Training Volunteer Roles

About the Project

We received a grant from the Sandwell Council Better Mental Health Strategy Grant Scheme.  The project is designed to comprehensively address the participants' mental health and well-being needs through a multifaceted and person-centred approach. First and foremost, a series of evidence-based workshops and therapeutic sessions will be organised, focusing on teaching coping strategies, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices. These sessions will equip participants with practical tools to navigate daily challenges, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional resilience. Additionally, art therapy and expressive activities within the drama sessions will provide creative outlets for individuals to process their emotions, fostering self-expression and a sense of emotional release. Through these workshops, participants will gain valuable skills to manage their mental well-being effectively.

Volunteering Role

Do you want to give something back to your local community?  We have an exciting opportunity to be part of an established community of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

All of our participants are unique and individual, and each volunteer position will be tailored to match the interests of participants and you as a volunteer.

Volunteer role requirements

· Reliable and committed to providing excellent support

· Passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives and supporting them to be as independent, safe, healthy and happy as they possibly can be

· Kind and empathetic. You will need a sense of humour, an approachable manner and the resilience to cope with a busy, challenging and passionate opportunity

Skills required

· Commitment to equality and diversity and a genuine desire to help people with learning disabilities and/or autism

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Excellent time management skills

 Training, support and benefits

· As an Options for Life volunteer, you will be given a full induction when you start.

· A staff member will support you throughout your time as a volunteer.

· We will offer you an opportunity to develop your skills and experience for a worthwhile cause.

· We will look to provide further training where possible.

· We will reimburse travel expenses to and from your volunteering and any journeys during activities with us. We will also reimburse you for lunch for up to £5.00 if you volunteer over lunchtime.

Time commitment

We are looking for a volunteer who will commit to at least 4 hours a week between Monday and Friday.

Role: Support at the drop-in centre on either a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (12.30-4.30pm) or a Friday (either 10-1pm or 1-4.00pm), either weekly or fortnightly.

We also have a selection of other days open for volunteer opportunitities. 

Purpose: To support adults with a learning disability and/or autism in a social situation to increase confidence and self-esteem, to build independence and to reduce social isolation.

Activities: We provide a range of activities that our members can choose to be involved with, or simply attend to socialise with friends. Volunteers and staff are there to provide support where needed. Please note that this is not a support role and that members who need extra care will attend sessions with their own support/care workers.

Examples of Activities:

• Encourage and support individuals to access and/or engage with activities
• Help facilitate arts and crafts, quizzes, bingo, and other games and activities
• Encourage independence and social skills amongst members by engaging and socialising with them (in accordance with The Hive’s boundaries policy)
• Help in the kitchen to provide refreshments (teas and coffees) as needed

Skills Required: Skills in listening and the ability to communicate with diverse types of people are essential. Patience, enthusiasm, and a non-judgemental mindset are a must. Experience with learning disabilities and/or autism is not a requirement, and full training will be provided to new volunteers.

Hours and Timescale: One session at the drop-in either weekly or fortnightly,, ideally for a minimum of six months. Flexible volunteering can be offered; however, it is essential that volunteers attend sessions that they are scheduled for and notify the session leader if they are unable to attend. This is to ensure the safe running of the drop-in.

Supervision: Volunteers will be supported by their Session Leader, who will provide informal supervision on a regular basis. The Volunteer Coordinator can always be contacted via email if there are any issues.

Benefits: All volunteers receive induction and awareness training on learning disabilities and autism within the first three months of volunteering and have the option to attend additional training offered by The Hive. Full liability insurance is in place. Mileage and out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed if needed. A work record will be kept for each volunteer so that we are able to provide references if requested. Social events, such as skittles, are held regularly for volunteers.