Community Support Volunteers - Preston

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 regular meetings with a Community Support Volunteer include increased confidence, resilience and independence to help tackle 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 your local knowledge of community services and groups and spend time listening to and supporting someone to engage with them.

What's in it for you?

By becoming a Community Support Volunteer you are accepting an opportunity that could mark a turning point in someone's life. This rewarding role offers personal development through new skills and experiences and a chance to contribute to 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 must log their volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses where applicable via an online computer system
• To complete minimum level training e.g. Safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to the 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 distance learning 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.

Age Requirement

18 years or older

Schedule

Typical scheduling is flexible and may vary by opportunity.

How to apply

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

Keep up to date with volunteering opportunities

We'll notify you when any opportunities become available that may interest you.