Cumberland Carers

Volunteer Sitter

Main Aim

· The main aim of a Sitter is to enable a carer to have a break from their caring role, with peace of mind from knowing the person they care for will have the company of a trained volunteer.

Purpose of the Role

· To enable the carer to take time out from caring so they can have a break, or attend appointments.

· To provide the cared for with companionship.

· To be an understanding and empathic listener.

· The volunteer will not undertake any personal care or practical duties.

Responsibilities

· To develop and promote a positive relationship with the carer and cared for.

· To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.

· To provide a regular sitting service, or to provide a ‘one-off’ break as required.

· To inform the Volunteer Coordinator of all client contact on a regular basis, using the standard reporting methods.

· To notify the Volunteer Coordinator of any emerging problems and seek support whenever necessary.

· To review the relationship at regular intervals with the service user and with the Volunteer Coordinator.

· To safeguard the good name, values and mission of People First, Cumberland Carers.

Personal Qualities

· Able to form positive, supportive relationships with others.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Reliable and a good timekeeper.

· Sensitive and caring about others.

· Respectful of confidentiality issues and able to maintain boundaries.

· Able to put your own needs and views to one side allowing you to focus on the needs of the service user.

· Able to work as part of a team and on own initiative, and know when to seek support.

Training and Support

· Required to attend an Induction and Training Programme prior to the start of volunteering.

· Ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator.

· Regular individual meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator for supervision.

· Regular group meetings with other volunteers.

· Ongoing training opportunities.

· Social events with other volunteers.

Other requirements

· A full driving licence is required

About us

People First is an independent customer-led organisation that has worked in the North of England for over 30 years.

We have a deep understanding of the region, our communities and the unique challenges many individuals face.

As the largest provider of Advocacy in Cumbria, we support thousands of people every year to have their voices heard, helping them to live their best lives. Our independence is very important to us - we are not run or controlled by any other service.

We are a passionate organisation which dedicates itself to representing people’s views, we are dynamic and courageous and not afraid to stand up to help others be counted.

Volunteer Counsellor

Main Aim

• The main aim of a Counsellor is to provide the opportunity for the client to work towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful way.

Purpose of the Role

• Provide counselling to a service user who requires this support as a result of their caring role.
• Establish and manage the counselling relationship.
• Enable the service user to identify and explore their concerns.
• To help raise self-esteem and confidence through a positive and supportive relationship.
• Where required, to review options and consequences of change.

Responsibilities

• Utilise counselling skills to develop and promote a positive relationship with the service user.
• To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• To make necessary arrangements for room bookings, bookings with clients and re-arrangements as applicable.
• To inform the Volunteer Coordinator of all client contact on a weekly, using the standard reporting methods.
• To notify the Volunteer Coordinator of any emerging problems and seek support whenever necessary.
• To review the relationship at regular intervals with the service user and with the Volunteer Coordinator. 
• To safeguard the good name, values and mission of People First Cumberland Carers.

Personal Qualities

• Must hold a Diploma level qualification in Counselling, or be in training at Diploma level. 
• Awareness of issues affecting carers.
• Adherence to BACP Code of Ethics.
• Reliable and a good timekeeper.
• Sensitive and caring about others.
• Respectful of confidentiality issues and able to maintain boundaries.
• Able to work as part of a team and on own initiative, and know when to seek support.

Training and Support

• Required to attend a Basic Induction prior to the start of volunteering.
• Ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Regular individual meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator for supervision (not counted as professional counselling supervision).
• Regular group meetings with other volunteers.
• Ongoing training opportunities.
• Social events with other volunteers.

Other Requirements

• Trainee Counsellors are required to provide documentation confirming their ‘competency to practice’.
• Counsellors must have current professional indemnity insurance and provide a copy of the insurance certificate.
• Counsellors are required to arrange their own professional supervision and provide a letter of confirmation from their supervisor.  For qualified counsellors, a contribution can be made towards supervision costs.
• Requested to provide information on regulatory bodies of which they are members.
• Trainee Counsellors are required to provide contact details for their learning tutor / course coordinator and details of the learning provider’s placement requirements. 
• Trainee Counsellors are required to have protocol for counselling records / client notes pre-approved by the Volunteer Coordinator prior to submission.

About us

People First is an independent customer-led organisation that has worked in the North of England for over 30 years.

