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We are looking for volunteer ‘travel buddies’ to accompany and support individuals (adults who have had challenges with their mental health) travelling from home to the RBO project venues in Central London. Participants may need support because they feel anxious going to a new place, taking public transport, feels a bit unwell, or need the accountability of having a travel buddy. Travel will take place on public transport from any of these boroughs: Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster.
A caring and supportive nature, with an ability to relate positively with both staff and clients; Ability to plan travel routes and navigate around West / Central London confidently, using public transport; Empathetic, compassionate, patient, tolerant and considerate; Good communication skills, including responding to emails and calls in a timely manner; An interest in working with mental health, adults with complex needs and learning more about using the arts for wellbeing and self expression; An understanding of individual patients’ needs taking into consideration cultural and religious requirements; Reliability: to be someone we can rely on - consistent and dependable; The ability to work independently whilst staying within the role’s boundaries, recognising what should and shouldn’t be done, when to seek advice or report concerns.
The opportunity to gain experience and develop knowledge and skills of working with adults with experiences of mental health issues; Learning about the Royal Ballet & Opera project; Learning about the ethos and work of Arts in Health; Experience and insight into working within the NHS and healthcare sector, and working within a community environment; Full support and a range of relevant training, including local induction and orientation; Access to the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme to support you enter careers in the NHS through volunteering once 30 hours of volunteering have been completed; A reference for future volunteering or employment, following completion of at least 60 hours of volunteering; Following our expenses policy, reimbursement of agreed expenses.
You will need to be available on Fridays to provide weekly support, starting from Friday 18th October 2024 until 14th February 2025, between the hours of 9am and 3pm. There will also be a 2 week break from 23rd December – 3rd Jan. You will also be required to attend a brief online induction 1-2 weeks before the project starts, to meet with the Arts in Health (AiH) staff to share more about the project and to answer any questions. Then again 2-3 weeks later, when the project ends, for input into the evaluation meetings.
