Black Isle Cares Befriending Service is looking for new volunteers to provide social support to vulnerable members of local communities in the Black Isle.
The duties and responsibilities of a BIC befriender can be many and varied as the relationship is unique and tailored to the needs of the individual person. Client related activities may include:
•Telephone befriending support and/or welfare checks
•Supporting patients and their carers in their own home or care establishment providing friendship and social support
•Providing a "listening ear" and companionship (reading, chatting, letter writing)
•Providing respite for carers for short periods (up to maximum of three hours) as agreed
•Offering opportunities to participate in social/recreational and daily living activities (may go out on trips)
Volunteers do not provide or involve themselves in personal care, counselling, medical care, domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or financial and legal matters.
Anyone interested in volunteering should email an application form to befriending@blackislecares.com or call 07720 168266 for further information.
A rewarding role, where you are making a direct difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition.
Home Support Volunteers visit families in their own homes (in your local area), to provide practical support to ‘lighten the load’ of family life.
It may include:
Housekeeping – hoovering, ironing, changing beds, general tidying,
Practical Sibling Support - spending time with siblings/play
Or other tasks identified by families eg. taking pet dog for a walk
What is Required?
*You can volunteer on any day of the week; mornings, afternoons, or early evenings. An average shift is approx 2 hours with the family, and ideally we are looking for a weekly commitment. All training will be provided, with ongoing support from Team Lead.
* You need to be able to drive
*You need online access to complete a 'visit log ' (this can be done on a phone, laptop or tablet)
*We welcome friendly, caring people to join our team
To find out more, please contact Emma Steel on emmasteel@chas.org.uk or 01389 722079,
or apply directly via the CHAS Website
Loch Ness, Highland
Flexible with monthly requirements
Team People
Responsible to Regional Family Support Co-ordinator
Closing Date 03-12-2023
Reference V16576
Family Support Volunteer Role Description.pdf
(PDF, 192.87kb)
Family Support Volunteer
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. We provide a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland and a seasonal lifeguard service. We are one crew – volunteers, supporters and staff – and we are committed to saving lives.
At the forefront of our lifesaving activity are over 9,300 operational lifeboat station volunteers who give up thousands of hours every year to save lives at sea, complete training, launch and maintain lifeboats, equipment and much more. The majority of our operational lifeboat station volunteers carry pagers and can be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their commitment to the RNLI and to their local community has a significant impact on their families who have to adapt to the highs and lows of living with an RNLI pager.
The RNLI Families Programme provides support to the families of operational lifeboat station volunteers and in this important role you will support the families at Loch Ness lifeboat station. You will make sure all families feel welcome and included and will ensure that they are kept informed about the support that is available to them. You will also gather ideas and feedback and share it with the wider Families Programme Team.
You will have the opportunity to use your excellent interpersonal skills when you meet RNLI volunteers, staff and their families. To carry out this role confidently you will need good communication skills and the ability to develop relationships of trust with volunteers and their families. You will also need an understanding of what it means to be a member of the lifeboat station community.
You will receive training to ensure you are fully equipped to carry out the role. You will be supported by the Regional Family Support Coordinator and the Families Programme Manager will also be on-hand to offer guidance when required.
This is a great volunteer opportunity for someone who is looking to use their current skills or gain new experience. If it sounds like something you would like to be involved in, and you feel you have the qualities or potential to be successful, we would be delighted to hear from you.
If you would like to find out more about this role, please call Ruth Bessant, Families Support Manager, on 07884 117369 or email families_programme@rnli.org.uk
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; ensuring the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero tolerance approach to proven incidents of bullying, abuse, harassment or exploitation. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for nearly 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Equal opportunities
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea without prejudice. We aspire to be an organisation where our people are valued no matter who they are. We aim to be truly inclusive, benefit from diversity and appreciate everyone for their individual contribution.
What next?
Apply for this role
Hear back from the volunteer manager
Have an informal chat
If successful, supply references (if applicable)
Agree start date
Induction (and training if applicable)
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