Registered Charity no. 1072538
Becoming a volunteer...
Volunteers tell us how beneficial their visiting is to them, quite apart from the help they give to the client. For those who are unemployed or retired it gives structure to their week and keeps them involved in the community. Some just want to put something back into their community. For others seeking work it gives them valuable experience and several volunteers have gone on to get paid care work. There is no wrong or right reason.
What is the role of the volunteer?
The volunteer is there essentially to provide companionship. They may be able to assist a person get out of the house to do some shopping or visit the park. In the home, volunteer and client enjoy a good chat and perhaps share activities such a mutual hobby. Some volunteers help their clients with their correspondence. Sometimes a visit from a volunteer means that a carer can attend to something for themselves.
Volunteers do NOT provide hands on care or do the weekly shopping, cleaning, decorating or gardening. Volunteers supplement the services that should be already provided by the statutory agencies such as Social Services , and do the things that care services cannot assist with.
Referrals come from a number of sources including social services, local housing associations, other voluntary agencies and self-referral. Once a referral has been made, the Volunteer Coordinator makes a home assessment visit to ascertain their needs and that they are in fact suitable for the Scheme. Great trouble is taken in matching volunteers to clients in order to foster a friendly relationship from the outset. The Volunteer Coordinator will then set up a 'Link' with a suitable volunteer, introduce the client and volunteer, establish ground rules and a written agreement, and provide ongoing support to the volunteer.
When and where do visits take place?
Any time that is mutually convenient for client and volunteer. Some people meet at the same time each week, but others are arranged on a week by week basis.
Visits take place in the client's home, and we try and place you with a client who lives in the same area of the borough as you do.
How long are the visits?
Most visits last an hour or two but this may vary according to the client and the time the volunteer has available.
Do I get any expenses?
Volunteers' can claim out of pocket expenses, including travel expenses. you will also be insured during your volunteering activity.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone over 18 years old can apply to become a volunteer. The first step is to telephone for an initial chat (without obligation) with the Scheme Organisers on 020-8832-7422 or to e-mail us at the address at the bottom of this page. There is no obligation to volunteer...
The Scheme Organisers will then arrange an appointment for an informal interview. Because volunteers work with vulnerable people in the clients' home, the Scheme will then take up references, a criminal reference check (after all you will be visiting vulnerable people in their home!) and all volunteers attend a one day induction training session before they are introduced to a client.
Introductions are always made by one of the Scheme Organisers, and volunteers are given ongoing advice and support, especially in the period immediately following a new introduction.
There is also an training programme in which volunteers can participate in if they wish. We encourage volunteers to have their say and to be involved in how the organisation is run, so we do ask volunteers to attend three meetings per year. But we are a friendly bunch... and refreshments are always provided!!!
We always have more people waiting for a service than we have enough volunteers! By volunteering you can make a real difference to a housebound elderly or disabled person. Still not sure? Have a look at What people say about Us and give us a call to chat it through!
E-mail us to chat about becoming a volunteer
The Volunteer Link Scheme is Registered Charity no. 1072538