Volunteer with Making it Out to support participants with their wider needs, helping them move towards greater independence.
What difference will you make?
Volunteers will have two direct impacts at MIO. The most tangible benefit will be to the lives of participants with even the smallest improvement in situation can make a large positive impact on their conditions. This could be through accessing funding or through the peace of mind of knowing that their problems are being dealt with and they can acess help. The second benefit will be to the organisation as a whole benefiting from greater capacity and in particular staff who will have more time available to commit to funding applications service delivery and growth.
What are we looking for?
This role requires someone to have at least three years experience in an area related to supporting adults with vulnerabilities, for example in social work, counselling or teaching. This is a key requirement due to the systemic and complex issues that many of our participants face and a requirement for a understanding of some of these issues and how to help people navigate them. We often describe majority of the support our participants require as 'life admin'. Whilst this can sound simple, some of the complicated histories and current situations that arise can make this admin more difficult and time consuming than usual. Participants often require someone to advocate for them and find that support with a conversation or even the presence of someone alongside them on a call can really help them to focus on what is being said and present information more clearly. We liaise regularly with other professionals both in the statutory and voluntary sectors and any experience woking with probation and/or prisons, the homeless sector or addiction services would be a valuable asset. Alongside these more specific tasks we require any prospective volunteers to have non-judgemental approach, a sense of humour, a genuine ability to listen and a real desire to work with us to support those we work with.
What will you be doing?
Alongside our range of practical and artistic projects, we support our participants in navigating the sometimes complex and challenging situations they find themselves in. This can include providing general advice and guidance on how to access benefits or accommodation, support and encourage them in preparing for employment or further education and acting as non-judgemental mentors. As the charity continues to grow, we are now looking for one or more individuals to provide this advice and guidance in a new part-time role of pastoral support volunteer. Where Our main base on Church Road in Portslade, BN41 1LB When Approximately one day a week – but the role is flexible to suit someone's availability and other commitments. This wouldn't need to be a full day or could be two shorter sessions. The main responsibilities will include Being available to advocate on behalf of participants on a wide range of issues including benefits advice and applications including Universal Credit, housing benefit and PIP Housing applications for social housing and liaison with local authorities about council tax reduction Applying for grants for household essentials, Referral to food banks, Liaison with debt agencies such as Step Change and help with setting up payment plans to utility companies, Immigration enquiries and advocacy. This is not an exhaustive list but lists some of the most common issues. What we're looking for This role requires someone to have at least three years experience in an area related to supporting people with vulnerabilities, for example in social work, counselling or teaching. This is a key requirement due to the systemic and complex issues that many of our participants face and a requirement for a understanding of some of these issues and how to help people navigate them. Alongside this we require non-judgemental approach, a sense of humour, a genuine ability to listen and a real desire to work with us to support those we work with. What you'll gain Becoming a member of a small, highly motivated and supportive team. Using your passion to improve the mental health, wellbeing and future potential of our participants. Develop your counselling skills and experience. Training in areas such as safeguarding.