Volunteers
GET INVOLVED
Our advocates ensure that those who most need it within our community
are able to voice their concerns and that they are listened to.
This could mean speaking up on somebody’s behalf if they are
unable to communicate or articulate their wishes adequately, or
supporting people to put forward their views more effectively. At
the same time we respect the people we work with, afford them the
dignity that they deserve and act only on their wishes at all times.
Here are some frequently asked questions relating to volunteering
with Sandwell Advocacy:
Do I need to have any qualifications?
What commitment would I have to make?
How would I actually help somebody?
What support do I get?
Do I receive any training?
Will I get any expenses?
Do you police check your volunteers?
Is it only volunteer advocates that you recruit?
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Do I need to have any qualfications?
No. Formal qualifications are not necessary. Our advocates
are people who are passionate about the rights of disadvantaged
people being upheld. They are people from a variety of backgrounds
who develop an awareness of the issues faced by those we support
and have the confidence to speak up for others where necessary.
back to top
What commitment would I have to make?
The commitment our volunteer advocates make depends on their availability
and the needs of those they support. Before matching a volunteer
advocate with somebody we always take into account his or her availability.
Typically our volunteers visit those they support about once a week
for an hour or two.
back to top
How would I actually help somebody?
You would help somebody by supporting them to articulate
their views and wishes. We do this by finding information, giving
people time to think about their choices, listening to what people
say, building peoples confidence so that they might be able to speak
up for themselves in future and attending meetings to support people
in situations where decisions about their lives are likely to be
made.
back to top
What support do I get?
We have a named worker who is responsible for co-ordinating
the activities of our volunteers. This person provides on-going
support for our volunteers in every aspect of their advocacy work.
There is also peer support provided on a regular basis via our Volunteer
Support Group. This provides an opportunity to exchange information,
share good practice and deal with any issues individual volunteers
may wish to share.
back to top
Do I receive any training?
Yes. All of our advocates participate in four 2-hour
preparation sessions to prepare them for the role before they become
actively involved. This covers: the principles and concepts of advocacy;
communication skills; choice, decision making and risk; confidentiality;
advocacy in practice and dealing with professionals.
back to top
Will I get any expenses?
Yes. All of our volunteers receive remuneration
for all agreed out of pocket expenses such as travel, telephone
etc. We discuss this in more detail as part of our volunteer’s
preparation.
back to top
Do you police check your volunteers?
Yes. We conduct Criminal Records Bureau checks
and also ask that our volunteers provide 2 references of people
who know them well.
back to top
Is it only volunteer advocates that you recruit?
No. We are happy to tailor an individual’s
volunteer involvement to suit their needs, skills and interests.
As well as volunteer advocates, we are also keen to see people get
involved with:
- Producing our newsletter.
- Web design/maintenance.
- Open Days.
- Fundraising.
- Management Committee.
- Presentations/Talks.
- Admin.
- Promotion and Publicity.
|
