How we do it:

Using the person centred approach and ‘thinking outside of the box’ means we can support people when they are experiencing loneliness through social isolation the most. This means building a relationship with the person and identifying ways to support them. This may be traditionally through referring to other services such as social services or counselling but may also include helping someone to access the bus timetable virtually.

With a phone call each week, the volunteer will help to reduce feelings of loneliness through meaningful connection.

 The tasks that the volunteer may undertake include;

• Make a phone call once a week using a mobile phone we provide
• Email service manager with an update each week of progress with your client list
• An ability to approach people in a friendly manner helping those we support to build their own confidence via the phone
• Identify any potential opportunities for this person to explore such as directing to another support service or access a social group

Time Commitment:

Requirements:

·        Cultural awareness and sensitivity to needs of others

• An ability to remain non-judgemental
• A willingness to exchange knowledge and develop/conduct activities to build the capacity of individuals
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level or literacy
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Abide by Empowerments policies, procedures and operating practices
• Attend compulsory training including, induction training, safeguarding and equality and diversity

What’s in it for you:

·        Help to make improvements to the lives of people who are socially isolated and lonely in Blackpool

• Have a significant impact within a growing organisation and on the lives of people who have no one in their life to talk to
• Share your skills and knowledge
• Attend different training opportunities
• Be part of a skilled and knowledgeable team
• Recognition for your commitment
• Expenses paid
• Most importantly – your contribution will make a difference

Role title:

BESS BUDDIES Volunteer

What we do:

The BESS service helps residents of Blackpool that are lonely through social isolation. We do this in a range of ways from befriending telephone calls, activities online and face to face as well as specific projects. This role is for a BESS activity support volunteer.

How we do it:

Using the person centred approach and ‘thinking outside of the box’ means we can support people when they are experiencing loneliness through social isolation the most. This means building a relationship with the person and identifying ways to support them. It also means that we support the general public and people living in our community that may not have social connections or they are looking for more meaningful connections in the area they live.

We provide a range of activities through the BESS service and these are facilitated by a member of staff but we would also like a volunteer to be attached to the role in supporting. The groups can vary in size and demand so this volunteer role would suit someone who is proactive and engaging, looking to broaden their community engagement skills.

Commitment:

The tasks that the volunteer may undertake include;

• Assisting the facilitator with general activity duties
• Engage with the participants, identifying any additional needs and supporting with this on a case by case basis
• An ability to approach people in a friendly manner helping those we support to build their own confidence within the group
• Identify any potential opportunities for this person to explore such as directing to another support service or access a social group if appropriate
• Co-Hosting on zoom
• Helping set up a room, make tea and coffee

Time Commitment:

We are looking for a volunteer that can help with each of our groups. They are currently running on a Wednesday 2-3pm, Thursday 11-12noon and Friday 11-12noon.

Requirements:

•  Cultural awareness and sensitivity to needs of others
• An ability to remain non-judgemental
• A willingness to exchange knowledge and develop/conduct activities to build the capacity of individuals
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level or literacy
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Abide by Empowerments policies, procedures and operating practices
• Attend compulsory training including, induction training, safeguarding and equality and diversity

What’s in it for you:

• Help to make improvements to the lives of people who are socially isolated and lonely in Blackpool
• Have a significant impact within a growing organisation and on the lives of people who have no one in their life to talk to. Most importantly – your contribution will make a difference
• Share your skills and knowledge
• Attend different training opportunities
• Be part of a skilled and knowledgeable team
• Recognition for your commitment
• Expenses paid

Role title:

Elliot’s Mate’s 

What we do:

Elliot’s Mates are: Young men who can provide peer support for other young men (18-25) who are experiencing mental health issues, so that they are empowered to lead full and active lives. They will help to address the stigma and shame that young men feel when talking and sharing how they feel about their own mental illness, which ultimately means that they don’t get the support and help they need.

How we do it:

Elliot’s Mates will be able to:

• Form safe and trusting relationships with other young men who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health issues
• Provide 1:1 peer support and take part in group activities. The content of the support will be agreed between you and the person being supported
• Feel comfortable and confident in talking about mental health issues including self-harm and suicide
• Be able to share your own experiences of mental illness whenever it is appropriate to do so
• To show kindness and respect at all times
• Respect confidentiality and work within Empowerment’s policies and procedures
• Maintain up-to-date accurate records using our ADI system (training provided)
• Actively participate in training sessions helping you to develop your own skillset
• Support each participant in accessing services when appropriate
• To be welcoming and inclusive to all males accessing the support
• To look after your own mental health and wellbeing and access the support which Empowerment provides

Commitment:

This position is a new way of engaging people out and about in the community. At this time there is no set time committments as Elliot’s Mate’s are all around the town, supporting others as and when needed.

