Volunteer Support Worker

  • VO71885


Description

Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, life-limiting, genetically inherited condition with no cure. We are the leading provider of social support to the Cystic Fibrosis community of Scotland, providing face-to-face services for individuals and families, and access to the support needed to ensure they benefit from optimum homecare and enjoy the best quality of life.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to make a difference to the life of someone else, and an opportunity to enhance your own life and build new skills. The support worker undertakes tasks that make a real difference to the quality of life for the young people we support. He/she is our first point of contact with clients responding to requests that are often for practical help but also just someone to talk to. Support workers receive training to develop skills in understanding and completing official forms, and can be trained to provide advocacy if they wish to be more challenged.

Organisation aims and objectives

The Butterfly Trust provides support in the community for people affected by cystic fibrosis throughout Scotland. Our team of trained volunteers provide face to face support services that include emotional support, help to negotiate official systems in regard to housing, education and employment issues, mentoring for young people with cystic fibrosis, massage therapy for young adults with the condition and transport to hospital appointments for people who are not sick enough to qualify for mobility help and cannot afford a car.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

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Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Very flexible, depending on referrals and complexity of issues.

Frequency and commitment details

Very flexible, depending on referrals and complexity of issues.

Restrictions

Full UK driving licence and access to a car is required.
Experience required: Good listeners, sensitive to other people’s feelings. Able to maintain confidentiality. Comfortable with completing official forms and attending meetings.
Travel details: Midlothian area, generally within a reasonable travelling distance of volunteer’s home. Travel is by car usually, or public transport on occasions when it is convenient.
Minimum age: 19

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: We reimburse travel (and subsistence when relevant) costs and agreed activity expenses monthly.
Training details: Induction - introduction to the Trust and its services, to Cystic Fibrosis and its effects. Communication skills and self- awareness. Client-specific aspects of contact with client and vulnerable people awareness. Office-based designated manager providing support On-going training in DLA and PIP processes, housing applications etc.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer