Overview
The aim of social and activity groups is to help improve the quality-of-life older people who are socially isolated and may only get out to this activity. Volunteers helping in our social groups assist with providing group members with the support they need to join in the activity, or simply a chat. For example, some weeks you might help a member join in a craft activity or enjoy a board game.
Responsibilities
- Help the person co-ordinating the activity prepare the room for the activity and tidy up afterwards.
- Establish and build a friendly and open relationships with members at the group whilst establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- Ensure that the older persons needs are put first within all tasks and communication, whilst respecting the members’ privacy and independence.
- Maintain confidentiality, except in reporting back to the person that supports you, or in circumstances that will be discussed in your training.
- Help the older members with activities, ensuring they can get as much enjoyment out of an activity as possible.
- Serve refreshments to the members, complying with health and safety and food hygiene standards.
- Undertake all training, or support meetings, as agreed with the person who supports you.
- Complete basic reporting and administrative tasks associated with the role, if required.
- To liaise with the person who supports you regarding anything the member asks for that hasn’t already been agreed.
- To be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role.
- To attend any volunteer meetings as required.
- You will be able to maintain confidentiality at all times.
- A commitment to MHA’s values and policies, including EDI.
- To inform your named contact at the earliest opportunity of any change in circumstances which affect your ability to continue with volunteering, such as holidays or periods of time you cannot volunteer.
Skills & Qualities needed for this role
- Good listening skills.
- Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people.
- The ability to engage yourself and others in a wide range of activities.
- You will be reliable and punctual.
- Flexibility.
- You will have a clear sense of personal boundaries.
- Having the ability to provide a supportive and non-judgemental service.
- You’ll be willing to join in with training and development.
- You’ll be able to maintain confidentiality.
We will provide you with a full induction for the role.
- Ongoing support from a named contact.
- Out of pocket expenses in accordance with MHA’s Expenses Policy
- Training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role as appropriate.
- We ask that you make a minimum of six months commitment to this role.
- We ask you to be able to commit regularly to the social activity and we can agree the frequency with you.
Pay: £0.01 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Free or subsidised travel
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
