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- Tasks: Support individuals by providing companionship and helping them engage with community services.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on reducing social isolation in local communities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, personal development, and make a real difference in someone's life.
- Why this job: This role is rewarding and impactful, offering a chance to enhance your community and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18, UK resident for 3+ years, and willing to undergo a DBS check.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.
Why do we need Community Support Volunteers? There are people in our local communities who require a supportive companion to help them. The benefits of their having regular meetings with a Community Support Volunteer helps to increase their confidence, resilience and independence to help tackle their social isolation and achieve specified and agreed goals and objectives.
What would you need to do? Companionship, not practical assistance, is required for this opportunity. Use your local knowledge of community services and groups and spend time listening to and supporting someone to engage with them.
What’s in it for you? By becoming a Community Support Volunteer, you are accepting the opportunity that could mark the turning point in someone’s life. This rewarding role offers an excellent opportunity for personal development by obtaining new skills and experiences as well as a chance to put something back into the community.
Criteria:
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Must have lived in the UK for 3+ years
- Commitment of 1-2 hours minimum per week / Flexible
- Minimum commitment of 6 months is required
- This volunteering role is subject to a DBS check.
- Applicants must be willing to go through an induction process with relevant background checks and an enhanced DBS check (This will be done free of charge)
- To regularly visit the individual on a 1:1 basis either in their own home or a community setting.
- To regularly support the individual to achieve agreed positive goals to promote their independence – The role is unique to every individual’s needs and circumstances.
- To provide regular feedback on progress.
- Volunteers must log their volunteering hours monthly and submit expenses where applicable via an on-line computer system.
- To complete minimum level training e.g. Safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to the role.
Required Qualities:
- Understanding of vulnerability
- It would be an advantage to have an awareness of key issues – alcohol, drug abuse, mental health, etc.
- Ability to use basic ICT systems
- Be able to deal with difficult situations in a professional manner
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to use own initiative
- Respect for equality and diversity
Training: Training will be provided in the form of distance learning or trainer-led. Volunteers must have completed the required training before any activity can be undertaken and may be asked to regularly refresh training where required.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator for a chat, or click apply now.
Keep up to date with the latest volunteering opportunities. We’ll notify you when any opportunities become available that we think you will be interested in.
Community Support Volunteers - Preston employer: Lancashire Volunteer Partnership
Contact Detail:
Lancashire Volunteer Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Support Volunteers - Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local community services and groups in Preston. This knowledge will not only help you connect better with the individuals you'll be supporting but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage in conversations with current or past volunteers to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information on what to expect and how to approach your role effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of vulnerability and related issues like mental health or substance abuse in your interactions. This will highlight your empathy and readiness to support those in need, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability and commitment during the application process. Flexibility is key, so emphasising your willingness to dedicate 1-2 hours per week for at least six months will strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Support Volunteers - Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Community Support Volunteer. Reflect on how your skills and experiences align with the role's requirements, particularly in providing companionship and support.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experiences in your CV that demonstrate your understanding of vulnerability and your ability to communicate effectively. Include any previous volunteer work or roles that required interpersonal skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for helping others and your commitment to making a difference in the community. Mention specific qualities that make you a suitable candidate, such as your understanding of key issues like mental health or social isolation.
Prepare for Background Checks: Since this role requires a DBS check, be ready to provide necessary information and documents. Familiarise yourself with the process and ensure you meet all criteria, including residency requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire Volunteer Partnership
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Community Support Volunteer, empathy is key. During the interview, share experiences where you've supported someone in need or demonstrated understanding towards vulnerable individuals. This will highlight your ability to connect with those you’ll be helping.
✨Demonstrate Local Knowledge
Familiarity with local community services and groups is essential. Be prepared to discuss specific organisations or resources in Preston that could benefit the individuals you'll be supporting. This shows your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse groups or handled difficult conversations. This will reassure the interviewers of your interpersonal skills.
✨Express Your Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of 6 months. Make sure to express your willingness to dedicate time and effort to this cause. Discuss your availability and how you plan to log your volunteering hours, showing that you're organised and reliable.
