Carers Groups Co-facilitator – Volunteer
Within a group setting carers are enabled to share their about their caring role to reduce stress and feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is achieved by actively listening, providing relevant information, responding to issues and concerns raised by the carer. Practical tasks may be required at some groups: i.e. setting up of the room and tea & coffee making duties.
As a volunteer, you will feed back to the Wellbeing Worker for further action to be taken on a 1:1 basis, or by signposting the carer to call our Carer Response Line. You will also be responsible for alerting the Wellbeing Worker to any Safeguarding related concerns or disclosures.
The Difference You Will Make
You will be helping us to change the lives of carers by making sure they are heard and supported when they most need it and are looking for help. You will be making a difference by helping to facilitate the carer support groups alongside the Carer Wellbeing Worker ensuring that carers feel supported, listened to and heard.
Role Expectations
1. To make a regular social call to a carer
2. To provide undivided attention, a listening ear
3. To alleviate social isolation and loneliness
4. To promote positive mental health
5. To feedback details of the call to the Volunteer team and to raise any issues or concerns
Skills and Personal Qualities Required:
- Active listening, and excellent & effective communication
- Confident to engage with others within a face to face group setting
- An insight into issues carers face on a daily basis
- An empathetic caring approach when engaging with others
- To be non-judgemental and be able to maintain personal boundaries
- Encourage and promote carer health and wellbeing
Equipment needed?:
To access CSWS communications and training portal:
- Access to a computer or laptop
- Wifi access within your home
Training and Support
There is the following mandatory training required:
1. CSWS Induction Training
2. Basic Adult Safeguarding – online session
3. LGBTQ+ Carer Awareness
4. Co-facilitator specific training from the locality team
5. GDPR (online)
Support for You
A designated mentor will support you in your role from the locality team you will be part of and provide you with 1-1 reviews on the role. You will be part of the Carers Support West Sussex wider volunteering team (currently around 90 volunteers) and will be invited to social meetings and events throughout the year. You will have access to support on the administration requirements for the role, entering timesheets and claiming expenses. We ask you to engage twice a year in a Volunteering Engagement Survey for us to get feedback from you as well as access to staff forum. Ongoing opportunities are available for learning and development both internal and external.
Locations,Timings and Commitment
Arun
Location:
You will be located in the Arun locality and you will be supported virtually in your role. Venues for carer groups are in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Timings and Commitment:
Both groups are held monthly: Littlehampton on the second Tuesday of each month 10.30am – 12pm. Bognor on the second Wednesday of each month: 10.30am – 12pm.
This time period does not include setting up and packing. We would ask of the volunteer to arrive 30mins before the start of the group, and to stay behind after the group, for debrief time and packing up ( 30mins max). Once every 3 months the Carer Wellbeing worker would arrange to call the volunteer for a wellbeing and role catch-up call. This can be done in-person if desired. Total time: 6hrs per month, including attending training and meetings. Minimum commitment of 12 months.
Billingshurst
Location:
The Six Bells, 76 High Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9QS
Timings and Commitment:
The first Thursday of every month. 11:15 – 12:45. To arrive 15 minutes early.
Upper Beeding
Location:
Upper Beeding Carers Group
Upper Beeding & Bramber Village Hall, High Street, Upper Beeding, Steyning, BN44 3WN
Timings and Commitment:
The second Tuesday of each month. 10:30 – 12:00. To arrive 15 minute early.
Burgess Hill
Location:
The Cherry Tree Centre, 55 Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 8QB
Timings and Commitment:
The first Wednesday of each month. 10.30 – 12.00.
Other Information:
- Out of pocket expenses are paid that includes travel and parking
- This role is available to anyone over the age of 18yrs
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme to support wellbeing
- We will require 2 References and a basic DBS check
Coastal Male Carer Group
Location:
Alternating monthly between: Bognor. Littlehampton, Worthing (Venues will be confirmed nearer the date)
Timings and Commitment:
4 hours per month on average (including on-going training and regular reviews).
Volunteers can co-facilitate at more than one group a month if desired.
Other Information:
- Out of pocket expenses are paid that includes travel and parking
- This role is available to anyone over the age of 18yrs
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme to support wellbeing
- We will require 2 References and a basic DBS check
How to Apply:
Complete our Volunteer Enquiry Form below