Volunteer Health And Safety Competent Person Volunteer Roles

ROLE SUMMARY:

• To support artists and the Zest Whitstable Coordinator in the delivery of creative sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.
• To work directly with participants with complex needs, enabling them to engage with each session.

ABOUT US:

Bright Shadow’s mission is to enable people living with dementia, and those affected by it, to live well and to thrive. We are experts in creative activities designed specifically for people with dementia to enable self-expression, social interaction and active participation. We do this in a number of ways, including our trademark Zest sessions for people living with dementia in the community.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, and are particularly looking for someone to work with our Zest group in Whitstable. This role is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our participants by enabling those with more complex needs to continue engaging with this close-knit group. 

You will become part of a friendly team offering support and guidance, so your positive attitude is more important to us than specific experience. We offer all volunteers dementia awareness and safeguarding training, as well as requiring an enhanced DBS certificate.

Established in 2009, Bright Shadow is passionate about a brighter quality of care, which is invigorating, mood boosting and enhances relationships. We are adamant that life and fun shouldn’t stop once you reach a certain age or receive a diagnosis of dementia. In all of our work we celebrate the here and now, ensuring that people with dementia enjoy a bright today and a bright tomorrow.

POST REPORTS TO: Project & Admin Coordinator and Zest Whitstable Coordinator 

LOCATION: Whitstable Umbrella Centre, Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DD

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer

HOURS REQUIRED: Tuesdays 1:45-4:15pm

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understanding of or willingness to learn about living with dementia, including completing provided dementia awareness training

2. Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

3. Enthusiasm to join in with performance and arts activities such as singing, movement and story making wherever possible and assisting participants to engage fully

4. Work closely with Zest Whitstable Coordinator to deliver a safe and high quality experience

5. Help Zest Whitstable Coordinator to prepare the room before sessions and clear up at the end where necessary

6. Help Zest Whitstable Coordinator to prepare refreshments for participants

7. Help the Zest Whitstable Coordinator with the collection of evaluation information 

8. Assist in documenting the sessions using photography, recording and/or film on equipment provided where necessary 

9. Work within all Bright Shadow policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Covid-19, Equality and GDPR compliance. This role is subject to the volunteer having an up to date enhanced DBS check carried out.

Person Specification

Zest Communities Session Volunteer

The person specification states the knowledge; skills and experience helpful in volunteering with us and is used for both short-listing volunteers for informal interview and to identify the areas to explore in this interview. 

Competencies

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy

• Sensitive to people’s needs and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults

• Good initiative and ability to work independently

• To undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Previous experience working with older adults

• Experience of working for an arts organisation

• Competent IT skills, including social media

• Knowledge/understanding of dementia