Therapeutic care volunteering
"It’s nice to think that there are people like you around.”
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Do 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.
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.
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.
True story: Calm after the storm
When floods hit Gloucester, Maureen – who lives alone and uses two sticks to get around – grew increasingly distressed and wondered how she would cope. That’s until the Red Cross showed up with plenty of water and food – and even a therapeutic care volunteer to help put her at ease.
Maureen remembers: “This lovely volunteer heard I’d been upset by all that had happened, and so offered to come round and give me a massage. It was brilliant – and it really does relax you. I told the lady: ‘You’re going to have to come round here more often!’
“You know, I’ve always heard a lot of stories about the Red Cross and I believe them all now. It’s nice to think that there are people like you around.”
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