Volunteer with access to a car – Lancaster

Volunteer with access to a car – Lancaster

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 Befriender 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’re looking for a friendly and reliable volunteer (male or female, aged 40+) with access to a car to support an adult in the Lancaster area.

About the role

This volunteer opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys gentle social interaction and helping others regain confidence in accessing their community.

Your role will involve:

• Offering friendly conversation and companionship
• Supporting the client to visit local cafés or community locations once a week for 2–3 hours
• Spending time together either indoors or, when the weather improves, outdoors in a communal garden area
• Helping someone rebuild confidence and reduce feelings of isolation

Volunteer qualities

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Patient, understanding, and dependable
• Comfortable supporting a person who may feel a little nervous at first
• Able to drive and use their own vehicle for short local outings (mileage reimbursed as per policy)
• Available one afternoon per week

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. If you live in the Lancaster area and have the time, ability and qualities to commit to this role, please apply.

Criteria

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Must have lived in the UK for 3+ years
• 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