Care & Connect Volunteer Requirements and Training
Requirements for Becoming a Care & Connect Volunteer
Care & Connect volunteers are caring and non-judgmental. They have strong interpersonal skills. If this describes you, then we’d love to have you apply to join our team. You also need to be:
- At least 21 years old
- Energetic, responsible, eager to learn and reliable
- Able to speak English well (speaking a second language is an asset)
- Able to commit to the program for at least 1 full year
Please note: All Care & Connect encounters are virtual through MS Teams or by phone.
Formal Training
As a Care & Connect volunteer, you will have lots of contact with patients and their families, friends and caregivers. This contact requires training beyond what other hospital volunteers receive. The training will help you effectively support the people you work with.
You will undergo formal training before starting your Care & Connect volunteer placement. Formal Care & Connect training is in 2 parts:
- A Princess Margaret volunteer orientation session and some e-learning modules
- Care & Connect training (one full virtual day) - see below for more details
The Care & Connect training includes:
- Understanding the role of the Care & Connect volunteer
- Active listening and communication skills training
- Learning about Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and cancer basics
- Education on the programs and resources within and outside the hospital
Ongoing Support
When you become a Care & Connect volunteer you will be oriented to your role by Care & Connect staff and other volunteers. Care & Connect staff is available to support you as needed. You will also attend regular debriefing meetings to talk about things that occur during your volunteer shifts.
