This role offers an exciting opportunity to come alongside survivors of modern slavery as a mentor in the community as they establish life in Greater Manchester. Mentors will help to model healthy community within a structured relationship alongside modelling how to establish goals, giving practical advice (attending appointments, navigating transport etc) and helping celebrate successes.

Currently only recruiting male mentors to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Are you passionate about investing in young people? Do you have one spare hour a week to share your knowledge, skills and expertise?

Starting Point has opportunities to mentor local young people who are currently not in education, employment and training.

Our Aspire programme supports young people aged 15-25 throughout their journey of attaining, sustaining and thriving within education, employment and training. We do this through carefully matching a young person to a mentor who acts as a consistent role model, tailoring the support to each individuals’ unique needs and aspirations.

We train, equip and match volunteers to a young person in need of support around education, employment and training.

Each young person has barriers that are unique to them - making our tailored, individual and holistic approach crucial to their success. Your input is vital to radically transform the future for young people in the Reading area.

What does mentoring involve?

Mentoring takes place wherever is easiest for the young person and mentor, and wherever the young person feels most comfortable, however we do not offer home visits. This could be in local cafes i.e. McDonalds, Costa etc or, at our Mentoring Hub on London Street which is close to Reading town centre.

Tailoring the mentoring process to each individual’s specific needs, our mentors offer one-to-one support in both practical skills and social-emotional development. This could include:

Practical Support

• Preparing CVs
• Developing interview skills
• Job searching and completing application forms
• Attending college open days and job fairs
• Introducing a young person to potential business contacts

Social-Emotional and Wellbeing Support

• Being a listening ear
• Working on communication skills
• Improving self-esteem
• Building a positive mental attitude
• Help with conflict resolution skills

To ensure young people are consistently supported & develop a sustainable holistic relationship, it is important that you can commit to a minimum of 12 months as a Volunteer Mentor.

How has mentoring with Starting Point helped some of our young people?

“The work you do is incredible, and it really allows you to get somewhere”. - Alex

“Starting Point has inspired me and it can inspire others as well and change their life forever”. – Taycie

“I was in stupid places, doing stupid things, but now I see a brighter future”. – Donnavan

Personal attributes required:

• Empathetic
• An active listener
• Relational
• A sense of humour
• Committed to the approach and ethos of Starting Point

Previous experience working with young people is desirable, but not essential

Mentoring for a small amount of time can have a transformational impact on the lives of young people in Reading and we want you to be part of that!

About the role

A Community outreach volunteer has a vital role to play as the link between Lewisham carers information&advice support service and the citizens of Lewisham – meaning individuals, communities, voluntary and community sector organisations and carer. As an outreach volunteer, you will promote and advance the aims and objectives of Lewisham carers information & advice service by becoming the ‘eyes and ears’ of the organisation, gathering people’s voices and lived experience of carers in the borough. This will form a fundamental part of the evidence base with which Lewisham carers information&advice service will seek to change and improve support for carers within the Borough

Key Tasks

• To Support the neighbourhood officer to have a presence at events and distribute information on our behalf to different organisations
• Actively promote the work of Lewisham carers information advice&support service
• Assist the staff team to gather views of local people or people with certain needs or who use certain services (running focus groups, helping us to carry out consultations, help others complete surveys and questionnaires)
• To attend meetings and supervisions as required

Is this the right role for me?

All volunteers will be expected to be:

• Approachable
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to develop a good rapport with people
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Able to feed back in writing on views heard
• Have a commitment to helping local carers have a voice and improving local services
• Be non-judgemental, open minded and able to separate your own experiences from those of other people and practice impartiality

Background Information

This kindergarten is part of a Community Center that helps the population of the area with various activities such as a kindergarten, a playground for the younger kids, afterschool support workshops, a vegetable garden to be tended by the children when they are old enough, and the soup kitchen that cooks for the kindergarten and the people from the neighborhood. Thus, this organization is based on working with families and children from first to seventh grade, supporting them in their growing and development process, with a team of professionals and social workers. The Community Center was founded in 1994 as a soup kitchen, and the kindergarten was started by the mothers from the area a few years later.

Why is this project important for the community?

