At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide companionship and support to individuals in your community.
- Company: Join a local initiative dedicated to enhancing lives through community support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, experience personal growth, and make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be the turning point in someone's life while enriching your own through meaningful connections.
- 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 at least 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 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 give back to 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. To qualify you must have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years. 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 online 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.
Schedule:
We recruit local volunteers to support their local community.
Apply for this role
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 - Ribble Valley 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 - Ribble Valley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local community services and groups in the Ribble Valley area. This knowledge will not only help you connect better with potential clients but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting the community.
✨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 during any informal discussions or interviews. Being able to articulate your awareness of these topics will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability and commitment to the role. Since this position requires a minimum of 1-2 hours per week for at least six months, demonstrating your reliability and flexibility will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Support Volunteers - Ribble Valley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Community Support Volunteer. Familiarise yourself with the importance of companionship and how it can impact someone's life positively.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role, such as previous volunteering, communication skills, or understanding of vulnerable individuals. Make sure your CV reflects your commitment to community service.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for wanting to become a Community Support Volunteer. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in social isolation.
Prepare for Background Checks: Since this role requires a DBS check, be ready to provide necessary information and documents. Ensure you have lived in the UK for the required time and are prepared for the induction process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire Volunteer Partnership
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Community Support Volunteer, your ability to connect with others is crucial. During the interview, share experiences where you've supported someone in need or demonstrated empathy. This will highlight your understanding of vulnerability and the importance of companionship.
✨Demonstrate Local Knowledge
Familiarity with local community services and groups is essential for this role. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of resources available in the Ribble Valley area and how you can help individuals engage with these services.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication skills are vital for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked situational questions, so think about how you would handle difficult conversations or situations with the individuals you'll be supporting.
✨Express Your Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of 6 months, so it's important to convey your dedication. Discuss your availability and willingness to commit to regular visits, as well as your enthusiasm for personal development through training and experience.