Support at Home Volunteer (Berkshire)

For people recovering from illness, or who are facing a recent diagnosis, being able to stay in their own home can make all the difference. Our Support at Home Volunteers help with shopping, getting to appointments or checking in with a phone call. Spread the power of kindness with us and help make a difficult and distressing time a little bit easier. We are looking for someone who is able to: - Commit 1 to 2 visits per week between 10:00 - 15:00, Monday to Friday - Minimum requirement of 3-4 hours per week to support community visits, can be flexible with the days or a regular commitment - Have held a driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive in the UK and have access to a vehicle - To undertake community visits within service user's homes and be able to support the team with promotion within the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading RG1 5AN. Requirement for lone working within the community - Available to undertake required e-learning modules and Zoom training sessions in the first few months of volunteering (please see details in the Learning Pathway attached) plus other service specific training as required. **Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Enhanced with Adults barred Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check** **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. **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. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk
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 with day to day tasks and help to build their confidence so that they can continue to live independently in their own home.

• Tasks: Visit people in their home.
  Bring people home from hospital and settle them in.
  Give companionship, including relieving a carer or relative for a short time.
  Support with shopping and collecting prescriptions.
  Help people to get to medical appointments.
  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.