Men in Sheds Companion Volunteer at The Men in Sheds (Blidworth) - Male and Female needed
OFFERED BY:
Age UK Nottingham & NottinghamshireLocation(s): Outside of Nottingham City
Address where volunteering takes place: Unit 4, Boundary Court Gilbert Way Burma Road Industrial Estate Blidworth NG21 0RTHow many places are on offer?
Purpose of Role:
The Companion Men in Sheds Volunteer role will support the Men in Sheds Volunteers to deliver the project aims, introducing new skills to men and women, whilst helping combat social isolation.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
What is the purpose of this role?
To support our Men in Sheds volunteers by contributing to the safe running of the shed during sessions by their continual presence and willingness to chat to and support members who attend.
The Men in Sheds Project is historically a project specifically for men aged 50+, but with the benefits that have been seen from the project, a mixed session with men and women is being introduced to help women learn/build on practical woodworking skills too.
Men in Sheds provides a well-equipped workshop space where members can work together on a range of activities, and we currently have ‘sheds’ in Blidworth and Worksop.
The project aims to:
- Encourage men and women to be more socially active.
- Provide members with an outlet for their skills and the opportunity to learn new ones.
- Provide respite amongst friends for older men and women who are carers.
- Provide the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the local community.
- Provide access to information and other local services.
- Encourage members to take ownership of their ’shed’ and the projects undertaken.
What impact does this role have?
The Companion Men in Sheds Volunteer role will support the Men in Sheds Volunteers to deliver the project aims, introducing new skills to men and women, whilst helping combat social isolation.
What activities might you be involved in?
- Assisting volunteers on duty delivering the Men in Sheds Sessions.
- Assisting volunteers unlocking the shed and getting it ready for use, turning on heating, checking for unsafe items around and on machines etc.
- Assisting members if needed with projects, lifting etc.
- Encouraging projects that could be completed by members - orders, seasonal items etc.
- Meeting and greeting visitors, ensuring they comply with all safety requirements & sign in.
- Attending monthly volunteer meetings.
- Checking that everything is switched off and assisting a fellow volunteer in locking up at the end of the session.
- Reporting any concerns to the main volunteer on duty and/or the Shed Co-ordinator.
- Volunteering within the charity Safeguarding Policy and raising any safeguarding concerns with the other volunteer only duty, who will then raise it with the Shed Co-ordinator.
When would you be needed to volunteer?
Volunteers are required who can regularly commit to at least one session per week or to provide cover on an ‘as needed’ basis. The Blidworth Shed is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 9am - 1pm (Thursday afternoon sessions from January 2025). Days to be agreed with the Shed.
What training will you be given?
You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction at the Men in Sheds.
You will be required to attend a full day’s certified First Aid Training course paid for by the charity. Your certificate once trained will last for 3 years after which time you will be required to attend refresher training
What can you gain from this opportunity?
- The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life.
- Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
- A comprehensive training programme.
- The opportunity to learn new skills.
- Experience to add to your CV.
- The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in Age UK Notts Volunteer handbook
Additional Information
Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role, and a DBS recheck will be undertaken on a 5-year basis.
To support our Men in Sheds volunteers by contributing to the safe running of the shed during sessions by their continual presence and willingness to chat to and support members who attend.
The Men in Sheds Project is historically a project specifically for men aged 50+, but with the benefits that have been seen from the project, a mixed session with men and women is being introduced to help women learn/build on practical woodworking skills too.
Men in Sheds provides a well-equipped workshop space where members can work together on a range of activities, and we currently have ‘sheds’ in Blidworth and Worksop.
The project aims to:
- Encourage men and women to be more socially active.
- Provide members with an outlet for their skills and the opportunity to learn new ones.
- Provide respite amongst friends for older men and women who are carers.
- Provide the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the local community.
- Provide access to information and other local services.
- Encourage members to take ownership of their ’shed’ and the projects undertaken.
