Group Volunteer - Key Worker Cafe (Willenhall)

Job overview

Purpose of volunteering role:  To support the Key Worker Service with the running of their Key Worker Groups in the Black Country. This is a voluntary role which is unpaid.

• Volunteers must be 18+, live within the Black Country, and be able to travel to Willenhall Chart Centre to support the Key Worker Café, on the first Tuesday of every month, 2-4pm (Travel expenses for bus or car travel will be reimbursed)
• We ask all of our volunteers to support for a longer-term period - a minimum of 6 months or longer. This helps provide stability for staff and service users, and ensures volunteers gain meaningful and valuable experience

Main duties of the job

• Encouraging engagement - Help participants feel comfortable joining in, spark conversations, and build confidence within the group. Support with making teas and coffees as part of the social atmosphere.
• Developing activities - assist staff in planning and running engaging therapeutic activities such as arts, crafts, wellbeing exercises.
• Information signposting - Share accessible information about services that may benefit individuals with learning disabilities or autism. Staff will support with sharing useful service information with volunteers, and if a service user requires additional support, the staff team will manage any referrals.
• Community networking - Outside of sessions, help promote the café by connecting with local community centres, organisations, and networks to raise awareness and encourage new participants.

• Overview of Key Worker Service: Keyworker Cafes are an NHS Keyworker community initiative designed to support individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism (LDA) in the Black Country. Please see more information on Volunteer role description ·
• Examples of how you can help us - this role will involve working alongside paid staff during the monthly café sessions, helping create a friendly, inclusive environment for all participants.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are looking for volunteers who have these qualities:

• Organised, punctual and reliable - desirable that volunteers can support for a minimum of 6 months, regularly, to provide stability for the team and themselves.
• Personable, friendly and welcoming - able to communicate well with patients and staff and build rapport.
• Good communication skills, compassionate and encouraging
• Able to follow confidentiality policy and professional boundaries to keep themselves and patients safe.
• Enthusiasm and desire to help improve experiences of patients and improve wellbeing.
• Basic Computer Skills - Ability to use some digital technology for training and communications - we can support you with this.