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 the volunteering role?
As an activity volunteer you will be supporting us to deliver a range of activities to our adult caregiver clients at the different sessions we run across Gateshead. We run sessions ranging from a couple of hours to a full morning or afternoon. The sessions could include doing arts and crafts or just having a chat and making people feel heard and included. Our sessions allow caregivers to have a break from the responsibilities and improve their own mental health and wellbeing. You can help out at one or all of the sessions it’s up to you.
At our sessions we would ask you to help with set-up and registration and offer a warm welcome to those attending. We would also ask you to support our clients to engage in the session and take part any activities. You could be helping people to decorated cards or paint something they have made. You would also help with tidying up and packing away at the end of the session. The most important thing that you’ll do throughout the session is listen to the caregivers who attend. We want you to engage with our caregivers and have a chat. It can make a real difference to someone’s mental health and wellbeing.
When will I be volunteering?
We have a range of peer support groups and activities for adult caregivers, take a look at our online groups calendar. Some of the groups you may be involved with include;
Crafted with Care – first Monday of every month at Metrocentre Community Hub, 1pm – 3pm.
Carers Coffee Morning – second Wednesday of every month at Age UK Gateshead, 10am – 12pm.
Skills and Experience you need
As an Activity Volunteer there are a number of skills and qualities that we need you to have to carry out this role:
- Friendly and outgoing.
- Reliable.
- Flexible and a willingness to ‘get stuck in’.
- The confidence to use your initiative.
- Great communication skills and a good listener.
Do you have an area of expertise that might be useful? We would be happy to discuss how we can use your skills or interests to support our work.
What we think you will get out of it?
- Supporting the wellbeing of adults in need.
- Enriching social interactions.
- Learning over a range of different fun and engaging workshops, e.g. arts and crafts.
- Professional development for anybody interested in supporting vulnerable people.
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.
Members of our team will always be at the sessions you help out at leading the activities and letting you know what help is needed.
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.