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Young People’s Befriender
When We Need You
From 15/01/2009 onwards
About Opportunity
You would be part of a group of 6-10 young people aged 16-25, some of whom would have learning disabilities. The group would meet fortnightly for social and leisure activities of their choice on a weekday evening. Some meetings will focus on personal development of the young people with learning disabilities, and you would act as a mentor and role model, broadening their horizons and showing them the choices open to them. Service users would know you were there out of choice (rather than being paid or feeling obliged) and this greatly improves their self-esteem and confidence. “Job satisfaction” for volunteers is usually equally great. The role is excellent for your CV for college, university or work (particularly for courses or jobs in Care) and can lead to Youth Achievement Awards (which carry UCAS points) and. MV Awards.
Availability
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About Interest Link Borders
Interest Link Borders aims to improve the quality of life of people with moderate to severe learning disabilities in the Scottish Borders.
It achieves this through an adult 1:1 befriending service and a group befriending service for young people aged 16-25
The services are needed because although most people with moderate and severe learning disabilities now live in the community, they are still socially excluded as they have no social contacts outside their family or day centre, no experience of making friends and no transport. This is frustrating, isolating and limiting; they cannot pursue interests, participate in mainstream community activities, make choices, gain skills or develop independence.
Skills & Experience
No experience or special skills are required: the most important qualities volunteers can bring are their personalities and interests. The role is not that of a professional carer but of a friend and mentor, and we will provide the training and support vo
Travel Details
Meetings would usually be local to Kelso or Duns but every two months the groups would meet together in Galashiels. Transport is provided.
Restrictions
All service users are aged 16-25
Requirements
Application Form, Induction/Training, Interview, Police Check, References, Trial Period
Training and Induction Details
Induction and ongoing training is in groups. There is also a written Volunteer Pack. Support is provided by the local Co-ordinator, who supervises group meetings.
Work Type
Befriending / Mentoring
Client Group
Learning Disabilities
Expenses Detail
Out of pocket expenses for refreshments and activity costs are usually reimbursed on the night. If you use your own car, mileage costs are paid monthly @30p per mile.
Accessibility Details
Wheelchair Access
Disabled Toilet
Frequency & Commitment
Groups start in September Groups end in June/July Minimum commitment is one academic year, September-June/July 4 hours per fortnight
Minimum Age
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
Volunteers Required
6
Reference Code
54-692
Opportunity Provided By
Contact Details
Riverside House
Ladhope Vale
TD1 1BT
Contact: Volunteer Centre Borders
Tel: 0845 602 3921
Email: enquiries@vcborders.org.uk
Website: http://www.vcborders.org....
