Support Volunteer

Please note:

*The Support role is only currently available to people living in the UK and the Republic of Ireland due to safeguarding and insurance reasons.
This role is subject to a police check and Safeguarding training. This training will need to be updated as and when required.*

Summary of this role:

To provide support to people affected by encephalitis, their families and friends.

Description of tasks:

• You will build knowledge of and keep up to date with the Society’s history, activities and services.
• Provide a listening ear to people affected by encephalitis and their families.
• Demonstrate understanding and empathy of people’s problems following encephalitis.
• Provide information about encephalitis and its consequences.
• Signpost people to services and organisations which may help.
• Seek sponsorship opportunities to fund regional support groups in your area.
• Organise local opportunities for people to meet in person, and/or run an online support group in order to learn about encephalitis, its consequences and shared experiences.
• You will complete the necessary training to support you in your role, including Safeguarding and a relevant police check, and the willingness to renew this as and when required.
• To give feedback and report details of referrals and client exchanges to the Encephalitis Society on a regular basis.

Please note that the Support Volunteer role does not allow you to give medical or other specialist information or counselling. Dealing with press, media and PR are not included in this role.

Estimated total hours: Flexible, depending on individual commitments and number of referrals from the Society. An estimate of four hours a month would be ideal but even if you can only give one hour a month we would still love to hear from you!

Place of volunteering: Home-based, online and in your community.

Qualities/skills sought:

• Great telephone, computer and people skills.
• A good understanding of encephalitis and its implications.
• Good empathy and understanding for other people's situations.
• Desire to help and support people affected, their families and friends.
• Ability to maintain boundaries in your volunteer role.
• Willingness to develop through training.

Benefits to the volunteer:

• Be part of a passionate and caring team who want to make a difference.
• Personal development.
• Recognition of your contributions to the Society.
• Reasonable expenses paid.
• Increased likelihood of gaining paid work from voluntary experience.
• Regular support and any appropriate training from the Encephalitis Society.
• Possibility to make a difference in somebody’s life.

For further information or to request an application form please contact Laura Bowditch, Volunteer Manager by email in the first instance: [email protected] If this isn't convenient please call Laura on +44 (0)1653 609905 (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm UK time), or write to: 32 Castlegate, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 7DT, England.