We need volunteers to join our art classes to engage with students, help them build confidence, and progress towards their goals. You’ll support disabled people to achieve their full potential and increase their self-confidence. Our students welcome volunteers into their sessions with open arms, and we can guarantee you’ll get a real buzz from doing such a rewarding role.
We’re looking for creative volunteers to support our art classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at our Clapham Junction and Brixton sites.
About Share
Share is a registered charity and a centre for training and wellbeing. We provide a range of programmes helping adults with learning disabilities, autism and other support needs become more happy, healthy and independent. Our vision is a world where disabled people are fully included in society, living the life they choose, and we need amazing volunteers like you to help us make that happen.
About the role
Our art programme at Share provides an effective and safe way for our students to express themselves emotionally. We encourage freedom of expression, encourage everyone to move at their own pace, and explore the mediums that interest them.
We connect with other creative organisations, and we regularly take part in Wandsworth Art Fringe – creating highly acclaimed art exhibitions and shows.
We cover a range of mediums in the art classes:
- Looking at famous artworks
- Exploring paints, pastels, pens, and other materials
- Digital painting on iPads
- Working with textiles; using sewing machines
- Creating sensory art
- Using movement and dance
This is a great opportunity for any aspiring Art Therapists who are looking to gain experience working with disabled people.
Commitment
We’re looking for people who are happy to support for one day per week, from 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. We’re also happy to hear from people who can offer half-days, or fortnightly volunteering. We hope that, in order to give our Students stability, volunteers can commit to the role for three months.
Who we’re looking for
Our ideal volunteer will:
- Have a strong commitment to the inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of life
- Be reliable and punctual
- Be patient
- Be friendly, warm and supportive of people
- Have good listening skills
If you have any experience of teaching, that would be a bonus, but it’s not essential and full training will be given.
Why choose Share Community?
In 2023, Share was awarded the Investing in Volunteers quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. We were praised for our inclusive, welcoming, and flexible approach.
Previously, we also received a Best Practice in Volunteering Award from Lifetimes, an organisation that supports voluntary and community activity in Wandsworth. They were impressed by the support, training, recognition and reward that we give to our volunteers.
In return for you giving up your time for us, you can expect:
- A warm welcome into our organisation from our dedicated volunteering team.
- A full-day training for all new volunteers to give you confidence in your role.
- Ongoing support, and ‘top-up’ training from staff including topics like: Mental Health First Aid, Safeguarding, and Makaton.
- An opportunity to develop new skills and add to your CV.
- A reference for your time with us.
- Reimbursement of travel expenses within TFL zone 1 – 6.
- £5 towards lunch, or a free lunch in our onsite canteen at our Clapham Junction site (if volunteering for more than four hours a day).
- Invitations to all our events such as: our garden parties, away days, Christmas parties and our student awards ceremony.
- The opportunity to have your say in our annual volunteer survey.
- A genuine opportunity to make a difference and become part of a community.
Please note that all Volunteers are required to provide professional references and undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
If you'd like to have a chat about the role, if you have any questions or if you would like any help with the application, please contact us via email volunteering@sharecommunity.org.uk or telephone 020 7924 2949.