Escorted Shopping Volunteer

  • VO81386


Description

This service will be coming under our new 'Live Well' programme and offers assistance with shopping to people who are living with HIV and /or Hepatitis C. Our clients often struggle to manage to get their shopping independently due to poor physical/mental health, limited mobility, social anxiety or literacy issues. This service allows people to choose their own shopping and have some social time and chat with a trusted person. Being able to shop for food and have regular social interactions are important parts of staying well and independent. You’d be helping service users maintain their independence and be supporting their nutrition - a core part of staying healthy while on treatment. Many of our service users wouldn't make it to the shops without our help and are enormously grateful for the support.

Organisation aims and objectives

Positive Help offers practical help to people affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The four core services are delivered by a team of trained volunteers. The services provided include: Befriending for children and young people; Home Support (cleaning, de-cluttering, painting, DIY, gardening, and other domestic tasks); a free Transport service, which helps people to get to and from medical appointments as well as support groups or local supermarkets; and Study Buddies, a homework mentoring service for children.

Availability

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2-3 hours per month for 6 months

Restrictions

Experience required: Many of the Service Users we support have experienced traumatic events in their life and have ongoing health problems. Therefore, as a shopping volunteer you will need to be kind, patient and personable in order to be able to offer a supportive and non-judgemental listening ear to people affected by HIV and /or Hep. C. You also need a full driving license and be a safe driver..
Travel details: The volunteer will take Services users from their home in Edinburgh and the Lothians to their local shops. You can use your own car or an Enterprise hire car.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: After each session you will complete a feedback and expenses form. You will be fully reimbursed for fuel.
Training details: Our training covers a range of topics including: information on HIV and Hep. C; stigma and discrimination; maintaining boundaries; child protection protocols and trauma informed approaches. All volunteers are required to complete a mix of in person and online training with other volunteers. This is usually one full day at the weekend followed by four 2 hour sessions in the evenings. We will also provide you with First Aid training. Once you have been matched with a child, you will meet with the coordinator for a one hour support meeting every 6 months, however this can be more regular if you require. We also offer ongoing training and peer support sessions to enable you to fulfil your volunteering role with confidence! We are happy to provide references for you to help you into future employment or education.
Support: Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet