Volunteering with Building Circles in Gloucestershire
Volunteering with Building Circles is an enjoyable and rewarding experience!
Most of our volunteers offer friendship to a person with learning disabilities. They spend time together – typically two to four hours each month, although it varies from person to person. It is a very flexible form of volunteering which can fit in around work, college or other things but we do stress that it does require commitment to allow time for a friendship to develop.
Our volunteers come in all shapes and sizes – young and old, men and women, chatty and bubbly, quiet and reflective – and all are caring people who want to offer friendship to someone who needs friends. Everyone brings their own particular skills to the role, but key to success are: communication skills; empathy; patience; and being able to reflect on what’s happening.
Building Circles trains each volunteer. We give you an introduction to learning disabilities, to communication and behaviour, and to working with families. Whilst we are training you, we take up references and also carry out a police check (“CRB”).
We try to match volunteers with someone living in the same part of Gloucestershire, and with some common ground – similar ages perhaps, or a common interest. As well as developing a friendship with the person with learning disabilities, volunteers also build a supportive friendship with their families and carers.
At the beginning, when they are getting to know one another, they usually stick to simple activities - having a drink together, or a short walk. Once they know each other a bit better, they may decide that they would like to do other activities as well. Everyone is invited to our regular social events which we hold every two to three months. They are usually held in Cheltenham on a Saturday but we hold other events elsewhere too.
Our volunteers coordinators are there to support all volunteers as they go through their training programme and befriend a person with learning disabilities. They provide support and advice and a listening ear, and maintain regular contact to see how things are going.
If you are over 18, and would like to find out more about volunteering with us, we would love to hear from you. (If you are under 18 and are interested in volunteering for a similar organisation, please contact your local volunteer centre or visit the national volunteering website www.do-it.org.uk)
Volunteers are also involved in Building Circles in Gloucestershire as trustees, working on our website, and helping us at our regular social events.
If any you would like more information or to chat about any of these opportunities, please fill in our Volunteer Form and we will be in touch soon!
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PAID POSITIONS
We currently have two paid part-time positions that we are looking to fill. One is for a Service Coordinator, the other is for a Volunteer Coordinator, please see details below. To apply for either position, please send a CV and covering letter (including contact details for two references) to Joy-Amy Wigman at our Winchcombe Street address or via email at admin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk
Service Coordinator -
Job Details:
Contract: 1 year – duration of grant. Extension of contract possible depending on finances
Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary: £13.00 per hour
Location: Cheltenham based until 31st March- future premises being sought.
Closing date: Friday 2 March 2012
Interview date: TBC
Summary:
To expand our service provision. To recruit a broader range of volunteers, to support our existing staff, to help fundraise and support our fundraising strategy and to strengthen our links with other Statutory and Voluntary organisations.
The post-holder will work with our existing small team of staff and with other volunteers and trustees. Staff, volunteers and trustees work closely together in developing strategies, QA and direct service provision.
Person Specification:
Skills and Attainments -
Essential -
A good general level of education.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Good IT skills.
Financial management skills
Management/leadership experience
Fundraising knowledge or experience.
Clean driving licence.
Desirable -
Knowledge of the needs of people with learning disabilities.
Knowledge/experience of the educational/charity or business sector.
Personal Qualities -
Essential -
Ability to relate to a wide range of individuals and groups.
Desire to value, enable and support others.
Knowledge of own strengths and limitations.
Ability to work as part of a team as well as individually.
Awareness of the importance of discretion and confidentiality.
Desirable -
A well developed sense of humour and fun.
Willingness to get involved in a wide range of tasks associated with the organisation.
Interests -
A range of social and general interests.
Interest in social care issues.
Personal Circumstances -
Able to work flexibly, including occasional Saturdays (minimum six days per year for social/training events).
Access to own transport
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Volunteer Coordinator
Contract: 12 hours per week with possibility of 3 hours extension for initial year
Salary: £10.50 per hour
Location: Cheltenham based until 31st March- future premises being sought. This post will require travel across county.
Closing Date Friday 9th March 2012
Interview Date: To be confirmed.
Summary:
Applications are invited from individuals with an interest in supporting people with learning disabilities who are lonely or isolated. He/she will recruit, screen and train volunteers to establish friendships with individuals referred to Building Circles who have limited or very limited social contacts. He/she will also help to organise social events for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.
Own transport is essential. References and CRB checks will be required.
Interests -
A range of social and general interests.
Interest in social care issues.
Personal Circumstances -
Able to work flexibly, including occasional Saturdays (minimum six days per year for social/training events).
Access to own transport