Volunteer for Care Network
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers for one to one shopping service
We are currently looking for more volunteers to help out with our one to one shopping service. Volunteers will need to be able to drive and have access to their own transport. As a one to one shopping volunteer you will go and pick people up from their home, take them to the local Supermarket or into town, assist them to do their shopping and then take them back home.
Volunteers would normally help out with this service once a week, at a time more or less to suit themselves - so it can fit around work and family commitments.
The demand for this service is growing and we are currently seeking to recruit more volunteers to run this service. As a volunteer you will find this a very rewarding role as the people who use this service are always very grateful to the help and assistance given by volunteers.
Volunteers for Escorted Shopping Service
Under this service we have special buses which pick people up from their homes and take them to the local Supermarket. Some Volunteers will go on the bus as it picks people up so that they can chat to people on the bus and give them a bit of social interaction as for some of them you may be the only people they see in a week. Other volunteers meet the bus at the Supermarket. When everyone has got off the bus, volunteers will then assist people round the Supermarket to do their shopping. This could involve pushing someone in a wheelchair, reading out the labels on tins and packets for people with poor eyesight and reaching for items on shelves.
Again this is a very rewarding role. This service runs every Tuesday and Thursday between 11.20am and 1.00pm if you don't go on the bus to pick people up. If you want to go on the bus it will be from 10.30am till about 1.30pm.
If you are interested in any of the above roles then please contact:-
Stephanie Shackleton on 01254 266668
We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available across all Care Network services to suit all types of skills and abilities and with varying time commitments.
Do you have a few hours a week to Spare?
Could you share your skills and experience with us?
Do you want to learn new skills?
Do you want to meet new people and help other people at the same time?
If yes why not volunteer with us today?
Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering
How much time do I need to give?
We have a range of opportunities offering flexibility in terms of time commitment. Some services need people to commit to a half or full day per week, others need just an hour or so each week. So you can choose a role which suits the amount of time you have to give.
I work during the day. Does this mean I cant volunteer with you?
No! We do have some roles which are flexible and enable people to fit their volunteering around work and other commitments. Please contact us and we will be happy to help
How long will I have to commit for?
As a volunteer you are free to leave whenever you like. However if you feel things are not working out we would appreciate it if you talk it through with someone rather than just leave as there may be alternatives available.
Can I try it and see if I like it?
When a new volunteer joins us the first month (longer for some services) are on a trial basis so you can see if the role suits you and the service manager can work with you.
What can I expect when I apply to be a Volunteer?
The Volunteer Co-ordinator will contact you to arrange an initial meeting. At this meeting they will discuss the various opportunities with you and will send off for your two references.
Once it has been agreed which role you wish to undertake, they will ask you to complete the relevant form regarding a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
Why do you undertake Criminal Record Bureau Checks?
As an organisation working with vulnerable people, we are legally obliged to carry our CRB checks for some of our volunteering roles. In addition, as good practice we ask all volunteers to disclose some information.
However a criminal record will not automatically mean you cannot volunteer for us each situation is dealt with on an individual basis.
Who can I give as a Referee?
We ask for two references from people who have known you for a reasonable length of time. You cannot use relatives as referees, and prefer one to be from most recent employer. However we will discuss alternatives with you if this is a problem.
Will it cost me anything to Volunteer?
We do not want our volunteers to be out of pocket and will reimburse actual travel expenses related to your volunteering.
Will I receive any Training?
We ask all our volunteers to undertake certain mandatory health and safety training (the actual training varies according to the role).
In addition the Volunteer Co-ordinator works with the volunteers to assess and arrange other training needs relevant to the role. You will also receive a full induction when you join Care Network.
Can I claim Benefits while Volunteering?
Yes. The benefit regulations are clear that you can volunteer. The Volunteer Bureau can provide up to date information about volunteering and different benefits.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
Yes. We have volunteers with a range of disabilities. Where possible we will make reasonable adjustments to enable someone with a disability to volunteer in the role of their choice.
Are there any age limits to volunteering with you?
There is no upper age limit. We cannot usually take volunteers under the age of 16 for insurance and child protection reasons.
What can I expect as a Volunteer?
You can expect a clear defined role for your volunteering and a nominated line manager to support you in that role. In addition to ongoing support and training, we also provide all volunteers with an annual opportunity to meet formally with their line manager a review.
Where appropriate we will provide volunteers with the necessary equipment and protective clothing, as relevant to the role.
