Friendship group volunteers (Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale)
OFFERED BY:
Good CompanionsLocation(s): Clifton East, Clifton West
Address where volunteering takes place: Clifton Cornerstone Southchurch Drive Clifton Nottingham NG 11 8EWHow many places are on offer?
Purpose of Role:
The volunteers who support at our friendship groups come from a variety of working and personal backgrounds, the key attribute is to be interested in the lives of other people, friendly and supportive. Our volunteers are what make our friendship groups so special - the places that older people want to attend and spend time at. We hope that volunteers are able to give a regular commitment to support at a friendship group.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
Good Companions offer five weekly friendship groups in the Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale areas of Nottingham to older people who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Our friendship groups are:
* Monday at Clifton Community Centre (aka The Shed), Southchurch Drive, Clifton, NG11 8AR. 11am to 1pm.
* Monday at The Silverdale Community Centre, The Downs, Silverdale, NG11 7EB. 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
* Tuesday at Clifton Methodist Church, Rivergreen, Clifton, NG11 8AU. 10am to 12 noon.
* Thursday at the Simone Gardens Communal Room, Simone Gardens, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, NG11 8BG. 10am to 12 noon.
* Friday at Parkgate Community Centre, Chamberlain Close, Clifton, NG11 8RX. 11am to 2pm. Please note that a community lunch is included in this group.
Volunteers are an essential part of Good Companions. At the friendship groups volunteers attend 30 minutes before the start of each group in order to assist with the set-up of the friendship group; volunteers also stay for around 15 minutes after the group in order to support with the tidy-up. Within the groups volunteers have a variety of roles including welcoming our lovely service users into the venue, making and serving hot drinks, providing support where necessary with activities such as playing dominoes and when bingo is being called, assisting people into and out of taxis if required.
Our friendship groups all follow a similar (but not identical) format of refreshments being served, a quiz or word searches, an activity which includes a monthly health qi gong session, announcements/discussions over future events and bingo or card games.
Upon enquiry, a prospective volunteer would be invited to attend one or more friendship groups to see what we offer. They would then be asked to complete a short application form. Two character references are requested and then an informal interview/information exchange meeting is arranged.
A basic DBS is requested (paid for by Good Companions). The new volunteer would be matched to one or more of the friendship groups - depending on their availability. We provide twice-yearly volunteer meetings and twice yearly phone support meetings with a Co-ordinator. Volunteers are also invited to attend our various activities (including themed activity days, trips out, the pantomime and Christmas parties).
* Monday at Clifton Community Centre (aka The Shed), Southchurch Drive, Clifton, NG11 8AR. 11am to 1pm.
* Monday at The Silverdale Community Centre, The Downs, Silverdale, NG11 7EB. 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
* Tuesday at Clifton Methodist Church, Rivergreen, Clifton, NG11 8AU. 10am to 12 noon.
* Thursday at the Simone Gardens Communal Room, Simone Gardens, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, NG11 8BG. 10am to 12 noon.
* Friday at Parkgate Community Centre, Chamberlain Close, Clifton, NG11 8RX. 11am to 2pm. Please note that a community lunch is included in this group.
Volunteers are an essential part of Good Companions. At the friendship groups volunteers attend 30 minutes before the start of each group in order to assist with the set-up of the friendship group; volunteers also stay for around 15 minutes after the group in order to support with the tidy-up. Within the groups volunteers have a variety of roles including welcoming our lovely service users into the venue, making and serving hot drinks, providing support where necessary with activities such as playing dominoes and when bingo is being called, assisting people into and out of taxis if required.
Our friendship groups all follow a similar (but not identical) format of refreshments being served, a quiz or word searches, an activity which includes a monthly health qi gong session, announcements/discussions over future events and bingo or card games.
Upon enquiry, a prospective volunteer would be invited to attend one or more friendship groups to see what we offer. They would then be asked to complete a short application form. Two character references are requested and then an informal interview/information exchange meeting is arranged.
A basic DBS is requested (paid for by Good Companions). The new volunteer would be matched to one or more of the friendship groups - depending on their availability. We provide twice-yearly volunteer meetings and twice yearly phone support meetings with a Co-ordinator. Volunteers are also invited to attend our various activities (including themed activity days, trips out, the pantomime and Christmas parties).
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Whilst no formal qualifications are required volunteers need to be able and interested in talking to a variety of people, to get involved with activities at the friendship groups, be reliable and have a clear understanding of their availability and existing commitments.
WHEN REQUIRED:
This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Are there age restrictions for this opportunity? Yes
Age Restrictions:
16+
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity? No
Gender restrictions:
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people? Yes
Disability restrictions:
How long before volunteer can expect a response?
One week
How long to complete training and recruitment?
We offer training in safeguarding, food hygiene, and other training as necessary.
Volunteer Expenses offered? Yes
Induction and Training offered? Yes
Support and Supervision offered? Yes
Has a risk assessment been carried out? Yes
DBS Disclosure required? Yes