Who are we
We are a charity called Carers Federation and deliver a service called Caregivers Connected Gateshead. We provide a free and confidential support to unpaid caregivers aged five and older. We provide general information, advice and guidance as well as benefits advice. We also deliver training and skills workshops as well as peer support groups to young, young adult and adult caregivers.
What’s involved in being a Community Champion Volunteer?
We’re looking for people who can help us get our message out about our services and connect with local unpaid carers. You would connect with people in person at local community events and venues. You could also use social media to help us to get out our message. You could run an information stand at a community event or give a short talk about our services to a local community group. Sometimes you might do this on your own or with another volunteer while other times you could be supporting a member of our team.
We will support you to contact your local community centres, libraries, parish halls and other places where you can set up an information table and talk to members of the public about Caregivers Connected Gateshead. We will provide you with all of the information and resources you need for a stall and support you to build your confidence if you need it.
What skills does a Community Champion Volunteer need to have?
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally with a wide range of people.
- Enthusiasm for the work of Caregivers Connected Gateshead and the ability to model our values.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of people.
- Knowledge of your local community (preferred)
- Confidence in public speaking (preferred)
What you’ll get out of being a Community Champion Volunteer
- Welcome programme introducing you to the project and wider community.
- Training in appropriate Caregivers Connected Gateshead’s policies.
- Safeguarding training relevant to your role.
- Out of pocket expenses covered.
- Gain invaluable experience in community engagement.
How we will support you
Our Volunteer Co-ordinator will have regular monthly contact with you with support and guidance throughout your volunteering adventure.
You can also come along to our monthly volunteers drop in.
What else will we need?
Since this role will involve you often working with sensitive and confidential information, we will ned to complete an enhanced DBS check. This will not cost you anything, it is simple to do and we’ll support you through the process.