Chat Central Volunteer Roles 2023 by Voluntary Action Coventry

Chat Central Volunteer Roles 2023

Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Without them, we would be unable to provide our full range of services. There is a wide range of roles available for our volunteers to become involved.

About Chat Central

Chat Central is a project run by Voluntary Action Coventry and funded by The National Lottery

We connect people in Coventry and support those who might be lonely and socially isolated to get involved in community activities and/or volunteering, giving them the opportunity and confidence to form new social connections and relationships.

We offer a supportive and judgment free environment and facilitate people to make personal growth by focussing on what they can do rather than what they cannot do.

We will collaborate with individuals to explore what they enjoy doing and what support they need. Maybe they would like to have someone come with them to a group or try out some volunteering or else just meet someone similar for a coffee.

The project is open to anyone aged 18+ low self-esteem and low self-confidence for any reason and from across the city

Chat Central are looking for people like this to volunteer…

• Are you able to help people to feel better about themselves?

• Do you like talking to people and getting involved?

• Do you accept people as they are?

• Can you put yourself in their shoes and think about their experience of life?

• Do you Understand or have you experienced loneliness, and can you relate to how it effects people?

• Can you listen well to others?

• Are you happy to work with and accept differences?

• Are you happy to work under the guidance of the Engagement Officer and buddy volunteer, following suggestions about the needs of the people we work with and health and safety issues?

• Do you value the benefits of group work, community, and how activities like crafts and hobbies bring people together and build confidence?

Chat Central would like an active team of volunteers to take on one of four distinct roles:

Refreshment support:

Core Duties:

• 2 hours of your time every other week

• You will play a significant role, providing refreshments at events These are a focus point for social interaction which people value.

• Help setting up the drinks table, filling jugs with boiling water

• Ask people what drink they would like and make them a drink to their requirements

• Help with washing up and clearing away after the session

• Assisting participant and carers in preparation of tea and coffee when required

• Ensure area is kept tidy and presentable

• Help to create a ‘culture of kindness’ where people are accepted and given space to talk

Experience & Qualities needed:

• No DBS required

• A friendly, professional, and welcoming manner and the ability to relate to a wide variety of participants

• Ability to follow instructions, and to ask questions to clarify information

• At Chat Central events volunteers and staff are welcome to take a ten-minute refreshment break and enjoy a drink and a quick snack, but they need to be available, helping and chatting for the rest of the time!

Benefits:

• Get enjoyment from helping others

• Gain experience: help develop CV

• Meet new people

• Improve self-confidence, social interaction

• Find out more about volunteering

• Full training and an induction is given to all successful applicants

Activity leader

Core Duties:

• 2 hours of your time roughly once a month

• Run activities. This could be crafts, yoga, quizzes, bingo, online activities, and games To lead and encourage people to join in meaningful activities in a person-centred way Lead activities in a way that boosts Social Interaction, gives people a sense of achievement or purpose, alleviates stress or calms the person

• Identify peoples likes/dislikes, abilities, and personal preferences

• To report any accident or complaint to the manager

• Attend training

• Help to create a ‘culture of kindness’ where people are accepted and given space to talk

Experience & Qualities needed:

• This role requires a DBS check and demonstration of skill and interest in chosen activity to share. We will need ID and will carry this out.

• Needs someone with a passion, who can plan activity, work out what materials are required and communicate clearly and patiently

• Do you like talking to people and getting involved?

• Do you Understand or have you experienced loneliness, and can you relate to how it effects people?

• Can you listen well to others?

• Are you happy to work under the guidance of the Engagement Officer and buddy volunteer, following suggestions about the needs of the people we work with and health and safety issues?

• Do you value the benefits of group work, community, and how activities like crafts and hobbies bring people together and build confidence?

