Volunteer for VoiceAbility Advocacy in Sunderland

Volunteer for VoiceAbility Advocacy in Sunderland

Location: Sunderland

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered, please visit our website – www.voiceability.org.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility allows you to make a difference in your local community, helping everyone to have a voice that counts. The roles we have available will challenge you, develop your communication skills, and provide professional experience that can be used in your future career. You'll learn new things about yourself and others, meet new people, and have fun.

Volunteer Positions Available

We're recruiting for the following voluntary positions:

• Relevant Persons' Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteers

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs, wishes, and wants. Some people need support with this but don’t have friends or family available to assist them. This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to ensure they get the care they deserve. Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to ensure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer, you might:

• Visit people in their care home to ensure they’re getting the right care and support
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts, and wishes
• Keep detailed notes and records
• Make a real difference to someone’s life

Hospital Visitor Volunteers

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate. The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• Hold drop-in sessions
• Attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• Share information
• Assist people in requesting advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00. You must be over 18 years old and residing in the UK.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility is committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes, values, and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality, and encourages everyone to reach their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility is a Disability Confident employer; any applicant who identifies as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to Register Your Expression of Interest

To find out more, click on “Apply Now” and fill out our short expression of interest form.