Mobile Me Volunteer Role Description

Role:VolunteerSports Activities Facilitator

Main Purpose of Role:To facilitate the ongoing sports activity sessions that were initially introduced to Circle Housing sites by the Active Norfolk 10 week Mobile Me Programme.

Overview of Role: The Mobile Me programme predominantly focus on the over 65’s and is designed to address barriers to participation within sport for this age group, with an aim to increase and normalise participation in physical activity within sheltered housing sites. Each programme will run over an initial 10 week period, where residents will be able to enjoy activities such as Bowls, Table Tennis and New Age Kurling, in the comfort of their own communal areas. The voluntary role will require volunteers to initially support the Mobile Me project co-ordinator in delivering the 10 week programme, and then look to support residents to sustain their participation in the activities introduced, by facilitating ongoing weekly activity sessions once the initial programme has finished. The facilitation role will focus on engaging with and motivating residents to participate in sessions, through creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. As well as addressing barriers to participation, such as thesetting up and clearing away of equipment.

Desirable Qualities:

  • Enjoyment of sport/physical activities.
  • An understanding of the benefits of being physically active (for all ages).
  • Enjoyment of social contact.
  • Ability to motivate/encourage others.
  • Sense of humour.
  • Honesty and reliability.
  • Patience and understanding.
  • Listening Skills.
  • Compassionate and non judgemental.

Key Responsibilities:

  • To support residents accessing adapted equipment where necessary, e.g. use of ramps to deliver bowls.
  • Attend initial induction training with Circle Housing, and on-going training/support sessions.
  • Set up and clear away equipment.
  • Respect resident’s confidentiality at all times.
  • To engage and motivate residents.
  • Establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • Inform the site co-ordinator of any concerns about resident’s wellbeing.
  • Respect different cultural values and work in a non-discriminatory manner.
  • To be understanding rather than judgmental about a resident’s situation and circumstances.
  • Inform the site co-ordinator of any sessions that you cannot attend (before session).

Training:

  • Initial induction training
  • On-going training across the partnership organisations where appropriate, e.g. first aid or the Inclusive Community training programme.

Benefits:

  • Gain experience of working on a community sports development project.
  • Opportunities to meet new people
  • Free training and support.
  • Helping inactive and isolated people enhance their quality of life.
  • Supporting the local community.
  • Gain experience of the voluntary sector.

Time Commitments:The role requires a commitment to deliver a two hour session, once a week, in a regular time slot that is most convenient for residents and volunteers. It is generally most helpful to both sides if you can commit to a minimum of six months.

Notes:Volunteers will be re-imbursement out of pocket expenses where necessary, under Circle Housing’s volunteer management policy.

For further information, please contact:

Ryan Hughes (Mobile Me Project Officer)

Email:

Telephone: 01603 732335