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The Wren Project offers free, one-to-one listening support for people in distress as a result of their autoimmune disease diagnosis. The service we provide would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers. Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people living with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). We offer a safe, non-judgmental space for Wrens to talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers hold and hear distress in each session and through regular, ongoing appointments, build rapport with Wrens. Volunteers do not need to have any knowledge of experience of autoimmune disease. What we look for is warmth and empathy. We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES: Application and training process: ● Send an application form via our website; ● Attend an online one-to-one interview to discuss why you want to volunteer with the Wren Project; ● We assess an applicant’s suitability for the role; ● If successful, applicants participate in a remote, 4-week training programme focusing on listening skills, holding and hearing distress and living with autoimmune disease; ● A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren. The role: ● Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online. ● A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months. ● Attend three additional modules of skill-building training in the first 12 months; ● Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team; ● Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.
● A desire to support people in times of distress; ● An empathetic and understanding attitude; ● A commitment to offering ongoing support to Wrens and to reflect upon the experience; ● A quiet and private space to conduct appointments; ● Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection; ● Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability; ● The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.
● Lifelong skills in deep listening; ● Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress; ● An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment; ● A self-reflective approach to learning and development; ● An insight into life with autoimmune disease.
3 hour voluntary commitment, flexible across the working week (shifts are available mornings, afternoons and evenings, Monday - Friday).
