Art Group Volunteer

Volunteer role: Art Group - Greenwich Befriending Programme

Responsible to: Art Tutor

Time commitment: Commitment to help deliver one art group over 6 weeks. Attendance at volunteer catch-up meetings usually once per 6 – 8 weeks. All groups will operate Monday to Friday, between 9am – 5pm. We will be closed at weekends, public holidays and for a week at Christmas period.

Location: Various locations across Greenwich, in community venues in Eltham, Woolwich, Plumsted and Thamesmead.

Greenwich Befriending Programme:  We want our Greenwich Befriending Programme to make a real difference. Our volunteers are a crucial part of this programme’s success, and we welcome new volunteers, joining our team, as this enables us to reach more older people by increasing the number of our groups across the borough.

Role Summary: Co-facilitate activity-based art groups for Greenwich residents 50 + at community venues across the borough of Greenwich.

What will I be involved in?

• Successfully complete online training courses for Age UK Bromley and Greenwich volunteers, including an activities course with a focus on understanding different group facilitation techniques.
• Prepare for and co-facilitate 1 art group over 6 weeks. Group dates and times will be discussed with you in advance.
• Liaise with the Art Tutor regarding sessions that need facilitating and contribute to the development of the content of the art groups based on your experience and skills.
• Carry out any basic admin tasks attached to the group including maintaining attendance registers.
• Report any concerns arising from the groups to the Art Tutor and, where appropriate the contact at the venue.
• Participate in catch-up meetings with the Art Tutor, group volunteer meetings and training on Safeguarding Adults and Appropriate Boundaries
• At all times work in accordance with the organisation’s policies regarding Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection. Lone working.
• Represent the professional standards of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich and ensure that you wear your volunteer id badge whilst volunteering.

What skills and qualities will I need to have?

• Ability to communicate well with others and use your skills to effectively help facilitate sessions.
• If you have any experience of arts, crafts, writing, drama, and are confident to be able to share these in a group setting
• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work well in a team.
• Understanding of the pressures and stresses facing isolated or lonely people 50 years+.
• Willingness to talk from your own experience in an appropriate way.
• Facilitates the group with friendliness and empathy.
• Aware of being mindful of how members access and engage in groups.
• Organised at completing admin tasks for their group.
• Ability to maintain appropriate and professional boundaries.
• Be committed to attend training, support groups and to support the programme delivery in community venues across Greenwich.

Benefits of getting involved:

• Being part of a team who are passionate about helping Greenwich residents 50 years+, to develop interests, form friendships and connect better with their local community.
• Committed to supporting an exciting and innovative programme that really makes a difference to Greenwich residents.
• Ongoing support and role training with feedback given.
• Opportunities for networking with other volunteers and belonging to a wider volunteer team.
• Awareness of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich social events, services, and projects

Other information: Prospective volunteers will complete a recruitment process and be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check. All our volunteer roles are 18+, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Age UK Bromley & Greenwich will reimburse all expenditure reasonably incurred. Receipts to be provided with expenditure claims