The "Go Anywhere, Do Anything" project is looking for new volunteers to join our existing team of 30 social buddies. Regular events occur which members of our community and social buddies sign up to. We’ve done all sorts - a day trip to Paris, an overnight camping trip, climbing over the o2, white water rafting, clubbing, going to the theatre, visiting the seaside and much more. You’ll ‘buddy up’ with a member on each trip you attend. We would love some male volunteers that can buddy up with our male memebers. You can read more about the project here. You can have a browse at what we've got coming up for the next 6 months here.
We launched this project 4 years ago, and since then our volunteers have supported 70 of our members to go out over 180 times doing really fun stuff in and around England.
Our volunteer social buddies can volunteer as regularly as they like. On average people support a trip every month or two, but the commitment is flexible. The trip ideas come from our members and normally happen in the evenings or at weekends. We support people with learning disabilities to lead normal lives, enjoying social activities at the same times and venues as everyone else.
The role
Having a learning disability or autism means that people find it harder to learn certain life skills. The problems experienced vary from person to person, but may include aspects such as learning new things, communication, managing money, reading, or writing. People with learning disabilities want to have the same life experience as everyone else, including being able to do things that makes life more enjoyable and meaningful. You'll help them to stay safe, whilst making the most of everything life has to offer!
Throughout this role you'll get to meet a wide variety of people, both members and volunteers. You'll work as a small team to make sure that each trip goes well and everyone has fun. Your role may involve supporting our members with navigating the tube system, or helping someone to buy a drink at the bar. You may find that you are making sure that people get home safely, or that you are helping them to choose where they want to go for lunch. You'll be helping our members to reach the goal they've set themselves, such as using money, using their mobile phone or making a new friend. You need to be reliable, sociable, energetic, and friendly, with a real sense of fun. You'll need to be open minded and positive about diversity, whilst being pro-active and organised. You'll need to enjoy meeting new people, and be committed to building empowering relationships with people with learning disabilities and autism.
No previous experience necessary.
You will receive a comprehensive induction. Our next two part induction is scheduled for Tuesday 3rd and 17th July from 6pm - 8.30pm. You'll receive on-going support, an opportunity to develop your skills, and most of all a genuine opportunity to make a difference to people at risk of social isolation. The cost of your activities will be covered, and your travel will be reimbursed.
What do our current Social Buddies say?
"I absolutely love it - so much so, I will chat about the trips to anyone who will listen afterwards!"
"I’ve enjoyed getting to know new people, helping out in the community, exploring London, being involved with a team & feeling valued."
"I think it is run brilliantly. I’m always telling people how enthusiastic and attentive the GADA staff are!!"
"There is so much information and ways to give feedback. Superbly efficient and great trip ideas too."
"It was a real pleasure to spend the day with such nice people, in such a lovely place."
"This whole project can be so empowering and potentially life changing."
"I’ve found that I come home feeling really happy with a renewed appreciation for life."
"It's such a good day out with amazing people... Afterwards I'm left feeling on top of the world! Every trip I have been on has been buzzing with happiness and positivity."
To apply
Please complete our application form and return to Leanne Wood on leannew@sharecommunity.org.uk. If you'd like to have a chat about the role, please contact Leanne on 0207 801 9825.