The main goal of this Center is to offer the children's families a place of education and integral support, where they can find social and psychological benefits. It ultimately represents a way to compensate for the schools' weaknesses and the lack of investment from the Government to improve them. Those who belong to the organization understand that the work with children is not efficient if it doesn't start from the beginning, with the youngest children, and this is the kindergarten's task. It is also a place where the unemployed women from the area can have training sessions that take place periodically with professionals.

Role of the Volunteer

From 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, the kindergarten welcomes and educates the children from the area. The volunteer can do a multitude of things such as assist the teachers with organizing activities, play with the children, help to feed them during lunch time, help in the cleaning process and much more! The Kindergarten is a place of exchange between teachers, social workers, parents and volunteers from the area, as well as from Voluntario Global. They all work together for the safe upbringing of the children and this gives the international volunteers a unique opportunity for learning about this perspective and exchanging valuable experiences.

What can you learn as a volunteer?

The help of the volunteer is invaluable for the teachers and for the population of the area because it represents both a practical support and cultural exchange. In this area where a variety of cultural communities live together, the volunteer learns about social diversity. Moreover, they can exchange with the local inhabitants about teaching methods and share their own experience and ideas to improve the organization of the kindergarten. These different viewpoints represent a wealth for this place and all initiatives are well received. This project is perfect to benefit from the company of children, who always have energy and whose smiles make us happy every day.

How does your work impact on the community?

The support from social organizations and volunteers is fundamental in this neighborhood, mainly because its precarious situation affects families that need to face a lack of infrastructures and serious problems of public sanitation. Indeed, many families live in houses where they have problems with light and where they don't have running water or a drainage system, in an area which has huge weaknesses in terms of sewer systems and road pavements. Also, it is located near a river which is highly contaminated by the chemicals released by nearby factories, and this generates respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases that mainly affect the children. Although faced with this situation, people don't receive help from the government to improve their standards of living that are now disadvantage and harmful to their health. There are some housing construction projects in the works but they are slow-coming and displacing the inhabitants that are the most affected by the contamination of the river. In addition to this precariousness, today, ambulances refuse to come into the area. Therefore, having volunteers coming to help them and wanting to learn from them and share time with them is crucially important for making them visible and appreciated in today’s society.

Job Description

We are looking for volunteers to help out once a week for a couple of hours at Dementia Cafés at various locations in the London borough of Brent. Dementia Cafés are places where people living with dementia and their carers can come together to socialise, get support, share information and take part in a range of fun and stimulating activities. Training and support will be provided for this rewarding role.

No specific qualifications or experience is needed but this role could be for you if you:

• Enjoy meeting people
• Like helping people to join in a range of activities
• Are studying nursing, social work or a similar course and want practical experience

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to support carers in accessing local activities and information, helping to improve their health and wellbeing and minimise risk of social isolation.

Core Tasks

• Accompanying carers to community activities/ events/ support services, enabling them to build up knowledge, confidence and a network of support.

• To assist carers in accessing information about local community activities, services and events.

• To befriend carers and be a ‘listener’.

• Develop action plans with carers and review progress monthly.

• Referring requests for additional or in- depth support to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Skills

• Ability to develop action plans and take a solution-focussed approach

• Communication and listening skills with the ability to record and report effectively

• Basic First Aid skills

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Safeguarding.

• Working knowledge of local services, community events and activities, and a willingness to support carers to access these services.

Understanding

• Understanding of appropriate boundaries, the need for confidentiality and the need to take a non-judgemental approach

• Understanding of the necessary limitations of the role

• Understanding of the challenges facing carers

• Understanding of when to ask for help

Qualities

• Flexible, reliable and patient

• Consistent, level-headed and resilient

• Empathetic, honest and trustworthy

• A good sense of humour is vital

Training

Mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers which will include an overview of the work of Carers Together, communication, safeguarding and equality & diversity.

AUKW is committed to tackling loneliness and isolation amongst older residents of Westminster.

Our pool of dedicated Telafriend Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that some of our most vulnerable isolated older clients have someone to keep a check on them and enjoy having a telephone chat on a regular basis.

Telafriend Volunteers provides weekly 30 minutes phone chats with one or more older people who are at risk of becoming socially isolated or may feel lonely. It’s been proved that regular phone calls make a huge difference in helping to uplift the spirits of older people.

If you are aged 18 and over, enjoy talking on the phone and would like to build friendships with older people, then our Telafriend Volunteer role would be ideal for you.

