Benefit Assessment Support Service Volunteers
South East London Mind
Support from benefits helps people to live with independence and dignity. Please help us to reduce the anxiety of a benefits assessment by volunteering to support our claimants. You will meet with the clients, over the phone or face to face, help them prepare for the assessment, attend the assessment with them and meet for a follow-up. You will receive support and training.
We are looking for Benefit Assessment Support Service volunteers who will meet with clients, help them to prepare for and attend PIP and Work Capability Assessments and then follow-up on any additional needs they might have. The Benefit Assessment Support Service supports claimants in Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich who have mental health issues. Your support will provide the knowledge and confidence our vulnerable clients need when attending their assessment to demonstrate fully the difficulties they experience in their daily lives. - You will have a basic understanding of welfare benefits and may have experienced the assessment process yourself. - You will have the necessary skills to support someone to explain how their health issues affect them in order for a quality assessment to be completed by the relevant agencies. - You will receive support in your role from a dedicated service coordinator who will offer guidance and training to help you in the role.
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Support Work
Admin, Negotiating, Reading & Writing
Able to encourage, support and empower clients: - Good listening and communication skills - Friendly welcoming and approachable manner - Able to understand, acknowledge and appreciate differences in individual experience of mental health problems and services - Basic knowledge of welfare benefits gained through either a work/volunteering capacity, or 'lived experience' of mental health issues.
Opportunity to support people to live with independence and dignity. We offer: - training and support - this activity will be useful on your CV - benefit of increase in skills and confidence.
3-4 hours / week. This role requires flexibility as assessment dates and need for our support vary.
BR3 4HY
Within the boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich. Our offices are at: 20b Hayne Road, Beckenham, BR3 4HY
N/A
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