As a hearing aid support volunteer, you will: • Undertake basic maintenance on hearing aids, cleaning, changing tubing and replacing batteries • Support users to optimise hearing aid use • Work closely with other volunteers • All trained provided As an RNID volunteer, you will: • make a real difference to the people you support • help us run this important service • receive training and learn new skills • meet people in different situations • raise awareness of deafness in the community have all reasonable, out-of-pocket and pre-approved travel expenses repaid. Skills/Experience Required Here’s what we think could be beneficial: • knowledge of or willingness to learn about issues affecting people confronting deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss - particularly older people. • some experience of using hearing aids would be preferable but not essential. • friendly, reliable and an approachable manner. • ability to listen to questions and to answer appropriately • happy to work with a wide range of people. • ability to work with others whilst using your own initiative • excellent attention to detail • able to travel locally • friendly and approachable

To provide a friendly face and practical help for all presenting patients with hearing aid queries. To replace the tubing and/or batteries of ‘mould type’ NHS Hearing aids on request if possible. To provide contact details of where further help or information can be obtained. To make appointments at Kings Cross Audiology Dept for patients whose hearing aid problems cannot be resolved by the procedures the volunteer has been trained to undertake. To complete details of service provided and of those requesting support for audiology audit. Requirements: To complete the training and refresher training sessions for Hearing Aid Support Volunteers led by the Audiology Dept. To be aware of how to access other relevant local services. Reports to: Voluntary Services Manager/coordinator and Audiologist Duties/ Responsibilities: To wear ID badge whilst on duty To respect patient confidentiality To adhere to Infection Control Guidance when working with Hearing Aids and after completion of interventions. To carry out only the procedures you have been trained to perform as demonstrated by Audiology and practiced. To obtain an audiology appointment for the patient whose hearing aid support needs are more complex than the hearing aid support volunteer. To complete audit documentation and return monthly. To order further supplies of batteries and tubing as required.

Helping run a peer support group in your local community: By giving your time, you will help us to reach the thousands of people living with sight loss in your area and provide life-changing support. Why we need you: The Macular Society is the UK’s leading charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, and the best advice and support Our groups provide information, support and new friendships to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. Whether you can spare a few hours or a couple of days a week, you’ll be doing something great to help people with macular disease. Rewarding and enjoyable roles Everyone has a reason for volunteering. Perhaps you know someone who has macular disease, are currently supporting a loved one, or want to give something back to support your community. If you want to gain experience or develop new skills, we are sure we have something for you too. Will it suit me? You will be working as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the group. No one person is responsible, which helps to lighten the load. Select the task(s) that feel right for you. Tasks shared by volunteers may include: • Meet and greet – welcoming members and guests, sharing information, wrapping things up at the end. • Group programme – organising guest speakers and suggesting social activities. • Keeping in touch with group members. • Maintaining a list of members and sharing updates with head office. • Collecting meeting subs. • Organising and/or serving tea and coffee. • Setting out the chairs. Time commitment Most of our groups meet monthly. The Galashiels Macular Support Group will be meeting at a central venue in Galashiels. Two to three hours is all we need each month, with flexibility if things change for you. Offering your help If you see yourself in this role, get in touch to have a chat. If it isn’t for you, then we would still love to hear from you. We have other exciting volunteer opportunities that may be a better fit for your time and talents.

One to One Volunteer Befriender Person Specification Essential Advantageous Personal Qualities • Warm, friendly and encouraging • Interested in supporting people • Reliable, honest and trustworthy • Able to maintain confidentiality • Empathic and understanding attitude • Conscientious and self-motivated • Able to keep calm in stressful situations • Flexible • Clean driving licence and access to a car • Good sense of humour • Happy to be in the presence of dogs (Guide Dogs) Experience • Previous one to one volunteering experience • Previous experience of people with sight loss and hearing loss Knowledge/Understanding • Knowledge and understanding of issues faced by people with sensory loss Skills • Good communication/ Interpersonal skills • Good listening skills • Ability to recognise and respect other people’s boundaries • Ability to recognise and apply own limits and boundaries • Ability to attend and make use of support and supervision • Open to ongoing training as required • Ability to promote confidence and independence Values • Accepting the person for who they are – being non-judgemental • Respecting others as being of equal worth • Respecting other’s choices, lifestyles and rights • Not imposing own values and beliefs • Appreciating differences (e.g. race, culture, gender etc.) • Able to view someone as a person, not a stereotype   ROLE DESCRIPTION GROUP VOLUNTEER . Who are we looking for? We are looking for friendly and reliable people who enjoy the company of others. Sensory Awareness training will be provided and so no previous experience of working with people who has sight/hearing loss is required. A PVG check will be required for this role, and we would be looking for a minimum of 6 months commitment. Tasks • To provide company and emotional support • To assist service user to develop social contacts by joining community events and social groups • To support a service user with shopping • To provide telephonic befriending when necessary • To accompany service user to café or for a healthy walk • To Commit minimum 6 hours per month. We are looking for volunteer/s who drive and can assist our service users with transport. But not driving would not exclude you from being suitable for the role. Volunteers are particularly required in the Arbroath area. Training & Support • Induction training will be provided by Cilmi Eldho. North East Sensory Service’s (NESS) Volunteer Coordinator in Angus. • Sensory Awareness Training will be provided by Libby Hillhouse, the Training and Information Officer • Support in the voluntary role will also be provided by Cilmi Eldho. • Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed through NESS. Contact for Application form: Cilmi Eldho NESS Volunteer Coordinator (Angus) 07720 811896, cilmi.eldho@nesensoryservices.org