Community Support Befriending Volunteer – Morecambe

Community Support Befriending Volunteer – Morecambe

Could you help someone take the next step towards building confidence and community connections?

We are looking for a friendly, reliable volunteer to support an adult in Morecambe who would benefit from encouragement to access local community activities on a Thursday. The role involves accompanying the individual to a local group or activity, helping them feel comfortable in a new environment, and supporting them to develop social connections and independence.

This is a short-term placement, likely lasting around 3-6 months, with the aim of helping the person build confidence to attend activities independently and expand their social network.

A car is not required for this role.

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.

Criteria

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Must have lived in the UK for 3+ year
• Approximately 1-2 hours per week
• Thursdays – Weekly
• Flexible start time to suit the activity chosen

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

Tasks:

• To accompany the individual on a 1:1 basis in 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 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
• Friendly and approachable
• A good listener and conversationalist
• Patient and encouraging
• Reliable and committed
• Comfortable supporting someone to engage with community groups