Carers Groups Co-facilitator – Volunteer
Within a group setting carers are enabled to share their about their caring role to reduce stress and feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is achieved by actively listening, providing relevant information, responding to issues and concerns raised by the carer. Practical tasks may be required at some groups: i.e. setting up of the room and tea & coffee making duties.
The Difference You Will Make
You will be helping us to change the lives of carers by making sure they are heard and supported when they most need it and are looking for help. You will be making a difference by helping to facilitate the carer support groups alongside the Carer Wellbeing Worker ensuring that carers feel supported, listened to and heard.
Role Expectations
1. To make a regular social call to a carer
2. To provide undivided attention, a listening ear
3. To alleviate social isolation and loneliness
4. To promote positive mental health
5. To feedback details of the call to the Volunteer team and to raise any issues or concerns
Skills and Personal Qualities Required:
- Active listening, and excellent & effective communication
- Confident to engage with others within a face to face group setting
- An insight into issues carers face on a daily basis
- An empathetic caring approach when engaging with others
- To be non-judgemental and be able to maintain personal boundaries
- Encourage and promote carer health and wellbeing
Equipment needed?:
To access CSWS communications and training portal:
- Access to a computer or laptop
- Wifi access within your home
Training and Support
There is the following mandatory training required:
1. CSWS Induction Training
2. Basic Adult Safeguarding – online session
3. LGBTQ+ Carer Awareness
4. Co-facilitator specific training from the locality team
5. GDPR (online)
Support for You
A designated mentor will support you in your role from the locality team you will be part of and provide you with 1-1 reviews on the role. You will be part of the Carers Support West Sussex wider volunteering team (currently around 90 volunteers) and will be invited to social meetings and events throughout the year. You will have access to support on the administration requirements for the role, entering timesheets and claiming expenses. We ask you to engage twice a year in a Volunteering Engagement Survey for us to get feedback from you as well as access to staff forum. Ongoing opportunities are available for learning and development both internal and external.
Locations,Timings and Commitment
Bognor
Location:
You will be located in the Arun locality and you will be supported virtually in your role. Venues for carer group is in Bognor Regis. 69 London Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 1DE
Timings and Commitment:
Second Wednesday of each month: 10.30am – 12pm.
This time period does not include setting up and packing. We would ask of the volunteer to arrive 30mins before the start of the group, and to stay behind after the group, for debrief time and packing up ( 30mins max). Once every 3 months the Carer Wellbeing worker would arrange to call the volunteer for a wellbeing and role catch-up call. This can be done in-person if desired. Total time: 6hrs per month, including attending training and meetings. Minimum commitment of 12 months.
Other Information:
- Out of pocket expenses are paid that includes travel and parking
- This role is available to anyone over the age of 18yrs
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme to support wellbeing
- We will require 2 References and a basic DBS check
How to Apply:
Complete our Volunteer Enquiry Form below
Our Culture and Diversity
At Carers Support, we are building an inclusive workplace where everyone can do their best and be proud to belong. The carers we support come from such different walks of life that we are particularly interested in attracting volunteers from similarly diverse backgrounds, including Asian, Arab, Black, Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups, White Other (e.g. Eastern European, Gypsy, Roma) and any other Ethnic minorities.
We believe that talent is distributed to all of us in equal measure and our differences are a strength not a weakness. Everyone’s unique history has value and our doors are open to people at every meeting of race, religion or belief, different physical ability, age, nationality or citizenship, ethnic origin, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sex, sexual orientation, family structure, and gender identity.
Our Vision and Values
Our vision is to bring the day forward when family and friend carers are seen, heard, and included.
We are focused, putting carers at the heart of everything we do.
We act together, working with and for carers, the communities they live in and the people that can make a difference to them.
We are leaders, working with each other to find potential and opportunities across all communities, enabling carers to be identified and involved.
We are committed to behaviours that support: Quality, Inclusivity, Caring, Integrity, Loyalty and Innovation.
Further information about our Volunteer Programme can be found on our website.