Independent Living Service Volunteer (Ayrshire)

For people leaving hospital, adjusting to life at home can be a difficult time. Helping someone get their essential shopping, pick up their prescription or get the heating turned on can make all the difference for them to feel safe at home. We are looking for volunteers who live in Ayrshire and are able to volunteer at least 4 hours per week from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. • Are able to drive and have use of a vehicle, this is preferred if providing outreach support but not essential. If you will be driving for this role you need to have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive in the UK. • Have good communication skills. • Are warm, friendly and able to empathise with others. • Are reliable and passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable people. Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Enhanced PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check. Are available to undertake the required e-learning modules and Zoom training sessions within the first few months of volunteering (as detailed in the Learning Pathway attached) plus other specific training as required. **Diversity** Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness. As part of creating an inclusive space we have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives. We welcome refugees, asylum seekers and others currently in the UK to volunteer with us. We want volunteering to be accessible to everyone. **Health and Safety Statement** We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at [volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk](url)
Why we want you: If you are compassionate and like helping and meeting people, then this could be the role for you. Volunteers like you support people who are leaving hospital, helping to build their confidence so that they can continue to live independently in their own home.

• Tasks: Visit people in hospital as they are getting ready to go home.
  Bring people home from hospital.
  Help someone settle in when they first arrive home.
  Support with shopping and collecting prescriptions.
  Help people find further support if they need it.
  Keep records of tasks.

• Skills: Warm and friendly with empathy for others.
  Good communication skills.
  Encouraging and supportive.
  Enjoy meeting and spending time with new people.
  Can work independently and as a part of a team.
  Able to commit to a regular shift.

• Benefits: Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team.
  A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones.
  All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training).
  Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training.
  An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives.