RNIB Cymru is committed to supporting blind and partially sighted people within Wales through a range of services that we provide. The befriending service supports isolated blind and partially sighted people and hopes to build up their confidence. The service ensures people remain independent as much as possible and provides an opportunity for them to socialise and take part in activities they may otherwise not have been able to do so. An enthusiasm to enable clients to take part, awareness of their needs, effective listening skills and a natural empathy for people is expected.
This role will involve contact with vulnerable adults therefore an Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity will be required before starting in your volunteer role.
What will I be doing?
Working on a one to one basis with the blind or partially sighted person both out and about and in the person's home
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Providing support and listening skills
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Providing some guidance around basic issues e.g. how to contact social services
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Advising on RNIB and local services available
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Assisting with reading post, newsletters and magazines etc.
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Helping with correspondence
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Assisting with enquiries about Talking Books
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Helping to participate in pre-agreed activities e.g. football, swimming, shopping.
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Keeping in contact by telephone
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Providing regular updates with staff
What skills and qualities can I bring to this role?
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Ability to work on own.
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Friendly, helpful and understanding.
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Good communication and listening skills.
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To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy.
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Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed.
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Reliable.
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Ability to encourage and motivate clients to participate in activities.
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Reliability and a commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner.
When will I be needed?
The hours for this post are flexible they can be during the day, evening or at weekends. Visits will vary from one to two hours to half a day or a day each week, fortnight or month.
The post is open ended however we would prefer a minimum of six months commitment.
Location
You will be visiting clients in their homes in the Cardiff and the Vale, RCT, Swansea or Neath areas, and accompanying them to specific locations, dependent on areas willing to travel and what the activity may be.
What will I gain from the role?
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Experience to get back into the workplace.
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Practical experience of working with blind/partially sighted people.
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A sense of satisfaction.
What support will I be given?
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Induction
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Understanding Sight Loss Pack and Sighted Guide Training
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Expenses - all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including expenses to attend training
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Supervision and support from your volunteer manager/ co-ordinator
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply for a role electronically, please download and complete the application form.
If you would like the application form in a different format (such as standard print, large print, Braille or audio) or if you have any general enquiries, please contact the Volunteering Team on: 0845 603 0575 or 01733 375450 or email volunteering@rnib.org.uk