Telafriend is a role that you can do from home or work. All you need is access to a telephone. We ask for a minimum commitment of up to a year where possible and the ability to make your call on the same day and time each week. Calls can be made any day of the week between 8am and 8pm or as agreed with the client.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to support of people with dementia and the person they care for at our regular groups and activities

Core Tasks

• To attend Dementia Advisory Service (DAS) singalongs and activities group at venues across Redcar and Cleveland

• Provide a ‘listening ear’ to carers and cared for person at groups

• Take a register and support with any set up and/or refreshment duties

• Preparation of activities e.g. crafts materials

Skills

• Communication and listening skills

• Arts and crafts desirable but not essential

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Safeguarding

• Working knowledge of other local services and a willingness to signpost carers to these services desirable

Understanding

• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, appropriate boundaries and the needs of carers and those they care for, including those who suffer from memory loss

• A basic understanding of the role of carers and the issues they face

• Understanding of the importance of volunteers within Carers Together

Qualities

• Friendly demeanour, positive manner and a sense of humour are essential

• Patience. reliability, adaptability and a desire to help others are important

• Enjoy meeting new people

• Ability to use discretion when appropriate

Training

Mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers which will include an overview of the work of Carers Together and carers’ legislation and Dementia Awareness

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to provide professional counselling to people caring for a family member or friend to enable them to explore thoughts and feelings and develop coping strategies to deal with their current situation

Core Tasks

• Providing 1:1 counselling to carers (a maximum of 3 carers per week, with 8 sessions per person)

• Providing at least 3 months commitment to the volunteering role to ensure continuity for carers accessing the service

• Maintaining records using Carers Together’ database in line with confidentially, data protection and information sharing policies and procedures

Skills

• Good timekeeping and organisation skills

• IT skills

• Written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge

• Qualified to level 4 in counselling

• Final year trainees may be considered subject to supervision and satisfactory references

• Knowledge of a range of counselling approaches

• Knowledge of the needs of vulnerable groups e.g. safeguarding

Understanding

• Understanding of carers issues

• Understanding of BACP guidelines and codes of practice

• Understanding of the therapeutic relationship

• The need to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients

• Understanding of confidentiality

• Understanding of equality and diversity

Qualities

• Self awareness

• Motivated and able to motivate others

• Reliability and good timekeeping

Training

Mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers which will include an overview of the work of Carers Together and carers’ legislation.

Regular clinical supervision to be arranged by the volunteer

Opportunities for personal development and a range of training will be offered.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to provide a transport service to Carers Together clients, enabling them to access their community and services by providing safe, reliable transport from their home to appropriate venues.

Core Tasks

• Ensure that the Carer is safe on their way from their home to your vehicle, while entering and exiting your vehicle and that seatbelts are used

• Ensure the Carer arrives and enters the venue safely

• Provide a regular commitment of time and provide as much notice as possible of any absence

• Provide regular updates of your volunteering activity to your Volunteer Co-ordinator

Practical requirements

• Full driving licence, preferably without endorsements

• Access to own roadworthy vehicle

• Valid, fully comprehensive vehicle insurance, covering all passengers carried within your volunteering role

Understanding

• Understanding of the importance of appropriate boundaries with others

• A basic understanding of the role of carers and the issues they face

• Recognising when to ask for help

Qualities

• Friendly demeanour, good manner and a sense of humour are essential

• Reliability and good time keeping

• Positive and enthusiastic attitude

• Personable and trustworthy

• Self-awareness and communication skills

Training

Mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers which will include an overview of the work of Carers Together and carers’ legislation. Additional training will be provided where necessary.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to facilitate and provide hands-on support for the various groups, activities & events run by Carers Together. Volunteers will facilitate and get involved with activities & events designed to support carers and those they care for.

Core Tasks

• Involvement in, and facilitation of, activities & events, including D-Cafe events

• Befriending attendees, both carers and the cared for person

• Various other administration duties including preparation and signing people in

Skills

• Good people and listening skills

• Good administration and organisation skills

Knowledge

• Knowledge of carers’ legislation and the issues carers face would be beneficial

• Knowledge of working with people with memory loss would be of benefit

• Knowledge of safeguarding issues and logistics of correct moving and handling

Understanding

• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, appropriate boundaries and the needs of carers and those they care for, including those who suffer from memory loss

• A basic understanding of the role of carers and the issues they face

• Understanding of the importance of volunteers within Carers Together

Qualities

• Friendly demeanour, positive manner and a sense of humour are essential

• Patience. reliability, adaptability and a desire to help others are important

• Enjoy meeting new people

• Ability to use discretion when appropriate

Training

Mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers which will include an overview of the work of Carers Together and carers’ legislation.

