Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. Barnardo’s Community Befrienders, work with vulnerable community members on a 1:1 basis, offering practical assistance and emotional support, to build their self-confidence, coping mechanisms and positive relationships. The work could be focused on a particular need, such as confidence building, or it could be more focused around practical task such as shopping and collecting medication. You may also be required to support with general community hub activities like group sessions and support community members to access local community groups. We are looking for volunteers who are able to help and support our most vulnerable residents in and around Plympton. These volunteers will be friendly and engaging with the aims of reducing isolation through befriending, supporting vulnerable adults with daily tasks such as shopping, collecting medication and running errands. You might be required to transport people to appointments and to community services In addition there are opportunities to support the Rees Wellbeing Hub with gardening, community groups, general upkeep and painting.  Could you support a community member with everyday tasks such as buying and delivering groceries, picking up medication, running errands, or transporting them to medical appointments or helping with community group activities? Tasks: Supporting vulnerable community members with everyday tasks, such as buying and delivering their shopping, picking up medications and running errands. Reducing isolation through befriending. Transporting service users to pre-planned appointments (such as GP visits). Helping at the community hub centres with general housekeeping, gardening and painting. Assisting with community group activities. Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures. Participating fully in training and supervision. Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy. Approachable and welcoming. Being non-judgmental and positive in their attitude to working with individuals from different backgrounds. Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable community members. Good listening and communication skills. The ability to manage and respond positively to challenging situations. Benefits: Full induction and training. Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role. Regular supervision and support. Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance. Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing. Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity. Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320