Family Befriending Volunteer Roles in Reading, England
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs
Purpose of the role
With your friendly attitude and knowledge of the local area, you could be the support a Midland Mencap citizen needs to access and enjoy their local community and make a big difference to their lives.
Some of our citizens may be dealing with a variety of difficulties including depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, Your role will be to help them to enjoy their local community in the way that they want; this may include activities such as going shopping, attending an event, visiting a park or a local facility – and having fun.
What would I be doing?
·Visit a Midland Mencap citizen
·Accompany them to agreed community locations and activities
·Provide a befriending support role to ensure the citizen enjoys a positive experience
· To record and maintain basic records as required
·To ensure the activities undertaken complies with safeguarding, equal opportunities, health & safety and other policies and the guidelines provided by Midland Mencap.
What do I need?
· Being approachable and friendly
· Good communication skills
· Knowledge of, and able to travel to local places
· Accepting of others who might be different to you and the ability to work as part of a diverse team
· A willingness to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
· Good time management skills, reliability
· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
When and where do you need me?
· A minimum of 2 visits per month
· Days and times are flexible and agreed in advance, but there may be some specific activities the citizen wishes to attend
· In the local community
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
· An induction and settling in period
· Any training and development that is needed
· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
· Support within your role
· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
· Positive wellbeing from doing something great
· Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV and ask us for a reference
To campaign for and deliver accessible and inclusive community health and wellbeing support services for individuals, families, and carers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
JOB DESCRIPTION
Why we need your help
The Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service is provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness that have dementia and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.
Befriender volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.
What we need you to do
Your role will include, some of, but not restricted to the following tasks:
- Complete all initial mandatory Dementia Befriender volunteer training, as well as any refresher training whilst you are a Marie Curie volunteer
- Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, for example in a family’s home, in a care home or out in the community.
- Provide one to one companionship and support. For example - Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in everyday conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Accompanying them to an appointment, social groups or taking short trips out. Helping with small daily tasks eg making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. Signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested.
(This list is only an outline as support will vary according to the needs of those using the service. Dementia Befriender volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)
- Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
- Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Dementia Befriending service. Examples include submitting written report forms, identifying and briefing a lone worker Buddy, and following procedures for lone worker safety.
- Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone
- Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
- Attend group events and training sessions for Marie Curie Dementia Befriender volunteers
- Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator as required
- Represent the Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service positively to those using the service
- Support with Advanced Care Planning for clients
What skills or experience do you need?
- Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for approximately 3 hours a week
- Patience, empathy and emotional stability
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
- Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role
- A friendly and sensitive approach
- Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status
What we can offer you
- An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
- An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
- Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
What we ask of you
- To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
- To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
- To complete an induction and any training related to the role
Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.
ABOUT US
Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left.
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
JOB DESCRIPTION
Why we need your help
The Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service is provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness that have dementia and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.
Befriender volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.
What we need you to do
Your role will include, some of, but not restricted to the following tasks:
- Complete all initial mandatory Dementia Befriender volunteer training, as well as any refresher training whilst you are a Marie Curie volunteer
- Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, for example in a family’s home, in a care home or out in the community.
- Provide one to one companionship and support. For example - Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in everyday conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Accompanying them to an appointment, social groups or taking short trips out. Helping with small daily tasks eg making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. Signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested.
(This list is only an outline as support will vary according to the needs of those using the service. Dementia Befriender volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)
- Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (eg to chemotherapy appointments or day therapy at the hospice)
- Follow all mandatory procedures that form part of the Dementia Befriending service. Examples include submitting written report forms, identifying and briefing a lone worker Buddy, and following procedures for lone worker safety.
- Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone
- Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
- Attend group events and training sessions for Marie Curie Dementia Befriender volunteers
- Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator as required
- Represent the Marie Curie Dementia Befriending service positively to those using the service
- Support with Advanced Care Planning for clients
What skills or experience do you need?
- Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for approximately 3 hours a week
- Patience, empathy and emotional stability
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
- Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role
- A friendly and sensitive approach
- Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others Respect for individuals, regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and marital status
What we can offer you
- An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
- An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
- Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
What we ask of you
- To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
- To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
- To complete an induction and any training related to the role
Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.
ABOUT US
Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left.
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Be Free Young Carers are looking for positive volunteers who can provide regular support to young carers through our Befriending Service. These young people {between 8-17 years old} care for family members who have a long term illness or disability. Young carers often describe their lives as isolated, with few or no friends, and high levels of anxiety and stress as they cope with their caring responsibilities. They urgently need friendly, patient and caring befrienders to provide relaxed and informal support.
Making a difference to the life of a young carer is incredibly rewarding! You will have the opportunity to use your experience and knowledge to benefit a vulnerable young person. You will learn transferable skills for the workplace, gain experience in working with young people in a supportive role and receive specialised training and support from our specialist staff. Although mostly a one to one activity, you will become part of our befriending community, meeting like-minded people and taking part in group events. Get out and about, try new activities, learn new skills and make the most of your free time!
Our young carers all currently live in Vale of the White Horse, South Oxfordshire and Oxford city.
All Befrienders are required to provide two references, allow us to carry out an enhanced DBS check and complete our training and induction protocols.
There is no financial cost involved in becoming or being a Befriender. All reasonable expenses, such as travel and activity costs for both the Befriender and the young carer, are covered. There is a maximum budget that is permitted to be spent each meeting, this does not include the Befriender’s travel expenses.
Be Free Young Carers also have other volunteering opportunities available throughout the year.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.