Volunteers

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

At Making Space we believe that volunteers are vital in helping people to recover. The support, encouragement and understanding provided by our volunteers helps the people who use our services to feel less isolated, gain confidence and give them the freedom to enjoy an everyday life.

Over 200 volunteers currently give their time up to assist our service users and carers across the whole of Making Space's services, and we're always looking for more people to join us.

People who volunteer usually find they become more confident themselves and learn new skills and we are committed to helping our volunteers achieve their goals. We do this through providing induction, training and on going support throughout the volunteer placement.

We always have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, some of the roles people currently do whilst volunteering at Making Space include:

Volunteer Befriender - these volunteers give up 2 -3 hours a week helping our service users and carers. This could involve accompanying someone to the shops or a cafe for a coffee, supporting someone to take part in an activity they enjoy such as bingo or just keeping someone company in their own home, watching TV and enjoying a cup of tea together. No specific skills are required, you just need to be a supportive and understanding person.

Volunteer Activity Coordinator - these volunteers go into our schemes where people are building up the skills and confidence to live independently. The volunteer will run an informal session with the people who live at the scheme using the skills they already have. For example, someone who runs a busy home could go in and teach 'budgeting for a weekly shop', 'cooking on a budget' or 'maintaining and safe and healthy environment in your own home'. Do you have any skills you could share?

Volunteer Transport Buddy - these volunteers support people who do not feel comfortable travelling on public transport alone. The volunteer supports that person to travel further than they would normally do, opening up new possibilities for that person and helping them on the road to recovery.

The above are just a few examples of how volunteers can help the people who use our services. Making Space has a variety of opportunities available across the areas in which we work.

If you are interested in volunteering with Making Space please do not hesitate to contact the volunteering team as we may be able to find something that suits you. You can contact us via email at volunteering@makingspace.co.uk or by phone on 01925 581785.