are able to give. Since our volunteering opportunities depend on local needs, some areas may need volunteers more regularly or for longer hours than others. If one of our services requires more time than you are able to give, we may have other volunteering opportunities that fit your schedule.

Why are volunteers needed?

Without volunteers we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others.

Will volunteering cost me anything?

We reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses when you volunteer for us. Volunteers are asked to keep expenses to a minimum and to supply receipts. Please feel free to discuss this with a volunteer advisor beforehand if you have any worries or questions.

How do I apply?

You can search and apply online for therapeutic care volunteering opportunities. You can also talk to a service manager about current opportunities near you.

Apply now

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The people we've helped

Doreen Ward was worried about coping on her own after going into hospital for an operation – but our volunteer soon had her smiling again.

Thanks to the Red Cross, Graeme can now get out and socialise despite his MS.

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