National Autistic Society
Charity registered in Scotland SC039427
The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.
Current opportunities
Why we need you:
Our Mentoring service aims to provide 1-to-1 mentoring to autistic adults aged 25 and over who live in the Glasgow City Council area.
Those taking part will be encouraged to identify goals and will be matched with a mentor to work together towards these goals over an agreed time frame.
Goals are personal to the participant and might relate to social or leisure activities, employment or whatever the individual wishes to work on.
Mentoring is a fantastic way to improve confidence and develop new skills for both the mentee and mentor.
What you will be doing
Taking part in autism understanding training to prepare you for the role
Setting and review goals and objectives with mentee and Programme Co-ordinator
Attending regular meetings where you will receive advice and support from the Programme Co-ordinator
Arrange your own weekly meetings with mentee
Maintaining the boundaries of mentoring – this will be outlined in your mentoring agreement and during your induction to the role.
Volunteering within organisational boundaries (i.e., confidentiality, vulnerable adult protection).
Completing all necessary paperwork (i.e., weekly meeting record forms and expense form.
Skills experience and qualities useful for the role (but not essential)
You do not need to have prior knowledge of autism as training will be provided.
Life experience/skills to share
Reliable, consistent, dependable and trustworthy
Empathy and understanding
Open-minded and willing to learn
Good communication and Interpersonal skills
Good level of self-awareness and own needs
An ability to volunteer alone using initiative & common sense
We would like you to volunteer for between 9 - 12 months in this role after training to provide stability and continuity to the person you are mentoring.
When and where:
This role will be flexible and volunteering hours will depend on your availability and that of the individual you are mentoring.
On average we would like you to commit 2 hours per week.
Volunteering takes place both in person and on Microsoft Teams. Meetings in person are held in Glasgow City Centre.
We would like volunteers to be involved in both online and face to face dependant on the mentee’s individual needs.
Virtual activities take place on Microsoft Teams; therefore, you will need access to a computer/tablet, a good internet connection and a quiet space away from other people.
Support:
You will receive online autism training
You will receive project specific information about what you will be doing.
Regular meetings with the Programme Co-ordinator to discuss progress and your volunteer role.
All agreed expenses will be reimbursed.
We have regular team activities where you will have to opportunity to meet other volunteers doing this role.
What you could get out of it
Improve the lives of autistic people in your local area
Access free training and learn mentoring techniques and specific skills for your personal development
Meet new people and other volunteers
A great opportunity to add to your CV
It is a requirement of this role that you will be asked to complete a PVG check
We seek applications from anyone interested in the role of mentor, but particularly welcome applications from autistic people.
Whilst we are able to make reasonable adjustments for volunteers you will need to be able to volunteer independently as we are not able to offer one to one support.
Applicants from Glasgow and surrounding areas are preferred so that meetings can take place in-person. Often participants prefer to be mentored both online and in-person, depending on their own needs.
Why we want you
We are looking for volunteers to get involved in our social groups, they provide a safe opportunity for individuals with autism to socialise with others who are also autistic, share their own experiences and listen to others. They play a vital role in helping to alleviate social isolation for autistic people, improve their confidence and increase social skills
What you will be doing
At virtual groups
The sessions take place on Microsoft Teams
Monitoring the chat box and responding to questions/queries posted there
Reading aloud comments members have posted in the chat box (as required)
Keeping the conversation to the topic being discussed
Supporting the group leaders in running the group smoothly
Helping to organise and plan activities for the group e.g quizzes etc
At Face to Face Meetings
Attending the social group
Supporting individuals to build their self-coping strategies and promote their self-management
Giving all members of the group the opportunity to talk and interact if they wish to
Help support self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth of people at the group
Building up positive relationships with people at the groups and other volunteers
Keeping in touch with the group leader and notifying if you are unable to attend
We have 3 different Opportunities for you to get involved in that you can get involved in
Coffee Club – This group is aimed at autistic adults aged 26+ it meets online once a month, and we hope to be able hold some face to face meetings soon. We do different activities each month and this may be having a quiz or chatting about a specific topic we would ideally like volunteers aged 26+ for this group
NAS Café – this group is for autistic young people age 16 to 24 it meets online once a month and we aim to gain the views of our members and if face to face meetings are important to them then make these events happen whilst being user led.
Social Navigation Programme – this group meets for up to 2 hours every week with a rolling 15-week programme. Social Navigation is designed to support autistic young people aged 12-18 years it runs for 15 sessions with fun activity pack's sent out every week to support with social navigation. This programme is designed to support autistic young people to navigate the social world while building existing skills. Social navigation provides you with the opportunity to become more confident, make new connections, grow their skills and have fun!
We can let you know more about the different groups and discuss which group you could volunteer with when we have an informal chat with you when you have received your application form.
When and where
Group times are once a month on a Thursday 11.45am-12.30 during the day time and once a month on Tuesday evening 6 to 6.45pm (these can run over slightly) and Wednesday evenings weekly for 15 weeks 6-7.30pm (will include holiday breaks)
We can discuss which of the session day/times would work best for you in our information chat when
This branch is looking for additional volunteers to help them carry out their branch activities.
What you will be doing
There are several opportunities available to you at the branch, depending on your skills and how much time you are willing to offer. You could be:
Ensuring that the branch is a safe place for children and vulnerable adults and is complying with NAS policies.
Organising branch fundraising activities.
Writing a newsletter for the branch members.
Organising group outings and activities for branch members.
Be responsible for the campaigning the branch does.
Organising PR for the group including running a website.
Be responsible for the refreshments at events.
There are lots of ways you could be involved with the branch. If you are interested, contact us for more information.
The skills you need
Dependant on the role chosen.
Supportive of the NAS.
When and where
Flexibility on days and the amount of time committed to the role.
Home based (plus travel to branch activities)
The Branch is currently looking for volunteers to coach our Dundee West NAS football team for young autistic individuals. (up to age 18)
Participating in the football team is a great way to give young people on the autism spectrum an opportunity to improve their confidence, self-esteem and reduce isolation through spending time with others in a fun group setting.
What you will be doing
Plan, prepare, and deliver the football coaching programme to develop the young autistic players.
Provide support and assist coaches and helpers within the football coaching team.
Ensure that young people are safe at all times
Attend any meetings with fellow coaches, parents and children where appropriate.
Monitor and make participants aware of their progress.