Can you spare 2 days a week to help somebody else live their best life? Hammersley Homes is recruiting volunteers to join our team of befrienders who support clients living in Hampshire. We are looking for volunteers in the New Forest and surrounding areas, Southampton, Winchester & Basingstoke.
About the Outreach Home Visiting Programme
The Outreach Home Visiting Programme was set up to support people living with long term mental illness who may be suffering from the debilitating effects of chaotic lifestyles, loneliness and/or social isolation. The main aim of this service is to provide ‘in person’ support to members living in their own homes and out in the community. Volunteers can help clients to access services and support which they struggle to access by themselves.
Duties of an Outreach Home Visitor (befriender)
· Befriend and provide emotional and practical support to members to help them maintain independence and relieve loneliness
· Observe and monitor the members wellbeing, in person, ensuring their health, safety, and welfare paying close attention to any changes in behaviour
· Support members with tactful guidance, encouraging independence, self-care, happiness, and social contact and integration where possible
· Support members to achieve their ambitions as set out in their support plans
· Encourage clients to remain compliant with their medication and attend medical, legal or social appointments
· Support members to maintain their existing skills and develop new ones
· Encourage members to look after their own home, personal hygiene and health (volunteers do not support with domiciliary duties including personal care, administration of medication or cleaning. If extra support is required, volunteers must inform the Outreach Programme Manager so that this can be arranged)
· Support and encourage members to participate in leisure activities and hobbies, e.g., a walk at the local park, knitting or attendance to a group
· Always treat memebers with dignity and respect
· Perform all duties in accordance with the organisation’s policies and procedures
· Be aware of, and follow the procedures for, reporting any safeguarding concerns or incidents. Report any safeguarding concerns to the Outreach Programme Manager by completing the report form at https://hammersleyhomes.org/report-form/
· Record notes accurately after each visit, and report any concerns, incidents, or safeguarding issues to the Outreach Programme Manager
· Attend 1-1 support sessions and team meetings
· Attend all training sessions deemed to be necessary for successful performance in this volunteering role
What are we looking for in an Outreach Home Visitor volunteer?
· An approachable and friendly disposition with a clear understanding of appropriate boundaries
· The ability to communicate with a wide range of individuals with diverse needs
· The ability to volunteer flexible hours at home, by phone, to suit the needs of our clients
· Commitment to helping others
· Empathetic with good listening skills
· Good problem solving and initiative abilities
· Patience and emotional resilience
· Experience of safeguarding adults at risk, advantageous but not essential
What can Hammersley Homes offer you as a volunteer?
· Full induction training plus essential training including First Aid, Safeguarding Adults, Mental Health Awareness, Equality, Diversity and Human Rights
· Monthly supervision sessions
· The opportunity to develop new skills and enrich your CV
· The opportunity to meet other adult volunteers and make friends
· A regular newsletter and invitations to attend our social events
· The opportunity to undertake additional training
· You may ask for pre-approved expenses for petrol etc. as per Hammersley policy
And…
· The chance to make a huge difference to the lives of the adults we support at Hammersley Homes!
We are currently urgently looking for volunteers who can provide support to clients in any of the following areas: New Milton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Bishops Waltham, Hythe, and Totton but welcome applications from all areas listed.
Applicants must be 18+
How to apply:
Visit https://hammersleyhomes.org/outreach-services/outreach-volunteers/
where you will find the role description and a short application form which should be completed and emailed to [email protected]
Job Type: Volunteer
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Language:
- English (required)
Work Location: On the road
