Do you want to do something great for your community, whilst having a really fun time? We are looking for volunteers to support adults with learning disabilities and autism to go on fun trips in the community.

About Share

Share is a registered charity and a centre for training and wellbeing. We provide a range of programmes helping adults with learning disabilities, autism and other support needs become more happy, healthy and independent. Our vision is a world where disabled people are fully included in society, living the life they choose, and we need talented people like you to help us make that happen.

About the role

We are looking for new volunteers to join our existing team of social buddies. Whether you are interested in joining our monthly programme of evening and weekend activities, organising your own trip out with one of our students, or supporting them to embark on new friendships by helping them to go out and socialise, we would love to hear from you!

We run all sorts of trips on a monthly basis, led by our students’ choices. Past trips have included 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. Signing up means you’ll meet a wide variety of people, both Share students 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 students to navigate the tube system, helping someone to buy a drink at the bar, or supporting them to do something fun like bowling. 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. If you’re organising a trip with a student, you may liaise with parents and careers, book tickets, or pick someone up from their home. You’ll be helping our students to reach the individual goals they’ve set themselves, such as using money or using their mobile phone.

Commitment

You’ll sign up to one-to-one or group trips both in person or online where you will ‘buddy up’ with one of our studenst and have fun together! We’re hoping to find volunteers who can give a commitment of four to six hours a month.

Who we’re looking for

Our ideal volunteer is someone who is sociable, outgoing, and friendly, with a real sense of fun. You’ll need to be open minded and positive about diversity, whilst being reliable, proactive and organised.  You should enjoy meeting new people, and exploring different places around London. You’ll need to be committed to building empowering relationships with people with learning disabilities and autism. No previous experience is necessary.

What do our current social buddies say?

'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.'

'I hope this project will continue to encourage new friendships and support networks.'

Why choose Share Community?

In 2023, Share was awarded the Investing in Volunteers quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. We were praised for our inclusive, welcoming, and flexible approach.

Previously, we also received a Best Practice in Volunteering Award from Lifetimes, an organisation that supports voluntary and community activity in Wandsworth. They were impressed by the support, training, recognition and reward that we give to our volunteers.

In return for you giving up your time for us, you can expect:

• A warm welcome into our organisation from our dedicated volunteering team.
• A full-day training for all new volunteers to give you confidence in your role.
• Ongoing support, and ‘top-up’ training from staff including topics like: Mental Health First Aid, Safeguarding, and Makaton.
• An opportunity to develop new skills and add to your CV.
• A reference for your time with us.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses within TFL zone 1 – 6.
• £5 towards lunch, or a free lunch in our onsite canteen at our Clapham Junction site (if volunteering for more than four hours a day).
• Invitations to all our events such as: our garden parties, away days, Christmas parties and our student awards ceremony.
• The opportunity to have your say in our annual volunteer survey.
• A genuine opportunity to make a difference and become part of a community.

We need volunteers to join our Sports classes to engage with students, help them build confidence, and progress towards their goals. You’ll support disabled people to achieve their full potential and increase their self-confidence. Our students welcome volunteers into their sessions with open arms, and we can guarantee you’ll get a real buzz from doing such a rewarding role.

We’re looking for volunteers to support our Sports classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at our site in Vauxhall.

About Share

Share is a registered charity and a centre for training and wellbeing. We provide a range of programmes helping adults with learning disabilities, autism and other support needs become more happy, healthy and independent. Our vision is a world where disabled people are fully included in society, living the life they choose, and we need talented people like you to help us make that happen.

About the role

Do you feel that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports? At Share Community we provide inclusive sports activities for our students three days a week, so why not come and support our students to gain confidence and improve their skills through the fun of playing a variety of sports? We have tried basketball, cricket, pickleball and more! If you would like to run a sports session or come and support our students, then please get in touch.

Commitment

We’re looking for people who are happy to support for one day per week, from 10am – 4pm, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. We’re also happy to hear from people who can offer half-days, or fortnightly volunteering. We hope that, in order to give our students stability, volunteers can commit to the role for three months.

Who we’re looking for

Our ideal volunteer will:

• Have a strong commitment to the inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of life
• Be reliable and punctual
• Be patient
• Be friendly, warm and supportive of people
• Have good listening skills

If you have any experience of teaching, that would be a bonus, but it isn’t essential, and full training will be given.

Why choose Share Community?

In 2023, Share was awarded the Investing in Volunteers quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. We were praised for our inclusive, welcoming, and flexible approach.

Previously, we also received a Best Practice in Volunteering Award from Lifetimes, an organisation that supports voluntary and community activity in Wandsworth. They were impressed by the support, training, recognition and reward that we give to our volunteers.

In return for you giving up your time for us, you can expect:

• A warm welcome into our organisation from our dedicated volunteering team.
• A full-day training for all new volunteers to give you confidence in your role.
• Ongoing support, and ‘top-up’ training from staff including topics like: Mental Health First Aid, Safeguarding, and Makaton.
• An opportunity to develop new skills and add to your CV.
• A reference for your time with us.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses within TFL zone 1 – 6.
• £5 towards lunch, or a free lunch in our onsite canteen at our Clapham Junction site (if volunteering for more than four hours a day).
• Invitations to all our events such as: our garden parties, away days, Christmas parties and our student awards ceremony.
• The opportunity to have your say in our annual volunteer survey.
• A genuine opportunity to make a difference and become part of a community.