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Choice in Hackney provides advocacy and independent living services to disabled people (with physical, sensory, mental health and learning difficulties) aged 16+, living and working in Hackney. Help a disabled person to get more out of life. Activities could include just having a chat, helping with computers, going out for coffee, assisting to attend museums or seminars, shopping or anything else of interest to the person you are supporting. If you want to have a direct positive impact on the lives of disabled people, then get in touch. This doesn’t include personal care, advocacy, mentoring or any service covered by a person’s care package.
This is a list of the qualities, skills and knowledge we are looking for in a Volunteer Befriender. Please don't be put off by this list of requirements - some of the skills and knowledge needed for the role can be developed during the induction period. - Good communication skills: listening, talking, writing - Available to commit to the project for a minimum of 6 months (after induction) - Reliability: able to keep commitments and appointments and where necessary, to communicate changes to plans with as much notice as possible - Some knowledge of the barriers faced by disabled people - Empathy and an interest in understanding the needs of the disabled person - Ability to recognise own limitations and ask for help when needed - Ability to understand and follow relevant policies and procedures e.g. confidentiality, health and safety, boundaries - Open mindedness and willing to learn from the befriending relationship - Ability to act on own initiative with the Project's guidelines - A reasonable level of spoken English - enough to complete induction training and receive support from the Volunteer Co-ordinator
A reference from us, a free volunteer Lunch two/three times a year, a free induction which includes disability rights training.