We have a deep understanding of the region, our communities and the unique challenges many individuals face.

As the largest provider of Advocacy in Cumbria, we support thousands of people every year to have their voices heard, helping them to live their best lives. Our independence is very important to us - we are not run or controlled by any other service.

We are a passionate organisation which dedicates itself to representing people’s views, we are dynamic and courageous and not afraid to stand up to help others be counted.

IT Support Volunteer

Main Aim

To support Carers in developing their computer skills or trouble shooting their IT issues in accordance with their needs.

Purpose of the Role

• Provide IT support for Carers in their home or at Cumberland Carers Offices.
• Enabling carers to develop their computer skills
• Provide advice and support to carers so they can protect their devices and stay safe online.
• Help Carers to identify what uses they can find for IT.
• Show Carers how to find the Cumberland Carers website so they can access information and support online

Responsibilities

• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the carer and cared for.
• To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• To inform the Volunteer Coordinator of all client contact on a regular basis, using the standard reporting methods.
• To notify the Volunteer Coordinator of any emerging problems and seek support whenever necessary.

• To safeguard the good name, values and mission of People First, Cumberland Carers.

Personal Qualities

• Able to form positive, supportive relationships with others.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Able to communicate information clearly.
• Reliable and a good timekeeper.
• Sensitive and caring about others.
• Respectful of confidentiality issues and able to maintain boundaries.
• Able to work as part of a team and on own initiative, and know when to seek support.

Knowledge and experience

• Good understanding  and practical experience of how to set up and use a smartphone and other devices.
• Able to navigate the internet safely.
• Good demonstrable knowledge of how to stay safe online, and able explain to others how to stay safe online
• Experience of providing IT support is desirable
• Ability to deliver IT training and support on a one-on-one basis or present to a group as appropriate

Training and Support

• Required to attend an Induction and Training Programme prior to the start of volunteering.
• Ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Regular individual meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator for supervision.
• Regular group meetings with other volunteers.
• Ongoing training opportunities.
• Social events with other volunteers.

Other Requirements

• Full driving licence

About us

People First is an independent customer-led organisation that has worked in the North of England for over 30 years.

We have a deep understanding of the region, our communities and the unique challenges many individuals face.

As the largest provider of Advocacy in Cumbria, we support thousands of people every year to have their voices heard, helping them to live their best lives. Our independence is very important to us - we are not run or controlled by any other service.

We are a passionate organisation which dedicates itself to representing people’s views, we are dynamic and courageous and not afraid to stand up to help others be counted.

Coffee Hub Volunteer

Main Aim

The main aim of the coffee hub volunteer is to attend the local coffee hubs held by Cumberland Carers and support the Carers that attend facilitate group conversations and offer support as needed

Purpose of the Role

• To facilitate the smooth running of the hubs
• To provide a supportive and listening environment
• To encourage and assist carers to provide mutual support for each other
• To encourage and support Volunteers to engage in community activities and widen their networks

Responsibilities

• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the carers.
• To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• To inform the Volunteer Coordinator and/or Support Worker of all hub attendance using the standard reporting methods.
• To notify the support workers of any emerging problems and seek support whenever necessary.
• To safeguard the good name, values and mission of People First, Cumberland Carers.

Personal Qualities

• Able to form positive, supportive relationships with others.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Reliable and a good timekeeper.
• Sensitive and caring about others.
• Respectful of confidentiality issues and able to maintain boundaries.
• Able to put your own needs and views to one side allowing you to focus on the needs of the service user.
• Able to work as part of a team and on own initiative, and know when to seek support.

Training and Support

• Required to attend an Induction and Training Programme prior to the start of volunteering.
• Ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator and support workers.
• Regular individual meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator for supervision.
• Regular group meetings with other volunteers.
• Ongoing training opportunities.
• Social events with other volunteers.

Other Requirements

• Full driving licence is required

About us

People First is an independent customer-led organisation that has worked in the North of England for over 30 years.

We have a deep understanding of the region, our communities and the unique challenges many individuals face.

As the largest provider of Advocacy in Cumbria, we support thousands of people every year to have their voices heard, helping them to live their best lives. Our independence is very important to us - we are not run or controlled by any other service.

We are a passionate organisation which dedicates itself to representing people’s views, we are dynamic and courageous and not afraid to stand up to help others be counted.