A full induction and training will be given.

Time Commitment:

Once we have the building in place it may be that you help out once a week or at events – we are very flexible and want to reassure you that each mate will be unique and have a unique experience based on their own time commitments.

Requirements:

•  Cultural awareness and sensitivity to needs of others
• An ability to remain non-judgemental
• A willingness to exchange knowledge and develop/conduct activities to build the capacity of individuals
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level or literacy
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Abide by Empowerments policies, procedures and operating practices
• Attend compulsory training including, induction training, safeguarding and equality and diversity

What’s in it for you:

• Help to make improvements to the lives of young men in Blackpool who are experiencing thoughts of suicide
• Have a significant impact within a growing organisation and on the lives of people who have no one in their life to talk to. Most importantly – your contribution will make a difference
• Share your skills and knowledge
• Attend different training opportunities
• Be part of a skilled and knowledgeable team
• Recognition for your commitment
• Expenses paid

Role title:

‘Dare to Care’ Volunteer (Blackpool Care Homes)

Main Purpose:

This role has been developed in partnership with Blackpool Care Homes and training providers to attract people who are Carers and help them gain insight to this environment.

It is part of a pilot project to develop specialist skills as a Carer, to prepare for working in the regulated care sector. There are a wide range of career and education options.

What does the role involve?

·        Support resident’s wellbeing by offering time, creativity and a listening ear.

·        Speaking to and interacting with residents and their visitors.

·        Organising social activities and helping people take part.

·        Supporting resident visits in line with infection control procedures.

·        Helping residents to connect with family and friends digitally (optional).

Skills and Experience:

  What is most important is:

·        Kindness and patience.

·        Your ability to follow procedures.

·        Some experience of caring.

Requirements:

• Experience as a Carer (unpaid or paid).
• Knowledge of/interest in health and social care.
• Ability to engage in a friendly, professional manner with service users and health and social care professionals.
• To be kind and feel passionate about resident wellbeing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions (ESOL level 2 minimum).
• Willingness to take part in the pilot project evaluation and take part in supervision sessions.

Training and Progression:

Before you start as a volunteer, you will be offered a programme of training and support. You will attain a Progression Award as well as some basic training to complement your role.

You can also benefit from:

·        Other learning and training such as Health and Safety,

·        Safeguarding Adults, Equality and Diversity, Infection Control and many other topics.

·        Insight into care homes with opportunities to progress in a paid role.

·        Opportunity to become a Digital Buddy (optional).

Commitment:

The pilot volunteer programme is designed to provide a three-month opportunity of learning (including the recruitment process) which will include around 6 weeks placement in a care home with a mutually agreed shift pattern of hours to suit you.

We recommend you volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours a week, over the 6-week placement. You may be able to do more depending on the Care Home.

Successful applicants will be supported to access workplace Covid testing services and will be offered vaccination in line with regulated care home policy.

Outcomes:

Taking part in this programme will provide you with:

·        An opportunity to share your skills and knowledge and support a local care home

·        New skills and qualifications.

·        An insight into Care Homes.

·        Opportunities to get involved in the local community.

·        An ability to evaluate the value of engagement and volunteering.

·        Recognition for your commitment.

Your expenses will be paid, and a uniform may be provided. Most importantly – your contribution will make a difference

More about Healthwatch:

Healthwatch Blackpool exists to give people a say in health and social care services. We bring public feedback to those who plan and deliver services with the vision to get the best out of health and care for the future.

Role Title

Data Analyst / Administration Volunteer

Line Manager

Strategic Lead

Principal Relationships

Project Support Officer and Volunteers

Role Summary

Healthwatch Blackpool is committed to further develop robust and innovative approaches to gathering, collating and presenting intelligence received from the people of Blackpool relating to health and social care.

Our Data Analyst Volunteer is required to work with the team to enable the process of collating, analysing and presenting information to maximise our impact when working with health and social care providers in Blackpool.

In addition we are able to offer the opportunity to be involved in wider administration tasks.

Principal Responsibilities

• To gather, collate and present intelligence received from the people of Blackpool
• To collect, compile and analyse the intelligence received by Healthwatch Blackpool and to identify trends and themes, which can be used as robust evidence to inform a wider programme of work
• To create and produce reports to present to health and social care services in Blackpool
• To use existing systems for collating data and developing the ways in which these are used
• To assist with the development of new tools for collecting and analysing data
• To work with the Healthwatch Blackpool volunteer and staff team to assist in the planning of research campaigns including designing and producing questionnaires
• Undertake administration tasks to holistically support the work of Healthwatch Blackpool

Person Specification

·        Educated and/or acquired knowledge, skills and abilities associated with data analysis, report writing and administration

·        High degree of IT literacy – ability to use all facets of Microsoft Office including expertise in Excel

• Experience of applying quantitative and qualitative research skills

·        Strong analytical and organisational skills with good attention to detail

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·        High-level of organisational skills and experience

·        Ability to perform administration functions to support the infrastructure of the organisation

·        Proactive can-do attitude

·        An eye for detail

·        Commitment to organisational excellence

·        Ability to work as part of a team by supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge and expertise

·        Ability to communicate effectively with people and maintain positive relationships.

