Open to All Carers Groups Co-Facilitator – Volunteer
Within a group setting carers are enabled to share their emotions 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.
Feeding back to the Carer Wellbeing Worker for further action to be taken on a 1:1 basis, or by signposting the Carer to call our Carer Helpline. The Co-Facilitator would also be responsible for alerting the Carer Wellbeing Worker to any Safeguarding related concerns or disclosures. 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
Working together with the Carer Wellbeing Worker, to provide a safe space for carers to meet on a regular basis to engage with other carers, gain information and peer support. Our `Open to All` groups are for all carers who are supporting anyone who could not manage without them.
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:
- CSWS Volunteer Induction Training
- WSCC Safeguarding – Basic Awareness/Adult Course online
- CSWS in-house: Carers Groups/Facilitation Skills Training
- WSCC GDPR on-line Training
This role is available to anyone over the age of 18yrs
References and DBS check will be requested
Locations,Timings and Commitment
Location:
East Grinstead
Glen Vue, Railway Approach, East Grinstead RH19 1BS.
Timings and Commitment:
4 hours per month on average (including on-going training and regular reviews). 10.15-12.15 (group is 10.30-12.00) First Tuesday of the month. (2/7, 6/8, 3/9 etc)
Volunteers can co-facilitate at more than one group a month if desired.
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