Book Club Leader

Volunteer role: Book Club Leader

Responsible to: Health, Wellbeing and Befriending Development Co-ordinator referred to as the Project Co-ordinator.

Time commitment: Commitment to deliver 1 group of 12 consecutive months.  Attendance at volunteer catch-up meetings usually once per 6 – 8 weeks with up to 3 days training. All our groups are from Monday to Friday,9am to 5pm. We are closed at weekends, public holidays and over the Christmas period.

Location: Various Locations across Greenwich, mainly 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.

About Our Book Clubs: Our book clubs are part of our Greenwich Befriending Programme. We want to develop a network of book clubs across Greenwich borough to help older people to share a love of books and reading while making new friends. These clubs are held monthly, and hosted in a range of settings, from local libraries to community centres in Greenwich borough.

Role Summary: The Book Club Leader will co-facilitate monthly book clubs for Greenwich residents 50 years + at community venues across the Borough of Greenwich.

What will I be involved in?

• Successfully complete training for Age UK Bromley and Greenwich volunteers. You will be fully supported during this time and on successful completion will understand different group facilitation techniques and be confident in leading and facilitating groups.
• Prepare for and co-facilitate a minimum of 1 book club over 12 consecutive months. With a monthly commitment of up to 3 hours a month to dedicate to: - 1 hour for the group session and 2 hours for the book selection, ordering and record keeping.
• Group dates and times will be discussed with you in advance.
• Liaise with the Project Coordinator regarding book clubs that need facilitating. Contribute to the development of the content of the book clubs based on your experience and skills.
• Report any concerns arising from the groups to the Project Coordinator and, where appropriate, the contact at the venue.
• Participate in catch-up meetings with the Project Coordinator, 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, Lone Working, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection.
• Represent the professional standards of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich and make sure you wear your volunteer id badge whilst volunteering.

What skills and qualities will I need to have?

• Enjoys spending time with and talking with older people aged 50+ from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Has a passion for reading a variety of authors and genres.
• Approachable and welcoming. Facilitates the group with friendliness and empathy.
• Aware of being mindful of how members access and engage in groups. Helps to attract new members where possible and organised at completing admin tasks for their group.
• A commitment to attend training, support groups and to deliver 12-week programmes in community venues across the Boroughs of Greenwich.
• Being able to maintain client confidentiality, understand the importance of keeping within the parameters of the befriending role and have a good understanding of GDPR and Data Protection.

Benefits of getting involved:

• Being part of a team who are passionate about helping Greenwich residents, to develop interests, form friendships and connect better with their local community.
• Delivering an exciting and innovative programme that really makes a difference to Greenwich residents 50 years +.
• Ongoing support and role training with feedback given.
• Opportunities for networking with other volunteers and being part of 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.