VOLUNTEERING with Activ8
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in volunteering with Activ8 including working in our shop, befriending, art workshops, administration and DIY. This page is about the CAB-Links Volunteering project.
We regularly run volunteer induction training days for people to come along to and learn about the schemes, basic mental health awareness and much more. If you would like to apply for a place on the next training day then please fill in our APPLICATION FORM and email it to activ8cab@hotmail.co.uk
Your time as a volunteer does make a real difference and helps people to resolve issues in their life, whilst helping you to gain experience, build confidence, and socialise to name but a few of the rewards. If you have ever wanted to really help isolated individuals suffering with mental health problems, then this is the project for you. Spend as little as 1 or 2 hours and help someone significantly improve their circumstances. Depending on your availability, you can give as much or as little time as you would like. Activ8 provide ongoing support and supervision to all volunteers and reimburse expenses.
Role Title: CAB-Links Volunteer Link Worker
Main Objective: To offer one to one supportive task orientated service to people with mental health problems who have been referred by the CAB. The aim is to support the client to access particular places/services.
Background: The Hastings and Rother Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) runs a Mental Health Project which can offer free, independent, impartial & confidential advice to individuals who are experiencing mental health issues.
The CAB's Mental Health Project Worker & Activ8 (Hastings & Rother Mind) have partnered up to look into ways in which clients can go on to complete the tasks needed to resolve their problem. It was felt that volunteer support would be a good way to do this.
The Activ8 CAB-Links scheme aims to fill this gap in support by matching Activ8 Volunteer Link Workers to 'accompany' referred CAB clients to carry out the steps they need to achieve their goal, therefore completing the advice given by the CAB. This process is co-ordinated by the CAB-Links Co-ordinator at Activ8.
Main Duties of CAB-Link Volunteer Link Workers:
1) To meet with the client at an agreed location, and clarify the task to be achieved.
2) To accompany the client to the particular service/resource they need to visit.
3) To support the client in achieving their goal.
4) To record the outcome of the work.
5) To relate to the client in a respectful way to adhere to Activ8 operational policies.
6) To maintain confidentiality within the guidelines of the scheme.
7) To work on own initiative within the guidelines of the CAB/Activ8 policies and procedures.
8) To take part in the initial training programme and any additional training throughout the year.
9) To attend 1:1 supervision and group support sessions and bring any issues of concern to the attention of the scheme co-ordinator.
Tasks that CAB-Links volunteers have helped people with have included opening basic bank accounts, visiting HARC, solicitor appointments, seeking legal advice and visiting the housing and benefits offices. Advocacy is not expected as part of the role, however with training and experience this is an area that some volunteers may wish to develop and this is encouraged and supported.
If you would like to know more then call it at our shop on 6 Trinity Street, Hastings, email us, or telephone 01424 442435 and ask for Lily or Laurence.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FORM
Contact:
Lily Marsh
Activ8 CAB-Links Co-ordinator
6 Trinity Street
Hastings
TN34 1HG
T: 01424 442435