Peer Group Volunteer

Volunteer role: Peer Group Volunteer

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 and 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. This enables us to reach more older people by increasing the number of our groups across the borough.

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

What will I be involved in?

• Successfully complete training courses 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 peer group over 12 consecutive months. Group dates and times will be discussed with you in advance.
• Liaise with the Project Coordinator regarding sessions that need facilitating.
• Contribute to the development of the content of the peer 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 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?

• Experience of having felt alone, isolated or be a person aged 50 years +.
• Ability to communicate well with others and use your skills to effectively facilitate sessions.
• 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. Being 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 deliver at 12-month programme in community venues across the Boroughs of Greenwich.
• If you have any experience of arts, crafts, writing, drama, and are confident to be able to share these in a group setting.

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.