Our organisation offers a diverse range of services, programmes and initiatives in order to support our local communities to belong, contribute and thrive.
We deliver a range of programmes and ...
Resident Engagement Support Volunteer/Befriending Volunteer
Practical details
Volunteering • Organisation role
Contact person
Sanna Ahsan
#125623
Scan me or visit www.volunteerbucks.org.uk/o/OneYMCA/opportunities/Resident-Engagement-Support-VolunteerBefriending-Volunteer/125623 to join
We're looking for a friendly and reliable volunteer to help create a welcoming and positive environment for residents living in our High Wycombe hostel!
This is a flexible role that will begin with a focus on befriending and social connection. Volunteers will help open the residents’ café, serve teas and coffees, and spend time chatting with residents to help build rapport and reduce social isolation. Ideally looking for availability Monday to Friday 2 to 3 hours in the afternoons (however open to mornings too on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays)
As confidence and relationships develop, the role can be shaped around the volunteer’s interests, skills and ideas. We welcome volunteers who may wish to support additional activities such as games, quizzes, crafts, wellbeing activities, or sharing practical life skills.
No specialist experience is required - just a warm approach, good listening skills and a willingness to engage with people.
Key Responsibilities
- Opening and helping run the residents’ café during the afternoon session.
- Preparing and serving teas, coffees and refreshments.
- Offering a friendly welcome to residents.
- Spending time talking with residents and building positive relationships.
- Encouraging residents to take part in social activities, signposting to staff where additional support is needed.
- Supporting or helping to organise simple activities such as board games, crafts or quizzes.
- Sharing personal skills or hobbies where appropriate (for example cooking, baking or creative activities).
- Co-designing activities based on resident feedback and interest
- Work alongside staff to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for residents.
- Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
- Friendly, approachable, and non-judgemental.
- Good listening and communication skills.
- Flexible, reliable, and willing to help in a variety of ways.
- Creativity and good knowledge on specific activities to be delivered
- Able to work as part of a team while respecting professional boundaries.
- Experience of working or volunteering with vulnerable people who may have experienced challenges such as homelessness and mental health (desirable). Volunteers should be able to respond with empathy to residents' emotions, maintain appropriate boundaries, and recognise when concerns or situations need to be escalated to a member of staff.
- Respectful of diversity and inclusive of people from all backgrounds.
Training / Support
- A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
- Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness and Manual Handling where appropriate.
- To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
- Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager
- Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference
Additional Information
- You will be required to undergo a DBS check
- Two references will be required
About OneYMCA
Our organisation offers a diverse range of services, programmes and initiatives in order to support our local communities to belong, contribute and thrive.
We deliver a range of programmes and services that tackle the issues facing local people such as homelessness, family support and wellbeing. We offer opportunities for young people, from apprenticeships to work experience and childcare to youth clubs.
We work with all ages, faiths and backgrounds, as part of a global network of 14,000 YMCAs.