Carers Dementia Guardian Volunteer

Opportunity by VASL (Voluntary Action South Leicestershire)
Available from home
Location Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL), Torch Way, Market Harborough, UK

Could you spare some time each week to visit and promote the wellbeing of an unpaid carer, caring for someone with Dementia?

Apply now

About this role

The Carers Dementia Guardian project is a pilot scheme designed to support unpaid carers who are caring for a loved one with a diagnosis of Dementia. The carer will be matched with a trained volunteer, who will promote their wellbeing to reduce carer strain. It is our aim that the carer will develop a life alongside their caring role and achieve increased independence. We hope this will prevent or delay the need for adult social care intervention or the cared for being placed in permanent care.

As a new valued member of our VASL team you will receive full training and regular support, as well as have many opportunities to connect with other volunteers and projects. If you are looking for a rewarding way to spend some of your spare time, we would love to hear from you.

What will you be doing?

•                    Complete weekly or fortnightly visits or calls to carers and provide bespoke support. This could include the following, but not limited to:

·       Lending a listening ear,

·       Engaging in community activities,

·       Running light errands such as picking up a prescription or posting a letter

·       Signposting to appropriate services.

•                    Keep a log of phone calls/visits and brief details of the conversation.

•                    You will be required to attend internal training and follow our policies and procedures.

What is in it for you?

You will:

•                    Be part of an exciting pilot project and help inform future services.

•                    Make a positive difference to someone’s life.

•                    Give something back to the community.

•                    Develop your existing knowledge and develop new skills.

•                    Be part of an inclusive team and the wider community.

•                    Build your social networks and confidence.

•                    Receive paid travel expenses at 50p per mile.

When you can volunteer

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Requirements

  • References needed
  • Willing to take a DBS Check
  • Age restrictions

Skills required:

You will:
• Have good communication skills with the ability to listen and generate conversation.
• Have empathy and calm manner.
• Be non-judgemental and able to support clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Be reliable and punctual.
• Be able to travel within local area.
• Be able to provide two references.
• Be willing to undertake a DBS application, paid for by the project.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply on the VAL website. Alternatively, if you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Sarah Knight on 01858 468543 or email sknight@vasl.org.uk.

Location

This opportunity allows you to volunteer from home

Available from home

Location Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL), Torch Way, Market Harborough, UK

Apply now