Getting Out & About is Age UK Berkshire's service for people who have become isolated and where short-term support can make a real difference. The service is currently offered to people aged 50+ who are resident in the local area.
We are looking for volunteers who will happily give a few hours of their free time to help others in their community who are lonely and vulnerable, and who are needing a bit of extra help to reconnect with their local community.
The aim of the service is to enhance the quality of life of older people who live alone and have limited or no social contact. This can be for a variety of reasons such as being new to the area, recently bereaved, unaware of local facilities etc. Volunteers will provide short term intervention, offering support for up to 6 weeks for each person, introducing them to appropriate social/community groups and activities.
Main Tasks
- To visit a client regularly at a time that is mutually convenient
- To support the client in the implementation of the action plan (previously agreed with the client)
- To accompany the client on visits to social groups, events and other places, as appropriate to the action plan
- To report back to the coordinator about the client following each visit
- To alert the coordinator to any concerns the client may have, or any concerns you may have about the client
- To maintain confidentiality and security of personal data
Tasks you are NOT expected to undertake:
- Any personal care, e.g. feeding, dressing, assisting with the toilet, etc.
- Shopping or housework (buying small items on behalf of the client may be allowed in accordance with money handling procedures)
- Administering or advising on the use of any medications
- Any heavy lifting
- Any task you feel uncomfortable with
About Age UK Berkshire
Age is different for everyone, of course, and the challenges and demands are different for everyone, too. Age UK Berkshire is many things to many people: a source of advice, information, support, companionship and enjoyment.
We are the leading organisation providing integrated health and wellbeing services for older people across Berkshire, a local independent charity and part of the Age UK brand.
We believe that everyone can love later life - we do this by inspiring, supporting and enabling in a number of ways:
To encourage choice and opportunity for older people.
To be a direct service provider of high quality services for older people.
To ensure that older people are aware of, and have access to, the benefits to which they are entitled.
To advocate on behalf of older people.
To promote positive attitudes towards older people and ageing.
We provide support and services that make a positive difference to the quality of older people's lives, including the most vulnerable and isolated.
We have around 160 hard-working and, in 2019, about 45 employees
Age UK Berkshire is an independent organisation responsible for its own funds and governance.
A Board of Trustees oversees the management of the organisation and they are responsible to Age UK Berkshire Members.
We work and support people in West Berkshire, Reading, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Bracknell, Ascot and Slough.
Age UK Berkshire recognises that individuals may face discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief or lack of, political belief or affiliation, gender, gender re-assignment, sexual orientation, dependent-care requirements, social class, marital status, disability and, of course, age.
Our aim is to make our services fully inclusive and we acknowledge the needs of older people irrespective of your personal, social or other circumstances.
What skills do I need?
You should be available to volunteer in this role for a minimum of 6 months.
By prior agreement with the coordinator and subject to the wishes of the client, early evening and weekend visits may be possible. However, you will need to be available during the working week to attend an informal interview and to make an introductory visit to the client with a member of staff.
Experience
No previous experience is required, but a willingness to learn, and to participate in training, is important to enable you to best help our clients and to help you get the most satisfaction from volunteering with this service.
Although not essential, you may find it can be an advantage if you have experience of dealing with, or caring for, older or disabled people either informally (e.g. contact with or care of older family members), or formally in employment.
Qualities
- A desire to make a difference to the lives of older and/or disabled people is vital
- A kind, caring and friendly manner
- An ability to listen, and to have empathy with clients
- An encouraging and sensitive manner
- An awareness of local facilities and/or an ability to find out
- A driver with access to your own transport (reasonable expenses are reimbursed) would be an advantage
When is this role available?
This is a flexible role available on various days/times.
Details
Ideally, you should have at least 2 to 4 hours a week to spare on a regular basis, normally between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
Where does this role take place?
