We need volunteers to join our music 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.
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 music classes are designed to build confidence and self-esteem for our students; allowing people to communicate and connect in non-verbal ways. We want to provide a safe space for everyone to explore their emotions and their creativity. Some exciting features of our music classes are:
- We have a range of percussion instruments, violins, guitars, and a piano.
- We use audio-visual technology to create multi-sensory environments in our lessons.
- We occasionally attend local performances, such as visiting the London Symphony Orchestra
This is a great opportunity for any aspiring Music 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, Wednesday, Thursday, or 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 isn’t 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.