What impact does this role have?
The Companion Men in Sheds Volunteer role will support the Men in Sheds Volunteers to deliver the project aims, introducing new skills to men and women, whilst helping combat social isolation.
What activities might you be involved in?
- Assisting volunteers on duty delivering the Men in Sheds Sessions.
- Assisting volunteers unlocking the shed and getting it ready for use, turning on heating, checking for unsafe items around and on machines etc.
- Assisting members if needed with projects, lifting etc.
- Encouraging projects that could be completed by members - orders, seasonal items etc.
- Meeting and greeting visitors, ensuring they comply with all safety requirements & sign in.
- Attending monthly volunteer meetings.
- Checking that everything is switched off and assisting a fellow volunteer in locking up at the end of the session.
- Reporting any concerns to the main volunteer on duty and/or the Shed Co-ordinator.
- Volunteering within the charity Safeguarding Policy and raising any safeguarding concerns with the other volunteer only duty, who will then raise it with the Shed Co-ordinator.
When would you be needed to volunteer?
Volunteers are required who can regularly commit to at least one session per week or to provide cover on an ‘as needed’ basis. The Blidworth Shed is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 9am - 1pm (Thursday afternoon sessions from January 2025). Days to be agreed with the Shed.
What training will you be given?
You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction at the Men in Sheds.
You will be required to attend a full day’s certified First Aid Training course paid for by the charity. Your certificate once trained will last for 3 years after which time you will be required to attend refresher training
What can you gain from this opportunity?
- The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life.
- Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
- A comprehensive training programme.
- The opportunity to learn new skills.
- Experience to add to your CV.
- The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in Age UK Notts Volunteer handbook
Additional Information
Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role, and a DBS recheck will be undertaken on a 5-year basis.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
What are we looking for?
- Friendly personality and approachable manner with the ability to work confidentially and sensitively with men and women from a variety of backgrounds.
- Ability to use own initiative to work alone, or as part of a team.
- Keen to learn or build on their understanding of the workshop environment and/ or working with power tools
- Appreciate the need to follow health and safety guidelines:
- Ensure members follow the shed’s General Safety Rules
- Ensure that all members work in a safe manner.
- Ensure machines are not used inappropriately – training will be given.
- Ensure that you demonstrate good practice by wearing the correct PPE and ensure that members also wear it.
- Ensure there is no smoking in the shed, only in the outside designated smoking area.
- Actively contribute to keeping the shed clean and tidy
Who can apply:
- We are specifically looking for male applicants over the age of 40 to support the male sessions alongside our current volunteers.
- We are looking for male and female applicants over the age of 40 to support the mixed sessions alongside our current volunteers.
- Friendly personality and approachable manner with the ability to work confidentially and sensitively with men and women from a variety of backgrounds.
- Ability to use own initiative to work alone, or as part of a team.
- Keen to learn or build on their understanding of the workshop environment and/ or working with power tools
- Appreciate the need to follow health and safety guidelines:
- Ensure members follow the shed’s General Safety Rules
- Ensure that all members work in a safe manner.
- Ensure machines are not used inappropriately – training will be given.
- Ensure that you demonstrate good practice by wearing the correct PPE and ensure that members also wear it.
- Ensure there is no smoking in the shed, only in the outside designated smoking area.
- Actively contribute to keeping the shed clean and tidy
Who can apply:
- We are specifically looking for male applicants over the age of 40 to support the male sessions alongside our current volunteers.
- We are looking for male and female applicants over the age of 40 to support the mixed sessions alongside our current volunteers.
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:
Aged 18 and over
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity? Yes
Gender restrictions:
Please see above
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people? Yes
Disability restrictions:
How long before volunteer can expect a response?
We aim to get back to volunteers within 2 weeks
How long to complete training and recruitment?
Application form, informal interview. DBS Check & References. An Induction is provided, & training specific to the role.
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