Club Volunteer
BLACKFRIARS SETTLEMENT
Blackfriars Settlement
Part-time
Volunteer Role Description Volunteer role: Club Volunteer Responsible to: Positive Ageing Officer What we do: Blackfriars Settlement is a registered charity providing services to the community. We work with all people in the local community, creating opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations. We meet individual needs within our diverse programme of activities at the Settlement and outside. Purpose of role: With an aging population, more and more older people are at risk of isolation and loneliness as partners and friends pass away, children and grandchildren move away and the community around them changes at a fast pace. The Positive Ageing team organise daily clubs (except Saturday) and activities for older people from the local community to help provide a solution to isolation and loneliness. We are looking for volunteers who can support us by running activities, giving us a hand behind the scenes and making members feel welcome during the sessions. Main activities/tasks: What your role involves will depend on which club you’d like to join (see our website for our activities schedule) but here are some examples: • Frank’s Club: interact with our older gentlemen and play cards/board games etc., offer a friendly face, support and encouragement to participate in activities and engage in conversation • Forget-me-not Club: supporting other volunteers by organising mind games, quizzes and welcoming members • Lunch Club: helping with food preparation, washing up and general clearing up, preparing the hall for lunch and serving food/drinks, occasional organising afternoon activities (lunch will be provided for volunteers!) • Computer Club: give one-to-one support with using computers and mobile phones • Crusoe Club: supporting our visually impaired members during the club, engaging in conversation, helping to serve refreshments and assisting with sighted guiding Other information: Induction and full training will be given, alongside regular supervision • DBS and references will be required • • Volunteering days and hours to suit you and our clients • Travel expenses will be reimbursed up to £5 • You will be covered by our insurance policy What you’d gain from volunteering with us: Improving self confidence • Helping to make a difference in the community and the life of an older person • Understanding the needs of older people and advocating on their behalf • • Meeting new people • Acquiring new skills e.g. working with people with memory issues • Helping to make a difference in the community and the life of an older person • Experience working in a kitchen environment • Experience and understanding of the working environment of a local charity • A reference provided after 3 months active volunteering What we’re looking for: • Cheerful and outgoing personality • Reliable and committed to weekly volunteering • Good spoken English and listening skills • Patience, understanding and empathy towards the needs of older people • Previous experience or strong interest in supporting older people Who the role would suit: • People seeking work who are interested in the lives of older people • Students looking for experience in social care environments • Those who want more fulfilment in their work lives by supporting less able older people • Older people who still want use their time productively Time commitment required: • A minimum of 2 hours per week or other hours negotiated • See our website for our activities schedule • Minimum of 6 months Location: Blackfriars Settlement (or occasionally other venues) Main points of contact: For an informal chat about the role, get in touch with Siggy, Positive Ageing Officer, at sieglinde.cosias@blackfriars-settlement.org.uk or phone 020 7928 9521. Please send your completed application form to Eva at eva.henry@blackfriars- settlement.org.uk.