Volunteer Advocate

"Volunteering with SWAN provided a great introduction to Advocacy.I thoroughly enjoyed the training that was available to me. I felt very comfortable with my role after I received shadowing and experienced a colleague working with clients within my role. I felt empowered and keen to encourage my clients to experience the same with my support.” Volunteer Advocate who moved to a paid position

The South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) provides free and independent advocacy services; enabling people to have their views and wishes heard and ensuring they can access the support and services they are entitled to.

We are seeking Volunteers to undertake advocacy roles that will provide a voice for our clients, ensure that they understand their rights and that these are upheld.

As a Volunteer Advocate you may be visiting someone every 4-6 weeks living a in a restricted setting and checking that their best interests are being adhered to, that they are happy and if not, ensuring that someone hears about it.

You may support someone who has a complaint about their NHS care and treatment to navigate the first process of getting their complaint heard.

You will use our bespoke Self-Advocacy Toolkit to give the client the skills and confidence to undertake the complaint independently.

This role will allow you to gain skills in and an understanding of Advocacy.

You will be given training and receive full support from our qualified Advocates.

If you are already working in, or have trained in the field of Health and Social Care then this role will help to expand your personal development in this area and many of our volunteers go on to paid positions within our organisation.

This role is conducted in office hours only Monday-Friday 9-5pm

Skills

  • Positive attitude towards vulnerable clients who may have dementia, a learning disability, brain injury or complex needs.
  • Someone with around 6 hours per week to spare, this allows all elements of the role to be completed0
  • Confident to communicate both verbal and written information
  • Committed to enabling people to take control of their lives
  • Some experience of record keeping and report writing
  • Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding is desirable but full training is given
  • IT literate - sending emails, updating information and logging things digitally

Details

  • Diversity and equal opportunities policy
    Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to SWAN’s values. It is important that our workforce reflects the diverse communities in which we work. We therefore welcome applications from people who represent the diversity of the people we advocate for and the communities we work in.
  • Accessibility
  • Age restrictions
    You must be over 18 to conduct this role.
  • Child Protection
  • Complaints Policy
  • Confidentially Policy
  • DBS check required
  • Expenses reimbursed
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Ongoing support
  • Training provided
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
  • Vulnerable Adults Policy
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Start Date: 27/09/2023

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Evening No No No No No No No

Location

This opportunity is available Countywide.


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