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Handyperson

  • VO97829

Description

Volunteering Matters has been leading UK volunteering in policy and practice for more than 50 years. Their volunteer programmes help to improve health and well-being; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and achieve lasting results.

They believe that everyone can play a role in their community and should have the chance to participate; by building projects and programmes to reflect this. Volunteering Matters' focus on the needs of four distinct communities; young people, disabled people, families and older people.

Their team of handypeople complete small and minor maintenance jobs in older peoples homes. The types of jobs they do are the small things that it can be difficult to get a tradesperson to complete, and that older people often struggle with. Tasks can be varied but include things like: changing washers, unblocking sinks, building flat packed furniture, changing curtains, fitting handrails and putting up shelves.

They do not complete tasks that include decorating or gardening.

Volunteers also look out for and give customers advice on obvious fall or fire hazards in their homes. Sometimes, volunteers will sit down for a chat and a cup of tea in order to offer a personal touch. As part of this role, volunteers are also asked to complete a "job report" to the office once they have completed a task, handing in donations to the office and to issue donation receipts to clients.

For this role, they are looking for people that have the skills to complete DIY tasks, as well as good communication skills, an ability to work independently, be reliable, trustworthy, dedicated and have an interest in working with older people. The hours are flexible as they are based on their clients needs; however most volunteers do about an hour or two a week. You will have the opportunity to shadow a member of the team before beginning the role. You will also receive support from the Volunteer Coordinator, and have refresher training/get together's with the team on a quarterly basis.

Organisation aims and objectives

Volunteering Matters is a national volunteering and social change charity. We believe everyone in the UK should have the opportunity to thrive. So we bring people together to overcome some of society’s most complex issues through the power of volunteering. We partner with communities to overcome adversity, tackling social isolation and loneliness, improving health, developing skills and opportunity and making sure young people can lead change. And because we’re a national charity, we do this at scale, sharing our expertise and building partnerships to make an even bigger impact. We turn local knowledge and energy into action and progress, building stronger communities and a better future for all. In October 2020 we launched new strategy – Our Manifesto for Change. Based on the impact our volunteers and programmes have in communities across the UK, we will bring people together through volunteering to build stronger communities so that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Volunteering Matters have operated services in Clackmannanshire for over 2 decades. Our current work includes EQUIP – a mentoring service for young people in need of employability/emotional/social and practical support, and Peer Perspectives - a youth social action programme around youth mental health. We also operate a voluntary handyperson service for older and disabled people, as well as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) which encourages and supports older people to take part in local community volunteering. This includes volunteering in local primary schools, NHS hospitals, via a healthy walking group and charitable knitting activities.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Flexible

Frequency and commitment details

1-2 hours a week.

Restrictions

Experience required: Experience working with older people would be advantageous
Travel details: Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council Areas. They try to ensure that volunteers do not drive long distances, and instead will be assigned jobs as close to their home as possible.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Full expenses if using public transport. £0.45 per mile for car
Taster available: Yes
Training details: You will have the opportunity to shadow a member of the team before beginning the role. You will also receive support from the Volunteer Coordinator, and have refresher training/get together's with the team on a quarterly basis.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer

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