Current Vacancies
Outreach Remote Volunteer - Befriending Support (Hampshire)
Location:
Hours:
Minimum 2 hours per Week
Reporting to:
Outreach Programme Manager
Location:
Hours:
Reporting to:
Homes based – Supporting Outreach Members by telephone/video call
Minimum 2 hours per Week
Outreach Programme Manager
This volunteer opportunity is age restricted to 18+ and requires additional training which is provided.
About Hammersley Homes
Established in 2018, Hammersley Homes is a charity that provides support for life, for vulnerable adults who live with enduring mental health challenges and psychotic illnesses, and struggle with living independently. Our aim is to establish a nationwide network of Day Centres, Outreach Services and Supported Housing schemes, to help with any daily tasks they may be struggling with, and relieve loneliness and isolation. We focus upon increasing people’s quality of life and reaching their personal goals, whilst decreasing the likelihood of relapse into a mental health crisis that can lead to hospital stays or contact with the police. Implementing ongoing support provides an opportunity to notice if there is any notable decline in the person’s health or wellbeing. There is a growing scarcity of long-term support options for this vulnerable group. Without the safety, security, and sense of community that long-term support provides, they are at risk of falling through the cracks and becoming hospitalised, homeless, or unfairly imprisoned.
About the Outreach Remote Befriending Support Programme
Our Outreach Service was set up to support people living with long term mental illness who may be suffering from the debilitating effects of disorganised lifestyles, loneliness and/or social isolation. The main aim of remote supporters is to provide support to Outreach Members through a weekly telephone or video call, providing as much support possible from a distance – to help each individual live their best life. Volunteers can help clients to access services and support which they struggle to access by themselves.
About the role
Hammersley Homes is staffed by a small multi-skilled team of hardworking employees and volunteers who are scattered about the region supporting our Outreach Members, working remotely and/or office/home based. We are looking for caring and empathetic volunteers to assist our Outreach Members to maintain contact with the outside world and help relieve some of the loneliness and bring some fun and pleasure to their lives.
To ensure success as a Support Volunteer, you should have excellent interpersonal skills, a passion for helping others, and be able to empower individuals through emotional support.
Duties
- Befriend and provide emotional and practical support to Outreach Members by telephone or video call to help them maintain independence and relieve loneliness
- Observe and monitor the Outreach Members wellbeing, ensuring their health, safety, and welfare
- Support Outreach Members with tactful guidance, encouraging independence, self-care, happiness, and social contact and integration where possible
- Support Outreach Members to achieve their ambitions as set out in their support plans
- Encourage Outreach Members to remain compliant with their medication and attend medical, legal or social appointments
- Provide guidance and referrals for other support channels when needed, for example helping a client to ensuring they are receiving benefit entitlements
- Support Outreach Members to maintain their existing skills and develop new ones
- Support and encourage Outreach Members to participate in leisure activities and hobbies, e.g., a walk at the local park, knitting or attendance to a group
- Always treat all individuals 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 Designated Safeguard Lead
- 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 Outreach Remote Befriending Support 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
You will be expected to
- always treat all individuals with dignity and respect
- be aware of, and follow the procedures for reporting any safeguarding concerns or incidents
- keep accurate records
- attend training, team meetings and supervision
- ensure the health, safety, and welfare of Outreach Members
- support individuals on a one-to-one basis, with support from our Outreach Manager
- Perform all duties in accordance with the organisation’s policies and procedures
What can Hammersley Homes offer you as a volunteer?
- Full induction training plus essential training including: Safeguarding Adults, Mental Health Awareness and Equality & Diversity
- Monthly 1:1 support sessions
- An ID badge and mobile phone for volunteer duties
- The opportunity to develop new skills and enrich your CV
- The opportunity to meet other adult volunteers and make friends
- A regular newsletter
- The opportunity to undertake additional training
And … The chance to make a huge difference to the lives of the vulnerable adults we support at Hammersley Homes!
How to Apply
By email please, to volunteers@hammersleyhomes.org, attaching CV and covering letter, explaining your interest in this role and why you think you would be suitable.
