Do you want to do something great for your community, whilst having a really fun time? We are looking for volunteers to support adults with learning disabilities and autism to go on fun trips in the community.
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 talented people like you to help us make that happen.
About the role
We are looking for new volunteers to join our existing team of social buddies. Whether you are interested in joining our monthly programme of evening and weekend activities, organising your own trip out with one of our students, or supporting them to embark on new friendships by helping them to go out and socialise, we would love to hear from you!
We run all sorts of trips on a monthly basis, led by our students’ choices. Past trips have included a day trip to Paris, an overnight camping trip, climbing over the O2, white water rafting, clubbing, going to the theatre, visiting the seaside and much more. Signing up means you’ll meet a wide variety of people, both Share students and volunteers. You’ll work as a small team to make sure that each trip goes well and everyone has fun.
About the role
Your role may involve supporting our students to navigate the tube system, helping someone to buy a drink at the bar, or supporting them to do something fun like bowling. You may find that you are making sure that people get home safely, or that you are helping them to choose where they want to go for lunch. If you’re organising a trip with a student, you may liaise with parents and careers, book tickets, or pick someone up from their home. You’ll be helping our students to reach the individual goals they’ve set themselves, such as using money or using their mobile phone.
Commitment
You’ll sign up to one-to-one or group trips both in person or online where you will ‘buddy up’ with one of our studenst and have fun together! We’re hoping to find volunteers who can give a commitment of four to six hours a month.
Who we’re looking for
Our ideal volunteer is someone who is sociable, outgoing, and friendly, with a real sense of fun. You’ll need to be open minded and positive about diversity, whilst being reliable, proactive and organised. You should enjoy meeting new people, and exploring different places around London. You’ll need to be committed to building empowering relationships with people with learning disabilities and autism. No previous experience is necessary.
What do our current social buddies say?
'It was a real pleasure to spend the day with such nice people, in such a lovely place.'
'This whole project can be so empowering and potentially life changing.'
'I’ve found that I come home feeling really happy with a renewed appreciation for life.'
'I hope this project will continue to encourage new friendships and support networks.'
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.