Respite Activity Support Volunteer

Our Daybreak respite service offers a safe space for people with a range of care and support needs (including dementia) to socialise and access recreational and reablement activities, which are run by highly skilled, qualified healthcare professionals, in a friendly environment.

The weekly service offers respite to carers, enabling those they care for to enjoy 5 hours of activities and support tailored to their needs.

As a Respite Activity Support Volunteer, you will be responsible for supporting and facilitating activities for people with care and support needs. You will use your skills and interests in art, music, drama or other areas to support activity sessions that are fun, engaging and meaningful. You will also help to promote the benefits of volunteering and raise awareness of the organisation.

What you’ll be doing:

• Liaising with staff and other volunteers to identify the needs and interests of the individuals we support
• Developing and delivering a variety of activities that suit different abilities and preferences
• Setting up and clearing away equipment and materials for each session
• Ensuring that health and safety guidelines are followed and that risk assessments are carried out
• Providing feedback and evaluation on the impact and outcomes of the activities
• Supporting the individuals we support to participate in the activities and to socialise with others.

The skills you have:

• A passion for supporting people
• A creative flair and a willingness to share your skills and talents with others
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• A friendly, positive, and flexible attitude
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to attend regular training and supervision sessions
• A need and respect for confidentiality and diversity

Times and Commitment:

We are flexible with how often you volunteer or how much on the day. The session currently runs every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am - 3pm.

What you’ll gain:

• Making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with care and support needs and those that care for them.
• Meet new people as part of a friendly team that makes a difference in the community
•  Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out your role, and agreed out-of-pocket expenses (reimbursed within our guidelines)

Please note that the lower age limit for volunteering with Carers Trust Heart of England is 18, due to our safeguarding policy and insurance. This post is subject to a successful informal interview and a DBS check.