Role Description:
Becoming a Volunteer Buddy is a wonderful opportunity for you to do what you enjoy while changing someone else’s life at the same time! Just a few hours of your time will enable a person we support to do more of things they enjoy, meet new people and access more activities within their community.
Supported by our dedicated staff and Volunteer Team, we will carefully match you to someone who shares the same hobbies and interests. This may include (dog) walking, shopping, gardening, sports, going to the cinema or a enjoying a pint and burger in the pub! Or your buddy may be keen to attend a specific group or activity and just needs a little extra help to do so.
But, being a Buddy is much more than just taking people places; you can help to build their confidence, give them something to look forward to and encourage them to achieve so much more. With your support you can not only help to enable their participation in active, healthy and enjoyable activities as enjoyed by the rest of society, but also help to break down any barriers to their inclusion in the community as well.
All of this adds to an improved sense of health and wellbeing – not only for the person you are buddying, but hopefully for you too!
Who are we looking for?
Friendly, kind and approachable, this role requires someone who is happy to commit to providing regular one-to-one support and encouragement to an adult living with a learning disability. With strong communication and interpersonal skills, this role would ideally suit someone who is enthusiastic, motivational and confident, yet patient, calm and a good listener. You should be open-minded and pro-active in assistance and committed to equal opportunities. Reliability is essential.
No previous experience is necessary as we will ensure you are given all the support and training required to carry out your role safely and effectively, and to make sure your volunteering experience – and that of the person you are buddying – is always a positive one!
Availability:
Time spent as a Buddy can be hugely varied and flexible. It may be that your Buddy is keen to attend a regular club or group at the same time each week, or it might be that you agree to meet once a fortnight / month to enjoy a coffee and a chat! We can work around you and your commitments but we do suggest meeting on a fairly regular basis (if possible) in order to form a strong relationship of support and trust.
About Minstead Trust:
Minstead Trust is a charity based in the New Forest and Portsmouth which offers a range of Supported Living, Residential Care, Day Opportunities, Community Programmes and Social Enterprises (including Furzey Gardens and Hanger Farm Arts Centre) to over 200 adults with learning disabilities. Supporting them, and their families, we provide opportunities which encourage the people we support to develop greater independence. We do this though improved health and well-being, the developing of life skills and increasing employability.
In all our roles, we strongly encourage our volunteers to enthusiastically promote the work of Minstead Trust and to embrace our vision of an all-inclusive society.
Read more about Minstead Trust and our services:
If you would like more information please contact Ruth Farrell, Volunteer co-ordinator:
Ruth.Farrell@minsteadtrust.org.uk
07810 580872 / 023 8081 2297 (Main reception at Minstead Lodge)