Description
We are looking for drivers to help our service users through the Supportive Transport service. This transport service is our most popular service. It offers lifts to people who are living with or affected by HIV and /or Hepatitis C to attend vital medical, social care and welfare appointments. Our clients often struggle to travel independently due to limited mobility, social anxiety or financial constraints. Some are socially isolated and value the company of their driver. Providing a listening ear to help a Service User process what has been told to them at an appointment is of great benefit. Many tell us they would not attend vital medical appointments without having someone to support them in getting there. Our drivers provide much more to our service users than just a lift! Supportive Transport volunteers also deliver medication and food parcels. You are able to use your own car for this role or an Enterprise hire car.
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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Flexible, although a weekly commitment of a full or a half day is preferable, for a minimum of six months. Shifts take place during working hours, though sometimes we may request a slightly earlier start or finish to accommodate as many medical appointments as possible.
Restrictions
Experience required: Many of the Service Users we support have experienced traumatic events in their life and are affected by health conditions. Therefore as a Supportive Transport volunteer you will need to be kind and patient and be able to offer a supportive and non-judgemental listening ear to people affected by HIV and/or Hep C. Everything besides that we will cover in the training. You will also need a driver's licence and a clean driving record. Contact: 0131 225 4766 email admin@positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk
Travel details: The volunteer will pick up and drop off Service Users to various places across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
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 are 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.