Social Group Helper

Do you like to socialise and try new activities? OCA is looking for confident and friendly people to volunteer at our weekly. Social Groups. We run a popular social group  Oswestry on Tuesdays  (11:30am-1pm).

Our group is aimed at relieving loneliness and isolation in our local community and attracts a mixture of ages and abilities. Each week we hold an activity ranging from crafts and quizzes to exercise sessions and singing. Some of our members need a little extra help to join in with activities, due to additional needs and we are looking for volunteers who can assist them.

Key responsibilities:

• To help with set up
• To assist group members in activities
• To serve refreshments
• To help members feel welcome and included
• To assist members in and out of the building where necessary
• To assist with tidying up at the end of the session

Supervision

• The Social Group Co-ordinator will reserve time to communicate with the volunteers and reflect on the activity and events. This may be in person, on the telephone or via email. Staff and volunteers will be offered regular support and guidance on how to deliver this service. This will include regular volunteer meetings and updates. 

About Oswestry Community Action (Qube)

Oswestry Community Action, (Qube) is a registered charity and multi-service provider of community facing wellbeing services. Our mission is to support and enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of communities in Shropshire and the bordering Welsh counties. We support people through the provision of community transport, social groups and befriending, volunteer brokering, community health awareness support and arts and culture. Our service offering has developed over time and continues to evolve in response to local need; such as rural poverty and lack of opportunities; particularly for social isolation, education and poor public transport provision.

What skills do I need?

What we ask of you:

• to be able to communicate clearly with group members, staff and volunteers
• to be empathetic and non-judgemental towards members
• have an understanding of the types of problems or challenges our members may face including isolation, loneliness, vulnerability or sensory issues.
• to be proactive in identifying where our members might need help with activities
• to be physically able to serve refreshments  
• be aware of boundaries relating to their volunteering role

Additional information

• We offer an initial taster session, following registration, and then a four week trial period which is reviewed for future progression

• Every volunteer will receive access to our mandatory online training portal which we ask to be completed within the four week trial period

• Travel expenses will be paid at the rate of 45p per mile up to a distance of 10 miles from your home to the location.

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Our groups are held weekly in Oswestry Tuesdays and Thursdays 11.30-1pm and in Llanfyllin 10.30-12pm Wednesdays. We ask volunteers to support half and hour prior to group starting and during the group times.

Where does this role take place?