Support into Volunteering Buddy

• Support into Volunteering Buddy Role Description  

    

  We are looking for dedicated volunteers who can give a few hours a week to support people from Asylum Seeking backgrounds to access volunteer roles who would otherwise struggle to do so.   

    

  As a Buddy you will be trained to enable people who need additional support either with their language skills, cultural barriers, mental or physical well-being to be a bridge into volunteering and accompany them into new volunteer placements.   

   

  You will help them develop their confidence and familiarity with a voluntary role and be alongside them to help them to access the role in the best way they can.     

    

  What’s involved?  
  

  Help people by providing companionship, conversation, encouragement and translation support.   
  

  
  

  Help Asylum Seekers to access voluntary roles. 
  

  
  

  Complete and return expenses forms and feed back to the project worker.
  

  
  

  What can I gain from this role?  

  •   

    • A greater awareness of community groups, services and activities in your local area;  

    • Training and support in areas;

    • An opportunity to meet new people and use and develop your skills.  
    

    
    

    Training  

      

    You will receive full training and support to help you to improve your confidence and   

    understanding for this role.  

     

    You will be required to complete mandatory training before you begin your role. This will cover areas such as boundaries, confidentiality, personal safety, awareness around Asylum Seeking and a trauma informed approach.  

      

    Support  

      

    You will be supported by a dedicated member of staff who will ensure that your training and development needs are met and provide ongoing support as needed.  

      

    Expenses  

    
    

    We will refund you for travel expenses incurred for your role.  

      

    Working practices  

     
    

    We ask that volunteers become familiar with all Community CVS policies and practices as described in the Volunteers Handbook.  
    

    
    

    The tasks and voluntary activities listed are intended as a summary and may be varied from time to time in consultation with the volunteer concerned.   
    

    
    

    The role description is intended to clarify the tasks and activities of the volunteer and is for the benefit of all concerned. It does not form the basis of a contract of employment.  

     

    
    

What knowledge do I need?  

As a Buddy, it would be beneficial (but not essential) for you to:  

• Have first-hand experience of being a migrant in the UK;  

• Understand how life events can impact on physical and mental health/wellbeing;  

• Be willing to participate in local volunteering activities and training.  

What skills do I need?  

As a Buddy, we ask that you:  

• Have good listening and communication skills;   

• Have an interest in and empathy with Asylum Seekers;  

• Can provide non-judgemental support and encouragement to people in difficultsituations;  

• Can respect confidentiality;  

• Are friendly, honest, reliable, committed and flexible to meet a person’s needs.  

  * We are particularly keen to hear from people who are bilingual in these languages in addition to English: Arabic, Kurdish, Pashto, Persian or Tigrinya - but this is not essential for the role.