Advocacy Volunteer: RPR & Hospital Visitor (Shropshire)
Advocacy Volunteer: RPR & Hospital Visitor (Shropshire)

Advocacy Volunteer: RPR & Hospital Visitor (Shropshire)

Volunteer No home office possible
Sandwell College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals in care and hospital settings, ensuring their voices are heard.
  • Company: VoiceAbility, a leading charity in advocacy services across the UK.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop communication skills, and make a real difference.
  • Why this job: Join us to empower others and enrich your community through meaningful volunteer work.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for helping others.
  • Other info: Flexible commitment of just 3 hours a week; perfect for students!

Location: Shropshire

Position Type: Volunteer

All applications by 31/03/2026 23:59

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like.

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire

  • Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Volunteer

Some individuals have been deprived of their liberty following a decision about certain aspects of their care and living arrangements, such as being moved from independent accommodation into a care home, are in their best interest and necessary to keep them safe. These people are legally entitled to have support from an RPR. An RPR may be a family member, but if this is not an option then a VoiceAbility RPR volunteer can be appointed.

As An RPR Volunteer You Might

  • Visiting clients to ensure they are getting the right care, support and being treated fairly
  • Keeping detailed notes and records of interactions with clients and care facility staff
  • Helping to ensure the client is receiving the best care, in line with their wishes
  • Alerting the Team Leader to any concerns regarding the client or their treatment
  • Building professional relationships with the Care Home Staff
  • Recording activity on our case management system and writing reports
  • Helping to make a difference to someone’s life
  • Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate. The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a Hospital Visitor Volunteer You Might

  • Hold drop-in sessions
  • Attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
  • Share information
  • Assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To Find Out More

To find out more click "Apply Now".

Advocacy Volunteer: RPR & Hospital Visitor (Shropshire) employer: Sandwell College

VoiceAbility is an exceptional employer that empowers volunteers to make a significant impact in the Shropshire community by advocating for those who need support. With a strong commitment to personal growth, our inclusive work culture fosters meaningful connections and enhances communication skills, all while providing a rewarding experience that truly makes a difference in people's lives. Join us in our mission to ensure every voice is heard and valued, and enjoy the fulfilment that comes from helping others.
Sandwell College

Contact Detail:

Sandwell College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Advocacy Volunteer: RPR & Hospital Visitor (Shropshire)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Before you step into that interview, do a bit of homework on VoiceAbility. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your own experiences align with what they do. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to make a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and run through some common interview questions. Focus on how you can articulate your passion for advocacy and your commitment to helping others. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across!

✨Tip Number 3

Be yourself! Authenticity is key when volunteering. Share your personal stories and why you want to be an RPR or Hospital Visitor Volunteer. This helps create a connection with the interviewers and shows them your genuine desire to help others.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Advocacy Volunteer: RPR & Hospital Visitor (Shropshire)

Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Record Keeping
Relationship Building
Advocacy Knowledge
Empathy
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Mental Health Legislation
Teamwork
Safeguarding Awareness
Organisational Skills
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the role descriptions carefully and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position!

Show Your Passion: We love seeing applicants who are passionate about advocacy and helping others. Share any relevant experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the community.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest information about the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell College

✨Know Your Advocacy Stuff

Before the interview, brush up on what advocacy means and the specific services VoiceAbility offers. Understanding the role of an RPR and a Hospital Visitor will show your genuine interest and commitment to helping others.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since this role involves interacting with clients and care staff, be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated or resolved conflicts, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and how VoiceAbility supports its volunteers. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment

VoiceAbility values dedication, so make sure to express your willingness to commit at least 3 hours a week. Share any previous volunteering experiences that highlight your reliability and passion for making a difference in the community.

Advocacy Volunteer: RPR & Hospital Visitor (Shropshire)
Sandwell College

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