Volunteer Companion and Guide in Manchester

Overview: This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Company Description: Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families to build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.

Position: We are looking for a Volunteer Companion and Guide to support the Group Leader and members. The role includes:

• Guide and accompany visually impaired group members which may involve meeting them at local transport links and guiding to Manchester City Centre and Salford based venues (Museums and Art Galleries).
• Assist with refreshments and guiding visually impaired group members during the group meets.
• Encourage social interaction between group members.
• Assist with fundraising activities as required.

Commitment: Provide companionship and sighted guide to visually impaired people weekly at Trafford Social Group and/or at Museum and Art Gallery events around Greater Manchester. This post is unpaid; you will be able to claim out of pocket expenses as agreed by your line manager. Due to the nature/location of this role, applicants will require a DBS check (facilitated by Henshaws).

To apply for this role please complete our online application form. For further details, please contact Justine Watson Smith, our Enablement Services Manager. Email: [email protected] Telephone: Mobile 07970637105 or call Henshaws: 0300 222 5555.

Requirements: What we require from you:

• Organised.
• A flexible and positive approach.
• Adaptability to the role's requirements.
• Personable when speaking with members of the public, staff, and other volunteers.
• Friendly and sociable nature.
• Understanding of issues and barriers visually impaired people may experience.
• Being sensitive to providing support within a care environment.

Support you will receive: Support you will receive from Henshaws, and your involvement in our organisation includes:

• Regular contact with the manager responsible for the area with which you will volunteer.
• You will gain valuable experience and understanding of the services Henshaws offers.
• You will be part of the work of a highly regarded UK charity.
• We will reimburse reasonable expenses.
• Full training including sight guide training and supervision will be given as appropriate for the volunteering role.
• Volunteers are invited to attend Henshaws events which include other areas of our work.
• We ask all our volunteers to follow Henshaws policies and procedures.

Other information: Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate. Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants. Registered Charity No: 221888.