Carers Community Support Volunteer

Do you have a passion to help people? Do you see yourself in a Health or Social Care career in future? Then this role may be for you.The 2011 census identified 15,740 local carers and showed that increasing numbers are aged 65+ and are providing 50+ hours of care per week. The Connecting Carers and Communities Project will utilise volunteers to identify isolated carers across the borough, and particularly those with few local support networks, and assist them in connecting to new local support networks, community initiatives and social activities. This will provide them with relief from caring and will ensure they are able to sustain their caring role long term.Core Tasks- To provide regular contact and practical support to carers through ‘buddying’, with direction from the Volunteer Coordinator.- To support carers in accessing local community activities, services and events.- Develop action plans with carers and review progress monthly.Skills- Self-awareness- Ability to develop action plans and take a solution-focussed approach- Communication and listening skills with the ability to record and report effectivelyKnowledge- Working knowledge of local services, community events and activities, and a willingness to support carers to access these services.Understanding- Understanding of appropriate boundaries, the need for confidentiality and the need to take a non-judgemental approachQualities- Flexible, reliable and patient- Consistent, level-headed and resilient- Empathetic, honest and trustworthy- A good sense of humour is vital