Benefits:

• A flexible way to volunteer that fits in with your lifestyle and other commitments

• VAC will ensure that no volunteer is out of pocket as a result of their volunteering for the organisation – see volunteering policy for details

• Develop your skills in your particular hobby or field Boost experience if you are Interested in a career in Social Care, Activities Co-ordination, Occupational Therapy, Counselling Community work

• Use our photos to promote your ability as a group leader We will write a testimonial and share on facebook if the session was well planned and relevant

Chatters:

Core Duties:

• Hours: 2 hours + every other week – 2-4pm Tuesdays

• Support people to build new social connections and to reduce their feelings of loneliness and isolation through participating in community activities and/or volunteering

• Increase the confidence and self-esteem of clients to enable them to regularly attend sessions, try new activities, and build new relationships and move towards/into volunteering

• Move around at events talking to people about their day

• Help people with additional needs to be able to participate fully in activities, helping with dexterity, grip, prompts

• Open doors for people, help set up

• Help to create a ‘culture of kindness’ where people are accepted and given space to talk

Experience & Qualities needed:

• This role requires a DBS check. We will need ID and will carry this out.

• You will need to carry out safeguarding level 2 training and volunteer training organised by us

• Are you able to help people to feel better about themselves?

• Do you like talking to people and getting involved?

• Do you accept people as they are?

• Can you put yourself in their shoes and think about their experience of life?

• Do you Understand or have you experienced loneliness, and can you relate to how it effects people?

• Can you listen well to others?

• Are you happy to work with and accept differences?

• Are you happy to work under the guidance of the Engagement Officer and buddy volunteer, following suggestions about the needs of the people we work with and health and safety issues?

• To ensure that the people our service supports are protected from abuse and neglect; to follow Safeguarding Procedure and, if you witness or suspect abuse, to report it promptly as required by the procedure

Benefits:

• We may be able to provide you with a reference on request if you work with us for a while

• We will provide you initial training and on-going support as you volunteer

• VAC will ensure that no volunteer is out of pocket as a result of their volunteering for the organisation – see volunteering policy for detail

• Develop your skills in your particular hobby or field. Boost experience if you are Interested in a career in Social Care, Activities Co-ordination, Occupational Therapy, Counselling or Community work

Buddy

Core Duties:

• Hours: 2 hours every week – 2-4pm Tuesdays plus one weekly walk

• Running Support then to build new social connections and to reduce their feelings of loneliness and isolation through participating in community activities and/or volunteering

• Increase the confidence and self-esteem of clients to enable them to regularly attend sessions, try new activities, and build new relationships and move towards/into volunteering.

• Move around talking to people about their day

• Support people with additional needs to be able to participate fully in activities

• Supporting clients, visiting groups, promoting the project in organisations and in communities

• Walks alongside a Chat Central employee

• Mentoring other volunteers e.g., refreshment support

• Feed back into planning for future sessions

• Support the engagement officer to identify potential clients that are isolated and lonely, uncover their skills, interests and aspirations and support them to engage and connect in appropriate activities

• Research and keep up to date with community activity and opportunities around the city

• Help to create a ‘culture of kindness’ where people are accepted and given space to talk

Experience & Qualities needed:

• This role requires a DBS check. We will need ID and will carry this out.

• You will need to carry out safeguarding level 2 training and volunteer training organised by us

• You will need to demonstrate some community work experience

• Are you able to help people to feel better about themselves?

• Do you like talking to people and getting involved?

• Do you accept people as they are?

• Can you put yourself in their shoes and think about their experience of life?

• Do you Understand or have you experienced loneliness, and can you relate to how it effects people?

• Can you listen well to others?

• Are you happy to work with and accept differences?

• Are you happy to work under the guidance of the Engagement Officer and buddy volunteer, following suggestions about the needs of the people we work with and health and safety issues?

Benefits:

• We may be able to provide you with a reference on request if you work with us for a while

• We will provide you initial training and on-going support as you volunteer

• VAC will ensure that no volunteer is out of pocket as a result of their volunteering for the organisation – see volunteering policy for details

Have a chat about the roles or find out more:

Tel: 07541 343491

Email: chatcentral@vacoventry.org.uk