Friendz Volunteer

Social isolation and loneliness have a major impact on the health, well-being and life expectancy of adults with Down’s syndrome. We believe that people with Down’s syndrome can be valued, active members of their communities and have the same opportunities and friendships as everyone else. Do you?
By becoming a FriendZ Volunteer you can help young people and adults with Down’s syndrome have more confidence, self-esteem and develop independence skills by helping them get out and about more, meet up with each other and grow their friendships.
FriendZ Meetups is an exciting, new programme to combat social isolation and loneliness run by Down’s Syndrome Scotland. Over the next 3 years, we will be supporting adults with Down’s syndrome to connect with each other, develop and sustain their friendships and be better connected to their local communities
All it takes is a commitment to one Meetup session every month (between 1-5 hours and a little bit of planning time in between)
The Role: To support young people and adults with Down’s syndrome to participate in social activities in small groups within their local areas to develop and sustain friendships with their peers through engaging in fun group activities together and gain community confidence.
What the role involves:
Person centred support to young people and adults with Down’s syndrome in a social group situation. Enable adults with Down’s syndrome to develop their friendships with each other by helping to make meeting arrangements, supporting independent travel and planning the social activities they choose to do. To provide discrete individual/group support and promote a positive group dynamic, encouraging participation, responsibility taking and positively acknowledging skills and qualities of group members. To ensure group safety and wellbeing through dynamic risk assessment and adaptive decision making. Communicate positively with participants, parents and carers. To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries within the volunteering relationship. To support members to think about what’s on in their local areas and encourage positive lifestyle choices. To participate in support, individual and peer supervision meetings and training events.
Please note: This role is subject to membership of the PVG (Scotland) Scheme
What you can offer us
To be open minded, accepting and non-judgemental – to see the world in a different way. To be reliable, consistent, and work on your own initiative. Good organisation, listening and communication skills. Confident, kind, friendly, outgoing, with a great sense of humour. A willingness to learn, take the lead and also be guided by the group. What we can offer you
Stimulating induction training, support and continued volunteer development. A chance to develop your own skills and experience. Increase your own community connections Full expenses paid for travel costs, parking fees and activities. A volunteer handbook. A life enhancing, meaningful, volunteering experience Please note: This role is subject to membership of the PVG (Scotland) Scheme