Friendly Group Volunteers vacancy in Peterborough, Huntingdon, Bury St Edmunds, Essex, Greater London, Belfast and Coleraine ()

Deafblind UK have many Groups set up to support those with sight and hearing loss. The Groups aim is to be inclusive and supportive, ensuring a safe environment encouraging local members to attend regularly thus reducing isolation and loneliness. There are many roles to choose from within the group environments including:
Group Co-Ordinator
Coffee Morning Co-Ordinator
Activities Co-Ordinator
Group Admin
Group Finance
Named First Aider
General Group or Coffee Group Volunteer

As a Group Volunteer you will provide support to our social groups or coffee mornings enabling members to widen their social networks and friendships.
This role can include:
• Preparation of drinks
• Communication and guiding support,
• Group and one to one conversations and assisting with equipment
• Organise monthly social groups, including activity planning and member transport supporting Deafblind UK members
• Welcome and support any visiting speakers, activity providers, etc.
• Organise or promote regular coffee mornings or meet ups
• Keep accurate finance records and balance of accounts paid in as subs by attendees.
• Opening and secure closing of premises.

What’s involved?
As a Group Volunteer you are there to help alongside others with a combination of the following activities:
• To supervise group members and support them to engage in the activities within the group
• To take charge of communication and guiding support as needed with deafblind individuals, enabling all deafblind members to be fully involved in the group’s activities
• To support the development of new activities within the group

• To promote involvement in presentations, and other activities offered to the group from various organisations
• Where appropriate to assist with the preparation and distribution of refreshments within the group
• Encourage conversation between group members.
• Collect subs and complete attendance registers
• Responsible for all aspects of supervising, organising and facilitating each session, including setting up the room where the activity will take place; organising refreshments and biscuits; starting and maintaining discussions.
• To provide communication and guiding support as needed to enable all deafblind members to participate fully.
• To provide regular updates of your volunteering activity to your named Deafblind UK contact
• Responsible for organising and planning all group activities with the agreement of the members


What times do I need to commit to?
This role requires regular monthly attendance, days and times vary depending on location.


The role will suit people who …
• Are confident with a warm, friendly and engaging manner
• Can empathise with the pressures on deafblind people, their families and understand the need for support
• Have a sense of humour
• Are self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative
• Have excellent communication and organisational skills with the ability to work on own initiative
• Are reliable, confident and responsible individual, with enthusiasm and effective interpersonal skill.
• Are able to demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of the needs of people who have sight and hearing loss
• Have a willingness to learn communication and guiding techniques to meet the needs of the deafblind person / people
• Have experience in organising group activities and session planning
• Are confident in handling cash and logging information
 

What are the benefits to you?
• Opportunities to meet like-minded people in your community
• Be part of a friendly and dedicated team
• The satisfaction of knowing you will be making a difference to real people’s lives
• New communications skills
• Establishing positive employability skills to help you in your career path


How do we support you?

We ensure all volunteers who join our team are well equipped to undertake any tasks and will provide training and supervision throughout your journey with us. Any specific training will be outlined within your onboarding and induction stages and then discussed at your reviews with your named lead contact.

For more information and an informal chat, please contact our Recruitment Team on 01733 316587 or email [email protected]