Sports Group and A Place to Grow Volunteer Role Description
Title:Sporting Change Volunteer
Purpose:To assist the “Sporting Change” in providing physical activities and gardening for adults experiencing mental health difficulties.
Reporting to:Sporting Change Project Leader and Services Manager
Locations:The Pavilion, Sportsfield Lane, Huncote, Leicestershire, LE9 3BN
A Place to Grow, Mill Lane, EnderbyLE19 4LX
Parkland Leisure Centre, Washbrook Lane, Wigston Rd, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5QG
“Sporting Change” is our sport and physical activity project that aims to support adults experiencing mental health difficulties to participate in different sporting and gardening activities with the aim of improving both their mental and physical health.
Tasks
•Assist in the setting up and tidying away of equipment before and after sessions.
•Encourage service users to participate in various physical activities.
•Listen and communicate with service users accessing the service.
•Work with the Project Organiser/Coordinator to ensure that the best and most
appropriate services are offered to service users.
•Ensure that service users are treated with respect and dignity and confidentiality is observed at all times.
•Monitor and report progress and any concerns about service users to the Project Coordinator/Organiser
•Provide the Project Coordinator/Organiser with advance notice of when unable to volunteer.
•Complete and return monthly information on hours worked.
•Support Individuals to access mainstream leisure activities/facilities to help increase and report serviceuser independence and confidence
Time Commitment
As agreed prior to commencement of volunteering opportunity and detailed in Volunteer Agreement signed by Project Leader/Organiser/Coordinator and volunteer. It is essential that you are able to make a regular commitment to the service.
Support and Supervision
All volunteers must attend an initial induction training prior to starting their placement and if available there may be opportunities to attend various training courses.
Volunteers will have a 1:1 supervision with the Project Organiser/Coordinator on a quarterly basis at which time monitoring progress and dealing with problems can be formally addressed, although it is expected that should any issues arise, volunteers will feel able to speak to any member of the mental health team.
There may also be monthly volunteer training sessions and meetings where you can meet and discuss issues relating to your work and gain peer support from other volunteers.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
No formal qualifications are necessary for this role, although a desire to work with people experiencing mental health difficulties is essential and some knowledge of mental health needs, gardening experience and sports leaders qualification would be advantageous, as well as enthusiasm and the ability to take part in physical activity. Volunteers wishing to gain this experience and skills are encouraged to join our team in order to support and listen to vulnerable people.
Volunteers must also have effective communication skills, a non-judgemental attitude, an understanding of the need to maintain safe working boundaries with service user and the need for service user confidentiality. They must also be able to use own initiative and comply with roles and responsibilities in the Crisis procedure.
Expenses
1.All out of pocket expenses will be paid on the receipt of a monthly expense form.
2.Volunteers are offered travel expenses from their home to the location of activity with return journey also feasible for claim
How to join the team and start volunteering
1.If you are interested in volunteering, you need to complete a Volunteer Registration Form which can be obtained from Community Action Partnership– 0116 272 7670 and/or meet with the Project Leader to discuss whether volunteering with our services is appropriate and we will provide the opportunities you are hoping for.
2.Two references will be requested and taken up and an Enhanced CRB Disclosure completed. All of which must return satisfactory prior to you starting to volunteer.
3.A trial period of 4 weeks will allow you and the service to decide whether the volunteer opportunity is suitable, and whether you would like to continue with the placement.
4.Training and development will include an induction to the project which in turn will include if available health and safety, equality and diversity, confidentiality and also if available mental health awareness. Further development needs will be identified at supervision and addressed appropriately.
What will be gained from volunteering with the Mental Health Service?
•You will make a difference to the community and the lives of disadvantaged people.
•You will be able to put your existing skills to good use and/or learning new skills whilst valuable experience.
•You will have a fun and enjoyable time.
•You will join a dedicated and enthusiastic team.
•Your volunteering will be appreciated and recognised.
In return for you giving your time, skills, experience and enthusiasm to the Mental Health Service, we will ensure:
•You are provided with all the information and guidance required for you to carry out the role.
•You are encouraged to develop in your role (if you wish).
•We seek your views on the service and on your volunteering role.
•You are volunteering in an environment that is safe.
•You are not out of pocket.
•That we will help to resolve any difficulties you may have with the Service or you’re volunteering.
If you would like any more information please contact:
Sporting Change, Community Action Partnership
The Pavilion, Sportsfield Lane, Huncote, Leicester, LE9 3BN
Tel: 0116 272 7670 or email