Community Support Volunteers

Lancashire Volunteer Partnership; Preston; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in the UK seeks Community Support Volunteers to provide companionship to individuals needing support. Volunteers will help increase the confidence and independence of those facing social isolation. A minimum commitment of 1-2 hours per week over at least 6 months is required, with specific training provided, including a DBS check. This rewarding role allows volunteers to develop personally while making a positive impact on others' lives.

Benefits

Personal development opportunities

Training provided

Free enhanced DBS check

Qualifications

• Must be over 18 years of age.
• Must have lived in the UK for 3+ years.
• Commitment of 1-2 hours minimum per week, flexible.
• Minimum commitment of 6 months is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship to individuals to increase their confidence and independence.
• Support individuals to engage and achieve agreed goals.
• Log volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses.

Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to use own initiative

Understanding of vulnerability

Job description

Why do we need Community Support Volunteers?

There are people in our local communities who require a supportive companion to help them. The benefits of their having regular meetings with a Community Support Volunteer helps to increase their confidence, resilience and independence to help tackle their social isolation and achieve specified and agreed goals and objectives.

What would you need to do?

Companionship not practical assistance is required for this opportunity. Use yourlocal knowledge of community services and groups and spend time listening to and supporting someoneto engage with them.

What’s in it for you?

By becoming a Community Support Volunteer you are accepting the opportunity that could mark the turning point in someone’s life. This rewarding role offers an excellent opportunity for personal development by obtaining new skills and experiences as well as a chance to put something back into the community.

Criteria

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Must have lived in the UK for 3+ years
• Commitment of 1-2 hours minimum per week / Flexible
• Minimum commitment of 6 months is required

This volunteering role is subject to a DBS check. To qualify you must have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

• Applicants must be willing to go through an induction process with relevant background checks and an enhanced DBS check (This will be done free of charge)
• Once you have applied online one of our Volunteer Officers will be in contact to arrange your DBS
• To regularly visit the individual on a 1 : 1 basis either in their own home or a community setting.
• To regularly support the individual to achieve agreed positive goals to promote their independence – The role is unique to every individual’s needs and circumstances
• To provide regular feedback on progress
• Volunteers mustlog their volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses where applicable via an on-line computer system
• To complete minimum level training e.g. Safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to role

Required Qualities:

• Understanding of vulnerability
• It would be an advantage to have an awareness of key issues – alcohol, drug abuse, mental health etc.
• Ability to use basic ICT systems
• Be able to deal with difficult situations in a professional manner
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Respect for equality and diversity

Training:

Training will be provided in the form of distancelearning or trainer led. Volunteers must have completed the required training before any activity can be undertaken and may be asked to regularly refresh training where required.

If you are interested in this opportunity please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator for a chat, or click apply now.

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