People with disabilities Wellbeing Social justice
Summary
‘Have Your Say’ Advocates attend community meetings on mental health wards and ensure residents’ voices are heard during discussions about life on the ward.
Detailed description
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain skills that complement your studies, current or future career.
What’s involved?
‘Have Your Say’ Advocates attend community meetings on mental health wards and ensure residents’ voices are heard during discussions about life on the ward. With full support from a qualified advocate they empower the residents to raise their concerns, give feedback and make suggestions for improvements. The volunteer liaises with the advocate to keep them informed about the meetings and with medical professionals in an independent capacity.
Are you passionate about advocacy and want to support others in their personal growth?This role is perfect for you!
What skills are we looking for?
We would like you to have experience with supporting or working with people who are classed as vulnerable. Experience of visiting a mental health ward would be beneficial but you will be able to shadow the advocate and receive training around this. We would like you to be a good communicator, possess empathy and understanding, be able to take accurate notes and be committed to completing all mandatory training. Being a car driver would be beneficial as we cover the whole of Somerset.
It would be desirable for you to be an expert by experience. Have Your Say meetings are currently being held monthly on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Join us in making a difference and apply today!
What’s good about volunteering for SWAN?
Volunteering with SWAN offers significant advantages. Our comprehensive expenses policy ensures that you won’t incur any out-of-pocket costs for volunteering, including mileage and bus fares.
We provide specialised training tailored to the work you'll be doing, which contributes to your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for future employment. You'll acquire essential advocacy skills and administrative abilities, including record keeping and information logging.
You’ll be volunteering for a charity commissioned by the local authority which will give you an insight into how an organisation such as SWAN is funded and supports local communities.
We look forward to your application!
We also have other volunteer roles available.
What volunteers need Disclosure and Barring Service
About South West Advocacy Network (SWAN)
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our communities, helping them to have their voices heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
Since 1999, we have developed a high-quality model of advocacy which ensures the most vulnerable members of our communities have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens.
We believe that everyone has the same right to be heard, be in control of making choices, and to be safe from violence and abuse. Our services are free, confidential and non-judgmental. Our approach is focussed on empowering individuals in making decisions, promoting independence as much as possible. See more opportunities by South West Advocacy Network (SWAN)
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