By Rose Greenslade, Volunteer Coordinator.
I’ve worked at the Ark for over three and a half years now and can honestly say I’ve never known a more exciting time to be involved in the charity.
With a move to new premises and 2 new members of staff coming on board, we’re appealing for more volunteers to help us to deliver all the additional services and support that our vulnerable clients need.
As volunteer Coordinator, I thought it might help to put down the sort of volunteer roles we have available and what kind of jobs they might entail:
Day Centre Volunteers, duties could include:
Supporting staff to maintain a safe and clean environment (including adhering to current Covid 19 guidelines and encouraging clients to do so too)
Providing nutritious & healthy meals
Providing individual support where appropriate e.g. completing forms, listening, mentoring etc
Leading or supporting the running of group and or individual activities such as football training, allotment upkeep and painting.
Providing a warm welcome to all visitors to the Ark
Out-reach Volunteers, duties could include:
Supporting the outreach worker to locate individuals sleeping rough and enabling them to engage with our services
Visiting people in their homes, with a member of staff or another volunteer
Offering befriending support via telephone or online
Identifying any support needs an individual may have e.g. assistance with attending appointments, budgeting, cooking, house-keeping.
Delivering emergency food parcels
Moving on Team Volunteers, duties could include:
Assisting the support worker to identify suitable properties and support individuals to view them
Assisting the support worker with any paperwork that may need to be completed
Assisting the support worker with the procurement and allocation of furniture and white goods for individuals moving into properties
Assisting the Support Worker to ensure individuals can make their house a home
Attend home visits where necessary
In addition to these “hands-on” roles there are plenty of opportunities to support us with fund and awareness raising, Social media and communications and various administration roles.
All Volunteers need to be prepared to listen without judgement and keep an open mind and flexible attitude to the support that each individual requires.
Ask any of our volunteers and they will tell you they get way more back from working with our clients than they give.
You will always be supported by trained staff and fellow volunteers and I really look forward to meeting you if you decide to come on board and join our team.
Please email ark@shrewsburyark.co.uk to request a volunteer application form and find out more about how you can get involved.
