Volunteer Community Connector

Role summary 

As a Volunteer Community Connector, you will play an important role in the Compassionate Communities programme by helping to normalise conversations around death and dying, grief and loss. We believe that breaking down these taboos and getting people talking is key in helping communities support each other. 

Your role will involve:  

• Supporting and facilitating ‘compassionate conversations’ about death and dying, grief and loss in the community - promoting social connectedness. This may include signposting to relevant community support or care provision. 

 • Offering an informal, empathetic listening ear around topics such as life limiting illness, caregiving, dying and bereavement. 

 • Offering your support for informal sessions or larger events that may be held in community groups, charities, cafes or other organisations. 

Main duties of this role 

• Attend and support public-facing events focused on compassionate conversations and awareness-raising (how to have difficult conversations). 

 • Offer a welcoming, supportive presence and engage people in meaningful conversations in a non-judgmental manner. 

 • Sensitively listen to people’s experiences, stories or questions related to serious illness, loss and caregiving - answering questions where able; or signposting or referring to your line manager where unable to respond. 

 • Help to promote Compassionate Communities principles and the work of St Helena in a positive, accessible way. 

 • Connect with St Helena staff and partners before and after events to give feedback and receive support. 

 • Assist with basic event logistics such as setting up spaces, offering refreshments, distributing materials, and collecting informal feedback. 

 • Work flexibly across community venues. 

 • Establish contacts within the community and build relationships 

 • Understand and adhere to confidentiality and data protection regulations at all times. 

What skills do I need?

Training & supervision 

• Online mandatory training relevant to the role 
• Compassionate Conversations training – online/in person 
• Dedicated line manager for training and support with regular meetings 

Experience & qualifications required 

• Experience in a role involving interaction with the public, especially in a supportive or listening capacity 
• Understanding of the importance of compassion and empathy when discussing sensitive topics 
• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries 
• Comfortable speaking with people from a wide range of backgrounds 

Personal attributes  

• Passionate about St Helena 
• Excellent communication skills with a polite and pleasant manner, empathetic and emotionally resilient 
• Able to work independently and as part of a team 
• Respectful, non-judgemental and inclusive 
• Confident approaching and engaging with members of the public 
• Reliable and trustworthy  
• Comfortable talking about sensitive issues such as death and grief 
• It is preferable to hold a clean current UK driving license and have access to a vehicle with business insurance due to some local travel.

Interests

• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Health and Social Care

Activities

• Advice and Information
• General Helping
• Local Events
• Supporting Charities
• Supporting People and Befriending