Volunteer Befriender/Autism Neurodivergence
- VO101207
Description
EDC Adult Day Services is seeking to develop more opportunities for adults who have autism or are neurodivergent, moving away from solely utilising a building-based resource, to instead ensuring our neurodivergent community members are utilising and making the most of the opportunities that are available in our community. This is an opportunity to become a volunteer befriender for a member of the neurodivergent community who as well as providing more formal support from EDC Day Services would benefit from having a befriender to help support them to develop confidence and social skills and access social opportunities. This could be accompanying them for a coffee, a walk or simply a drive somewhere.
Restrictions
Experience required: Experience of supporting adults with additional support needs is desirable although not essential providing there is an openness to learn strategies and support techniques.
Good communication and listening skills are essential, as well as patience, kindness and tolerance of the needs of the neurodivergent community. It is also essential that the person has good timekeeping skills and is reliable. Driving licence would be ideal.
Travel details: The opportunity will take place from the person’s home or from an agreed meeting place to take part in an activity within the community. It would be ideal if applicants had their own car and could be reimbursed for their travel expenses. A full risk assessment will be completed and shared before volunteer starts.
Minimum age: 18
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: More details can be found in the volunteer policy and handbook. Details of how expenses are claimed will be explained at induction, but public transport, mileage at 0.45p whilst volunteering and any refreshment costs to the value of £3.50.
Training details: They will also be offered free Autism Awareness training, Disability Awareness, and Adult Protection (not exhaustive list). They will also have the opportunity to know and understand more about the individual they will be befriending and will be introduced to them via staff who support them in other areas of Day Services. Volunteers can also shadow staff in other group settings and undertake any other training or shadowing that it is agreed would be useful.