Social Prescriber Volunteer

We are currently looking for several volunteers to directly assist a Social Prescriber.

The Social Prescribing Team is a service which supports people over 50 years old. Social prescribers provide information and advice on many issues, such as benefits, social care, living independently, housing, and local services. Social prescribers also work directly with people who may be social isolated, bereaved, or lonely. If these concerns are addressed, it can make a significant difference to people’s wellbeing.

Purpose:

Your role is to help provide support to clients within the local community, build trust and rapport and encourage engagement. You will be instrumental in helping to meet the needs of the client. You will support them to stay connected to their community and local services and ensure resources are maintained.

Role of the volunteer:

As a volunteer, you will be matched with one of the social prescribing team within your local area. Your role will be based within the community helping clients in a variety of situations. This may include escorting clients to appointments or group activities, helping clients to access local services or providing general support such as phone contact or shopping needs. The role will be varied and aims to empower the people you will be assisting.

Scope:

This is a locally based role The role will take approx. 3-4 hrs per work per week. If you would like to volunteer for a longer period, there is opportunity for this.

Skills and attributes:

• An interest in working with and for people over the age of 50
• Understanding and willingness to learn about the range of issues affecting the clients we support
• Good interpersonal and communication skills including being an active listener, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach
• Trustworthy, approachable, and reliable
• Excellent people skills, and the ability to communicate with people at all levels
• The ability to effectively and to build and maintain good relationships
• Maintain confidentiality
• Be able to be flexible and adaptable to change
• Committed to ensure high levels of customer service
• Able to use the Internet, Microsoft Office 365 for emails, have a mobile phone

As a volunteer we would ask you to:

• Be an Ambassador for the Charity, positively promoting the organisation and its services
• Commit to a minimum of one shift per week
• Participate in induction, initial and ongoing training
• Occasional attendance of the team meetings
• Participate in supervision with your peers and Team Lead
• Adhere to the Age UK East Sussex Confidentiality Policy and Equality Policy
• Respect diversity and others’ opinions
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times
• Give prior notice when unable to support a client
• To sign a declaration of interest
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check

As a volunteer we offer you:

• Relevant training as required by the organisation and agreed with your line manager
• Regular support and supervision from the Social Prescriber and Team Lead
• An opportunity to meet other volunteers when training and for mutual support.
• Support to gain a valuable experience and a reference after six months volunteering
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Make a difference to people in your local community
• Connect with and help other people to connect with their local community
• Join a growing social movement empowering people in your local community

We place great value on our volunteers - who bring so much to the organisation. Their time, energy and commitment are recognised and greatly appreciated.