Role title:

Community Engagement Volunteer

What we do:

Healthwatch Blackpool exist to give people a say in health and social care services provided for both adults and children in Blackpool to bring about improvements in those services.

We are looking for volunteers to support us to engage with members of the public and ensure their voice is heard regarding health and social care experiences.

What Healthwatch will do:

Healthwatch Blackpool visit a wide range of health and social care services across Blackpool.  We undertake a variety of engagement activities within local community groups and health services to give the public an opportunity to share their experience of using those services.

Healthwatch Blackpool works closely with its volunteers to support them in their roles.

Commitment:

 The tasks that the volunteer will undertake include;

• Listen to people’s views about health and social care in Blackpool
• Work closely with staff members and other volunteers
• Feedback information gained from activities to staff members
• Be adaptable in different settings e.g. – hospitals, GP surgeries, Dentists, Voluntary, community, and faith sector organisations
• An ability to approach people in a friendly manner, giving confidence to people to share their experiences
• Be able to take notes and write down people’s own words of their experiences

Time Commitment:

We are looking for volunteers who are available for days, evenings and weekends

on an ad-hoc basis

Requirements:

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to needs of others
• An ability to remain non-judgemental
• A willingness to exchange knowledge and develop/conduct activities to build the capacity of individuals
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level or literacy
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Knowledge and interest in health and social care
• Abide by Healthwatch Blackpool’s policies, procedures and operating practices
• Attend compulsory training including, induction training, safeguarding and equality and diversity.

What’s in it for you:

• Help to make improvements to health and social care services
• Have a significant impact within a growing organisation
• Share your skills and knowledge
• Attend different training opportunities
• Be part of a skilled and knowledgeable team
• Recognition for your commitment
• Expenses paid & uniform provided
• Most importantly – your contribution will make a difference

Role title:

Responsible to:

Youthwatch Volunteer

Project Coordinator at Healthwatch Blackpool

What Healthwatch do:

Healthwatch Blackpool exists to give people a say in health and social care services. We bring public feedback to those who plan and deliver services with the vision to get the best out of health and care for the future.

What Youthwatch will do:

We are looking for young volunteers to support us to engage with young people and ensure their voices are heard regarding health and social care experiences.

Youthwatch Blackpool will hear young people’s voices and make sure that they are involved directly in decision making within our town. Our aim is to establish what matters to young people relating to health and social care, whether it be GP waiting times, sexual health clinics, mental health services etc, and have their voice heard.

What the role involves:

 The tasks that the volunteer will undertake include;

• To bring us your experience of using health and social care services in Blackpool
• Listen to people’s views about health and social care in Blackpool
• To attend events
• To represent Youthwatch and support our engagements
• To help to write and share experiences through reports and videos
• To coproduce change  working collaboratively with those in positions of power
• Work closely with staff members and other volunteers
• Feedback information gained from activities to staff members
• Be adaptable in different settings e.g. – hospitals, GP surgeries, Dentists, Voluntary, community, and faith sector organisations
• An ability to approach people in a friendly manner
• Be able to take notes and write down people’s own words of their experiences

Time Commitment:

We are looking for volunteers who are available for days, evenings and weekends

on an ad-hoc basis

Requirements:

• Live in Blackpool
• Are aged 11-18 years old
• An ability to remain non-judgemental
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level or literacy
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Interest in health and social care
• Abide by Healthwatch Blackpool’s policies, procedures and operating practices
• Attend compulsory training

What’s in it for you:

• To have your say for you and others
• To build your CV
• To develop skills and confidence
• To gain work experience

·        To develop your training record and understand the health and social care system

·        To build a network of contacts

• Help to make improvements to health and social care services
• Have a significant impact within a growing organisation
• Recognition for your commitment
• Most importantly – your contribution will make a difference

Outcomes

Taking part in this project will provide you with:

·        Make a difference for young people and have their voice heard

·        Achieve new skills

·        Opportunities to get involved in the local community

·        An ability to evaluate the value of engagement and volunteering

·        Recognition for your commitment.

‘Disability Confident Scheme’

We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy. If you require additional support during the application process, please get in touch.

