See Hear on Wheels
Outreach Services
Volunteer Role Profile /
Living Options Devon is a well-respected user-led organisation which works to ensure that people with disabilities and Deaf people can live the life they choose.
Set up in 1990 LOD is a registered charity (Charity N0. 1102489) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 4925281). Based in Exeter and Barnstaple, our charitable aims mean we can offer services across the South West and share good practice throughout the UK.
Being led and run by people with disabilities and Deaf people ensures LOD has first-hand knowledge and understanding of the issues facing service users and so is very well placed to increase the influence and voice of Deaf and disabled people. We do this by providing education, training and services which enable people to live the lives they choose.
Our Vision - people with disabilities and Deaf People have the same life chances and opportunities to be active and equal members of society.
The See Hear Centre (SHC) based in Barnstaple provides equipment, information and a support service for people with hearing and/or sight loss. The Centre was created in 2002 in direct response to a request by the North Devon Sensory Group for a place where sensory impaired people could to try out specialist equipment.
The Centre, open from 9.00am – 5.00pm every Tuesday (without an appointment) and by appointment on other days, offers the following services:
· Equipment demonstrations and ‘try before you buy’ loans
· specialist advice / training to use assistive equipment: computers, tablets, smart phones, etc.,
· training in communication skills – emailing, texting, using assistive software, hearing aid use, reading techniques, Skills for Seeing, lipreading (classes in Bideford)
· Referrals to Introduction to Sight Loss courses (run by Action for Blind People), Adult Social Services Sensory Team and other professionals supporting people with sensory loss
· information on other services available
See Hear on Wheels (SHoW) is our mobile outreach service which takes our equipment demonstration, loans and hearing aid care services right into the heart of our local communities.
· Equipment demonstrations and ‘try before you buy’ loans
· specialist advice on how to use assistive equipment and using communication skills
· information on other services available to support people with sensory loss and referrals
· hearing aid care (cleaning, most re-tubing and batteries for NHS hearing aids provided by Barnstaple Audiology department
SHoW visits Hartland, Braunton, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Winkleigh, Tiverton, Lynton, Bradworthy, Woolsery, Northam, Chittlehampton, East-the-Water, Landkey, Woolacombe, North Molton, Bratton Fleming, Combe Martin, Witheridge, High Bickington, Chulmleigh, Shebbear, Sheepwash, Dolton, Fremington, Yelland, Ashford Garden Centre and Swimbridge.
The role of our See Hear on Wheels Outreach Services Volunteers
Reports to: See Hear Centre and See Hear on Wheels Manager
Volunteers can undertake different roles depending on their interests and skills. Volunteers for our outreach services should ideally live within the communities where the services are being delivered or within an easy commuting distance.
See Hear on Wheels Bus Service
· Meet and greet visitors on the See Hear Centre on Wheels (SHoW)
· Assist with aspects of service delivery (e.g. providing information, IT support, demonstrating items of equipment, etc.,) on the SHoW bus alongside the Equipment Advisors
· Providing hearing aid care support (batteries, re-tubing, etc.,)
· Assist with the marketing of the See Hear on Wheels service at locations where the bus is visiting and in surrounding areas
· Checking and cleaning up returned loaned equipment items, ready for re-use.
· Signposting people to services which provide information and advice, for example about pensions and welfare rights, etc
· Undertaking general monitoring and evaluation duties
Other outreach activities (optional)
· Delivering talks to community groups about our work and services, such as WI, U3A, etc
· Delivering talks to visual impairment and hearing impairment support groups about our work and services
· Hearing Loss Support Group Co-ordination (ask for Role Profile for more information on this volunteering role)
All volunteers will be expected to undertake the following:
· act in accordance with the Living Options Devon confidentiality and data protection policies
· participate in induction, driver and sensory equipment training as required and as appropriate
· maintain records for monitoring and tracking purposes
· participate in the monitoring and evaluation of the service
Skills and experience
· patient, flexible, understanding and have a responsible attitude
· good communication and interpersonal skills
· understanding of equality and diversity
· DBS disclosure (which will be paid for by the See Hear Centre)
· SHoW bus volunteers should be willing to train in the demonstration of equipment for people with a sight and/or hearing loss
Training and support
There is an initial induction programme that all volunteers must attend followed by ongoing training about specific topics of interest and importance to the role of the volunteer. The induction programme will cover a general introduction to the work of the See Hear Centre / See Hear on Wheels and include health and safety. Volunteers will also receive training in the demonstration of equipment for people with a sight or hearing loss, appropriate to their role. All volunteers must attend workshops in Disability Awareness, Deaf Awareness, Safeguarding and Plain English (free courses and expenses paid).
The volunteer will also have regular supervision sessions with the See Hear Centre Manager. These sessions will enable the See Hear Centre Manager to:
· monitor the development of the volunteer
· review the services offered and
· address any other issues or concerns raised by the volunteer.
Commitment
The nature of the role is to develop skills and expertise in supporting people with a sensory impairment. It is hoped therefore that volunteers can give a commitment to the Service for at least six months. The frequency of commitment is flexible subject to discussion and agreement with the manager. However, we would ask that volunteers would be available for not less than one to two days a month. Volunteers are asked to give as much notice as possible if they are going to be unavailable due to holidays or other commitments. Volunteers must also commit to regular supervision meetings.
Benefits of volunteering
· out-of-pocket expenses paid - the cost of parking and travel expenses will be met in accordance with the terms and conditions of Living Options Devon.
· opportunity to receive local training, share existing knowledge and skills and develop new skills
· opportunity to meet new people
· opportunity to network with other volunteers and receive support
· satisfaction of supporting people with visual and hearing impairments and making an active contribution to enhancing the quality of their lives
For more information about volunteering with us or to make an application please contact Anne Clayton
Mail: See Hear Centre, 19a Alexandra Road, Barnstaple, EX32 8BA
Phone: 01271 373236
SMS: 07831 515809
Email:
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Registered Charity No. 1102489