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- Tasks: Facilitate friendly gatherings for older adults, encouraging conversation and connection.
- Company: Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make meaningful connections, and receive training and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by reducing social isolation.
- Qualifications: Warm, patient individuals with good listening skills and a passion for conversation.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal and social growth.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada (CCKC) is looking for volunteer facilitators for Talking Cafés, which are informal, drop-in gatherings that offer older adults a friendly space to connect, share stories, and enjoy meaningful conversation. Each Café is supported by a volunteer facilitator who gently guides the discussion and helps create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Volunteer facilitators play an important role in encouraging conversation and ensuring everyone feels welcome, helping maintain a positive, respectful, and supportive atmosphere.
Location: In Person (This position requires attendance in person)
Commitment: 1-3 hours per month, starting immediately. Sessions last 1 to 1.5 hours each, with additional time needed for setup and feedback. The overall commitment is flexible, designed to accommodate your availability while ensuring a positive experience for both facilitators and participants.
Required Qualifications:
- Warm, patient, and comfortable engaging in friendly conversation with older adults.
- Good listening skills and an inclusive mindset.
- Ability to gently guide group discussions.
- No formal training or professional background is required; full guidance and support are provided.
- Completion of a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) before beginning the role, with costs covered by CCKC.
Position Responsibilities:
- Greeting participants and creating a safe and inclusive environment.
- Encouraging participation without pressure.
- Gently guiding discussions with open-ended questions when needed.
- Arriving early to set up the space and refreshments.
- Fostering a friendly, respectful atmosphere where everyone feels heard.
Volunteers can gain a rich and rewarding set of skills and experiences from being a Talking Café Facilitator, including confidence in leading small groups, guiding conversations, and creating welcoming spaces. They strengthen their communication and active-listening skills, learn techniques for managing group dynamics, and gain experience supporting older adults in a community setting. Volunteers receive training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to grow personally and socially while making a positive impact in their community—one conversation at a time.
Talking Café Facilitator in Kingston upon Thames employer: United Way KFLA
Contact Detail:
United Way KFLA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Talking Café Facilitator in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you step into that interview, do a bit of homework on Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills as a Talking Café Facilitator can align with what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and run through some mock interviews. Focus on how you would create a warm and inclusive environment for older adults, and be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! When you're in the interview, let your personality shine through. Show them your warmth and patience, and don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping others connect and feel valued.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to express why you’d be a great fit for facilitating those Talking Cafés.
We think you need these skills to ace Talking Café Facilitator in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for connecting with older adults and creating a warm atmosphere.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any experience you have that relates to facilitating conversations or working with groups. Even if it’s informal, we love to see how your skills can contribute to making our Talking Cafés a success!
Show Your Availability: Since this role is flexible, it’s super helpful if you can outline your availability in your application. Let us know when you can commit to facilitating sessions, so we can find the best fit for you!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you started on this rewarding journey of making meaningful connections!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Way KFLA
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Talking Café Facilitator entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like creating a welcoming environment and guiding discussions. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves working with older adults, it's crucial to demonstrate your warmth and patience during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged in meaningful conversations or supported others, showcasing your compassionate nature.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means not just hearing but understanding the questions asked. Respond thoughtfully and ask clarifying questions if needed. This will show that you possess the good listening skills required for the role.
✨Prepare Open-Ended Questions
Think of some open-ended questions you might use during a Talking Café session. Bring these to the interview as examples of how you would encourage conversation among participants. This will highlight your ability to gently guide discussions and create an engaging atmosphere.
