Social Group Volunteer - Hampshire

Outline of the role

Our informal, friendly social groups offer a range of fun and engaging activities to support and promote the health and wellbeing of older people - everything from quizzes and games to chair exercises and singing. Occasionally we also invite in guest speakers/entertainers, and volunteers should be willing to help with occasional outings. As a Volunteer you will help run the fun and engaging activities, as well as providing refreshments to the people attending. There may be some preparation needed. A dedicated coordinator will support you and relevant training will be provided. A range of activities is offered at each session including: quizzes, raffles, bingo, games, talks and sing songs. There may be some preparation needed before each session, e.g. shopping for tea and coffee/crafts etc. photocopying quizzes (paper & photocopier provided at the ACH office) and collecting games from the office. Each time is informal and everyone (including the volunteers!) should enjoy themselves. An induction programme will be provided by Age Concern and any relevant training courses such as food hygiene and first aid. A mileage allowance can be paid for travel to and from the activity centre.

The volunteers at each Group should work as a team and share tasks, such as, tea/coffee making, being involved in the quiz, helping members to complete their bingo cards (if required), lending an arm to walk through to the dining room etc. Members are however, encouraged to be independent where possible. Volunteers should also be willing to help on occasional outings to Garden Centres, Christmas lunches etc. Each volunteer at the Group will be given training, support and management by the Volunteer Support Co ordinator.

For this role you need to be:

• Friendly and helpful
• Adaptable and open to change
• Able to work part of a team
• Able to recognise the needs of older people and the challenges and difficulties they face.

(Personal care is not provided and helpers are not expected to administer medication.)

Social Group Locations

Basingstoke Social Groups: Winklebury Popley South Ham Kingsclere.

New Forest Social Groups: Fordingbridge Totton.