Here at Empowerment/Healthwatch Blackpool, we actively encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from the Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority community, the LGBT community, and people with a lived experience of multiple disadvantage.

We believe that Empowerment will become a better and stronger organisation if we are a diverse family of people, each individual bringing with them their own unique set of experiences, gifts and talents.

Role title:

Motivate2 Volunteer

What we do:

Motivate2 is a volunteer advocacy project that is empowering people with personal experience of mental health conditions and/or complex needs and giving them the opportunities to use their knowledge to advocate for other people accessing the advocacy services.

How we do it:

Meeting an unmet need through MOTIVATE 2 is something we do through the project. MOTIVATE 2 support people with Non Statutory Advocacy, the volunteers are able to draw from their own experiences to allow them to support the people who need advocacy support. The project has chosen areas where there is unmet needs and people are saying that they require advocacy but there is no one to support them to have their voices heard.

They help people who are an informal patient at the Harbour,  do drop in sessions on the Acute Wards and also support Blackpool resident who are:

• A parent who has Mental Health, Learning Disabilities or Complex Needs, who have children under child protection proceedings
• Thinking about raising a complaint with Social Services
• Living with a Mental Health Condition and struggling to access Health and Social Care Services

Commitment:

The tasks that the volunteer may undertake include;

·       Meeting with people that we are supporting

·       Supporting the people we support at meetings (being by their side)

·       Supporting the people we support at meetings (speaking for them)

·       Making phone calls to professionals

·       Sending emails

·       Sending letters

·       Keeping clear and up to date case notes

·       Drop in sessions on Acute wards and passing notes to IMHA’s

·       Gathering information

Time Commitment:

The project requires a minimum of 8 hours a week to be given each week. This is because of the nature of support that you are giving. You need to be able to see the people you are supporting, do any jobs they have given you and also write up the case notes that go with the supporting case.

Requirements:

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to needs of others
• An ability to remain non-judgemental
• To make sure people’s voices are heard and their wishes and rights are upheld
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level or literacy
• Good time keeping
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Abide by Empowerments policies, procedures and operating practices
• Attend compulsory training including, induction training, safeguarding and equality and diversity

What’s in it for you:

• Help to support people within Blackpool have their voices heard
• Share your skills and knowledge
• Gain new knowledge and skills
• Attend different training opportunities
• Be part of a skilled and knowledgeable team
• Expenses paid

Role title:

Motivate2 Befriender

What we do:

Motivate2 is a volunteer advocacy project that is empowering people with personal experience of mental health conditions and/or complex needs and giving them the opportunities to use their knowledge to advocate for other people accessing the advocacy services. The purpose of the Befriending Project is to ensure that people in Blackpool who are deprived of their liberty and have no family or friends become less socially isolated and are able to have their social, emotional, educational, religious and cultural needs met.

How we do it:

Befriending Project volunteers will make regular visits to those who have been deprived of their liberty .

The main purpose of the visits and contacts will be to build a relationship with people in a care homes who have been identified as un-befriended and needing someone to visit. They have been referred from their RPR that works at Blackpool Advocacy Hub.

This means building a relationship with the person and identifying ways to connect with them. Spending time doing what someone else would like you to do for a specific amount of time. Giving the person a connection or in the area they live on a regular basis.

The RPR might give you specific things that they might like you to check up on during your visit and feedback to the M2 Volunteer Administrator

Commitment:

The tasks that the volunteer may undertake include;

·       Befriend the person

·       Verbally report back to the M2 volunteer administrator after each visit

·       Support individuals in speaking for themselves

·       Enabling their opinion to be heard, valued and acknowledged

·       Respect the views of the individual and represent them even if these views differ from your own

·       Encourage the person to participate in decision-making.

·       Support the person to maintain dignity and respect

·       Give support and assistance as appropriate with the aim of promoting the persons development and social,            emotional, educational, religious and cultural needs

·       Encourage the person to exercise their rights

·       Complement the activities of the care home and identify any activities that the person may benefit from.

Time Commitment:

A few hours a week, depending on how many people you have befriended and have to feed back on.

Requirements:

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to needs of others
• Offer your time
• Make a commitment
• An ability to remain non-judgemental
• To make sure people’s voices are heard and their wishes and rights are upheld
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good level or literacy
• Good time keeping
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Abide by Empowerments policies, procedures and operating practices
• Attend compulsory training including, induction training, safeguarding and equality and diversity

• Only people who have been double vaccinated will be considered for a volunteer post.

What’s in it for you:

• Help to support people within Blackpool have their voices heard
• Share your skills and knowledge
• Gain new knowledge and skills
• Attend different training opportunities
• Be part of a skilled and knowledgeable team
• Expenses paid