Purpose

Volunteers are required to support our busy welfare rights team within Carers Together.

Core Tasks

• Support unpaid carers to complete various benefit application forms

• Carry out benefit calculations

• Offer information and advice regarding benefits over the phone and in person.

Skills

• Ability to complete forms in a legible, concise and accurate manner.

• Basic First Aid skills

• Good communication and listening skills

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Safeguarding

• Working knowledge of other local services and a willingness to signpost carers to these services

Understanding

• Understanding of appropriate boundaries, the need for confidentiality and the need to take a non-judgemental approach

• Understanding of the necessary limitations of the role

• Understanding of the challenges facing carers

• Understand when to ask for help

Qualities

• Flexible, reliable and patient

• Consistent, level-headed and resilient

• Honest and trustworthy

• Approachable and confident

• A good sense of humour is vital

Training

Mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers which will include an overview of the work of Carers Together, communication, safeguarding and equality & diversity.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to provide an information and support service for carers to help improve their health and wellbeing.

Core Tasks

• To provide regular contact and support to carers with direction from the Information Support Worker

• To support carers and be a ‘listener’

Skills

• Communication and listening skills

• Ability to take a solution-focussed approach

• Basic First Aid skills

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Safeguarding

• Working knowledge of other local services and a willingness to signpost carers to these services

Understanding

• Understanding of appropriate boundaries, the need for confidentiality and the need to take a non-judgemental approach

• Understanding of the necessary limitations of the role

• Understanding of the challenges facing carers

• Understand when to ask for help

Qualities

• Flexible, reliable and patient

• Consistent, level-headed and resilient

• Honest and trustworthy

• Empathetic

• A good sense of humour is vital

Training

Mandatory training will be provided for all volunteers which will include an overview of the work of Carers Together, communication, safeguarding and equality & diversity.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role, as a member of the Board of Trustees, is to carry the collective responsibility for ensuring that the organisation is governed correctly and is compliant with Charity Law and other internal and external guidance, while also striving to ensure that the charity maintains its sense of mission in line with its primary aims and objectives.

Core Tasks

• Maintain a commitment to working for the public benefit and to safeguarding the organisation’s finances

• Ensure risks are identified and managed in the appropriate manner

• Ensure the wellbeing of staff & volunteers and monitor staff performance

• Review strategic plans on an ongoing basis

• Ensure the charity’s compliance with Charity Law, other external guidance and internal policies and procedures

• Commit to regularly attending trustees meetings and to carry out other tasks as appropriate (approximately 30-50 hours per year)

• Maintain confidentiality and declare conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity

• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff members

Skills

• Ability to take an objective and questioning approach to discussions and decision-making

• Possess good management and teamwork skills

• Demonstrate competence in analysing reports

• Ability to think creatively in finding solutions

• Ability to conduct recruitment processes including involvement in short listing and interviewing

Knowledge

• Knowledge of carers’ legislation and the issues carers face

• Knowledge of HR & personnel issues as well as knowledge of Charity Law

• A working knowledge of the Public, Private and Voluntary & Community Sectors

• Knowledge of fundraising and strategic working would be beneficial

• Knowledge of marketing and promotion

Understanding

• Understanding of the importance of correct governance and compliance with appropriate legislation and guidelines, both operationally and financially

• Understanding of, and a commitment to, accountability, both individually and corporately

• Commitment to equality & diversity and to understanding and maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the Board

Qualities

• A commitment to integrity, honesty and selflessness are essential as a Trustee

• The ability to demonstrate leadership in all undertakings as a Board member

• Willingness to be open both in terms of being questioned and to questioning other Board members and practices to ensure transparency and integrity are maintained

• Commitment both to being a dedicated Board member and to the work and mission of Carers Together

Training

Mandatory training for Trustees is provided on annual basis and Trustees are expected to complete this training each calendar year.

Further training on Equality & Diversity, Recruitment & Selection, Trustee Development and on understanding the changing role of Trustees will also be provided from time-to-time.