Community Support Volunteer – Mawdesley, West Lancashire

Community Support Volunteer – Mawdesley, West Lancashire

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?

We are currently recruiting a Community Support volunteer to support an older lady living in the Mawdesley area who would benefit from increased social contact

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys listening, chatting, and offering gentle encouragement to help reduce loneliness.

What would the role involve?

The volunteer would offer:

• One visit per week (approximately 1–2 hours, with visits able to take place on Sunday preferably but other days will be considered
• Friendly conversation, providing social stimulation
• Support with crossword puzzles to provide meaningful activity

What difference will you make?

The aim of this placement is to:

• Support the client’s wellbeing
• Reduce social isolation
• Help build confidence in social settings

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

Tasks:

• 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 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
• 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.