Helper volunteer roles in bournemouth, dorset

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month)

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Particularly looking for Volunteers in Downpatrick area - Last Wednesday of Every month

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. We strive to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ youth.

The It Gets Better Project was founded in 2010 in America. Since then, affiliated charities have been formed in over 20 different countries. We are now at the exciting stage of continue to grow and develop the UK affiliate having formally launched in October 2018.

Join our network of Regional Ambassadors to help promote It Gets Better UK, to inspire and engage with members of their local LGBTQ+ communities to get involved, and to help fundraise.

We're looking for volunteers UK-wide, particularly across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and parts of England (North East, North West, and South West). If you are not based in these areas but are interested in the role, you are still welcome to apply as the local role exists across the country. 

What will I be doing? 

We ask Regional Ambassadors to deliver four self-led regional actions per year, and to expect to be asked to be involved in more ad-hoc centrally-led actions and activities as these arise. Key activities include: 

• Raise awareness of It Gets Better UK and our work through talking to members of the LGBTQ+ community in your area, and on social media 

• Look after our information and fundraising stands at local events – most importantly, hosting an It Gets Better UK Pride stall in your local area. Members of the It Gets Better team will support you with sign-up admin and capacity on the day. So far, we're planning to attend Edinburgh Pride!

• Support other members of the It Gets Better UK volunteer team to deliver events in their area by adding capacity where possible, and within a distance that suits you – for example, helping out at a Pride stall run by another Ambassador nearby. 

• Deliver talks to local LGBTQ+ groups, community groups, schools etc about the work of It Gets Better UK and how they could help us achieve our goals 

• Inspire members of the LGBTQ+ community to add their own It Gets Better story to our work 

What skills/experience do I need? 

• Confident public speaker with excellent communication skills 

• Confident in crowds and talking to new people 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Reliable and professional demeanour 

• A personal and friendly manner 

• Flexibility to be called upon when needed 

• An honest and trustworthy nature 

• A good knowledge of the local LGBTQ+ community 

What is the time commitment? 

This is a flexible role and the times will vary. Taking into account four self-led regional actions per year and ad-hoc centrally-led actions and activities, we recommend expecting to spend at least two hours a week on your role. We ask Regional Ambassadors to try to be available for Pride events over the summer: this means some half/full day activities over the summer period, usually on Saturdays. You’ll be able to sign up for days which suit you. Regional Ambassadors are appointed for up to two years. Regional Ambassadors will have a monthly online meeting with their It Gets Better UK point of contact. 

 
How will I be trained and supported? 

• You will receive a full induction into It Gets Better UK and to your role 

• You will have a named contact who will support you and answer any questions 

• You will join our international and UK networks of volunteers where you can share ideas, ask questions, and support one another 

What can I gain from volunteering with you? 

• The satisfaction that you are helping to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth 

• Being part of an international movement 

• The opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop and learn new ones 

• It Gets Better UK will act as a referee for you after successful completion of your role 

• Reimbursement of any expenses incurred (with prior agreement) 

Where will I be based? 

This role is based within your local area, with some travel at your discretion and with expense reimbursement as pre-agreed.

How do I apply? Please complete our Regional Ambassador form on the website. We’ll then meet online for an introductory conversation, seek 2 references, and conduct a DBS check. Once these steps are completed satisfactorily, we’ll share our resources for you to read.