Volunteer Telford

From September 2017, The Children’s Society will be opening a mental health drop-in centre in Telford and Shropshire where children and young people aged between 0 and 25 years can visit without needing an appointment or a referral, for immediate support with their mental and emotional health.

Our Wellbeing Volunteers are a vital part of our team, offering a compassionate listening ear to young people who need a safe space to talk, helping them to achieve their personal goals and helping to ensure that they have a voice in decisions which affect them.

This would be an excellent opportunity for anyone studying a related subject such as counselling, therapy, or psychology who is looking to develop skills and experience in the area of mental health, although qualifications and previous training are not essential as full training will be provided. However, you will need to be a friendly and reliable person with the ability to make others feel welcome and at ease, have excellent communication skills and be willing to learn.

Signal supports people who are Deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, in the UK and internationally. We aim to break down barriers to inclusivity. We do this by challenging perceptions and improving access to healthcare, education, employment and services.

Role Description

During the 2020/2021 lockdown, when masks are worn in indoor spaces, many people have become aware of a possible reduction in their hearing. From July 2021 Signal will offer hearing screening for businesses and in public spaces. We are looking for volunteers to perform hearing screenings, who are warm and welcoming and put people at ease whilst being an advocate for Signal. You don’t need to have hearing loss yourself for this role, however if you have experienced hearing loss and are happy to talk about it – even better! Initially accompanied by a staff member, this project will be delivered by volunteers eventually.
Signal also welcomes 16–18-year-olds for this role, who would like to volunteer throughout the
summer holidays.

What we offer
The opportunity to develop skills and knowledge of working in the voluntary sector.
The chance to make a vital contribution to an organisation that is passionate about supporting people with hearing loss.
Be a part of a friendly team that makes a difference in the community
Paid travel expenses and refreshments depending on length of volunteer session.
A branded Signal T-shirt.
Prospect of building experience for a CV – we give references for committed volunteers.
An induction to Signal and in-house hearing screening training.

Young carers (aged between 5 and 18 years) carry out the role of looking after family members who have an illness or disability.  Being a young carer can be rewarding but sometimes they can feel tired, worried and lonely themselves - you could help them cope better with what can be a demanding role by giving them a break.As a befriender you will meet your young carer regularly, on a one-to-one basis, doing something which you've decided on between you, like walking, sports, visiting places of interest - or perhaps just chatting over a drink and a snack.  You'll manage a small budget between you.  You'll build a trusting friendship, making opportunities to listen and talk with the young carer, building their confidence and helping them find solutions to any problems at home or school.  But really all it's about is having a bit of fun on a regular basis and giving the young carer a break!  As a Young Carers befrending volunteer you'll be making a difference to a young person's life - and also you'll be joining a friendly and fun-loving team with ongoing support and supervision, training and full expense