Befriender and Activity Supporter - Learning Disabilities

Making Space is a values led charity with a vision for wellbeing to be at the heart and health and social care. In Lincoln and Spalding, we support people living with learning disabilities and autism to live the life they want and to build confidence. This includes supporting people with day to day tasks, supporting their wellbeing and in doing meaningful activities.

As a volunteer, you would be supporting people with activities that are meaningful, building on the work that staff do. Often staff can’t always spend time focussing on activities as they need to prioritise other things such as personal care, record keeping supporting people with their health and day to day tasks. You will have more time to focus on activities and support people with leisure and social things.

Why should you volunteer?

• Good opportunity to give something back and use your experience to help others
• Meet people and have fun when volunteering. You will have a chance to bring your hobbies/interests as people enjoy crafts, music and dancing
• Learn more about the field of health and social care and gain experience

What will I be doing?

• To volunteer a few hours one day a week 10am - 2pm
• To support people with getting involved in an activity they wish to do. This could be doing crafts, music, signing, dancing, going to the local shop or walking
• To follow the organisation's policies e.g. Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Data Protection and Confidentiality, Equality and Diversity

What skills and experience will you need?

You do need some understanding of learning disabilities and autism for this role from either caring for a family member or supporting people at work or another volunteer role. We are looking for people who are adaptable, patient, reliable and a people person!

What will the application process be?

You will be invited to visit the service to have a tour and for you to see if it is for you.

If you would like to volunteer, we would ask you to fill in an application form and give some information for us to contact references. The referees don’t have to be from an employer, we do accept references from other organisations you have volunteered with, tutors, health professionals, friends and neighbours. We wouldn’t accept a reference from a family.

As part of the application, we would do a DBS check as you would be volunteering with adults who are more vulnerable.

A positive disclosure doesn’t always stop you from volunteering with us.

There will be the opportunity to do some online training and learn from staff to get to know people before you would be volunteering with people on your own.