SeeAbility

Do you love swimming?

Are you a friendly, enthusiastic, encouraging and caring person?

Could you support someone with a learning disability, autism and sight impairment to swim and have fun in the water? 

Would you like to gain new skills, meet new people and  make a difference in your local community? 

If so, the role of Swim Buddy with  SeeAbility could be perfect for you! 

What will I be doing?

This is a hands on face to face volunteering role.

We are a small residential care home in the centre of Guildford and three of our residents love to go swimming.

They would each like to have a Swimming Buddy to join them in the water  and help them have fun in the water. 

We have two ladies who swim at Nuffield Centre in Stoughton, Guildford. They would like someone who will encourage them to swim and play in the water.   

At  Surrey Sports Park you will need to be a strong swimmer as you will be guiding a man who swims on his back in deep water.

Over time you will get to know your buddy and build up a rapport with them. 

One of our Support Workers will always be there for guidance and will be responsible for changing and personal care but may stay on the side during the time in the water. 

We usually stay for coffee and a chat afterwards. 

You can meet us at the pool or meet at Denecroft and travel with us in the van. 

What skills or experience do I need?

•  No experience needed! Just a willingness to learn and a desire to see the person beyond their disability
• You need to be a strong swimmer for the role at Surrey Sports Park but for the roles at Nuffield Centre you just need to be confident  in the water. 
• A sense of fun and enthusiasm for being in the water
• Able to encourage and motivate others
• Patience, good communication skills, empathy, sense of humour, flexibility and reliability 

We are currently looking for volunteers who are 18 years and over,  are fully vaccinated against Covid and are able to take lateral flow tests before each session. 

How will I be supported?

• You will be supported in your role by a named Volunteer Coordinator 
• Denecroft staff will be available to support you as needed during the swimming sessions 
• You will receive training which will include a full induction and Safeguarding training
• You will have access to extra optional training if you wish to develop your skills and knowledge
• Reasonable expenses paid
• We will cover the cost of your DBS check
• Parking may be available in our small car park but cannot be guaranteed

Your commitment to us:

We will ask you to complete a DBS check which we will pay for.

Ideally you will volunteer regularly either weekly, fortnightly or monthly but if you can only volunteer occasionally we would still love to hear from you. 

About Denecroft

Denecroft is a small residential home for up to 6 adults with learning disabilities, autism and vision impairment. It is situated near to London Road, Guildford close to GLive.

Volunteers help the people who live there to do the things they love and be active in the community.

About SeeAbility

We provide specialist support, accommodation and eye care help for people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss.

We don't underestimate people.

We encourage people with disabilities to challenge what they expect from life, from themselves and from wider society.

The people we support overcome huge barriers to achieve exciting new things every day - they challenge us all to think about what’s possible and to rethink disability.

Our aim is that people we support are able to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible; whether that is forming more friendships and relationships, enjoying new experiences and activities or finding employment.

Our self-advocacy, influencing, supported employment and research programmes mean more people with disabilities are able to change attitudes, influence service provision and change policies towards people with disabilities.