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Useful Vision Volunteer

Role Description

Are you passionate about supporting children and families, eager to make a positive impact, and looking to gain valuable experience in a dynamic community environment? Join us as a Useful Vision volunteer as part of our Children and Families team and help enrich the lives of visually impaired children and their families in our community. Useful Vision provides inclusive, accessible, and fun-filled activities that support visually impaired children across the North East region. Our mission is to create positive opportunities for children to build confidence, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships – reducing social isolation and boosting self-esteem. As a Useful Vision volunteer, you will support children and families during activities and events, offer practical advice and emotional support to children, siblings and parents, help create a welcoming and empowering environment for all, and gain hands-on experience in family and community support work. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact while developing skills and building connections in a supportive team.

Responsibilities:

  1. Session Support:
    • Assist in delivering a wide range of seasonal, fun-filled activity days, learning experiences, and skill-building sessions.
    • Engage with visually impaired children and their families, helping to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment.
  2. Family Engagement:
    • Provide friendly support and guidance to families during sessions.
    • Help foster a warm, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere for children and their parents.
    • Encourage active participation and engagement from all family members.
  3. Safety and Enjoyment:
    • Ensure all activities are delivered safely, with attention to individual needs.
    • Support the delivery of engaging and inclusive activities for children.
  1. Collaborative Support:
    • Work collaboratively with the Children and Families team to facilitate smooth delivery and support during activities.
    • Communicate effectively with team members to ensure coordinated efforts.
    • Attend relevant training sessions to build knowledge and enhance your volunteering skills.

Requirements:

  1. Enhanced DBS Check: Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  2. Experience with Children: Previous experience working or volunteering with children and families is desired.
  3. Understanding of Visual Impairment: Experience or awareness of visual impairments is desired but not essential.
  4. Good Communication: Excellent communication and listening skills, with a warm, approachable, and welcoming demeanour.
  5. Reliability and Punctuality: Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to volunteering regularly.
  6. Organisational Skills: Able to manage multiple tasks and adapt to a busy, hands-on environment.

Join Us:

If you are passionate about supporting children and families, eager to make a difference, and ready to grow your skills in a supportive and rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you. Become a Useful Vision Volunteer and help us make a lasting difference in the lives of visually impaired children across the North East.

Benefits:

  • Accredited Training: Access training such as Information and Governance, Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding, First Aid, and Making Every Contact Count (MECC), enhancing your skills and knowledge.
  • Experience Working with Children and Families: Gain valuable experience working with children and families in a community setting.
  • Skill Development: Develop interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills.
  • Contribution to Community: Make a positive impact on the wellbeing of visually impaired children and their families in the community.
  • Access to Gym Facilities: Enjoy free access to onsite gym facilities at Healthworks during your volunteering period.
  • Expenses covered: All commuting travel costs within the North East area are covered and can be claimed back.

Application Process:

To apply for this volunteer role, please submit your application expressing your interest and outlining relevant experience and skills. The application forms can be found on the  volunteering page of our website or at one of our Healthworks Centres in Benwell or Lemington. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal chat to discuss suitability and expectations further.

Further information and contact details:

  • Visit The Health Resource Centre:

Adelaide Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8BE, 0191 272 4244

  • Visit The Lemington Centre:

Tyne View, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8RZ, 0191 2641959

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