Community Buddy Scheme Volunteers

For Hampshire County Council - Children's Services - Children and Families Volunteers

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Community Buddy Volunteers support children and young people aged 7 to 17 with disabilities and/or additional needs to access their local community, helping them develop key life skills and meet outcomes outlined at the start of their Buddy journey.

Buddy Volunteers are matched with a child or young person and offer one-to-one support during an activity or outing into the community. A crucial aspect of the role is the ability to build positive relationships with a child or young person with a disability and/or additional need enabling them to build confidence to access the community or their chosen club or activity.

Participation in activities, clubs or accessing the community will be set out by the child or young person and their parents or carers and may take place in a variety of local settings.

Examples of the type of support a volunteer would provide are as follows:   

  • Visiting cafes 
  • Going shopping 
  • Accessing public transport 
  • Taking part in sports activities 
  • Attending a youth club 

Buddy Volunteers will receive a full training programme which will equip them to provide support when out and about as a Buddy Volunteer with their child or young person. As part of the support package Buddy Volunteers will have regular access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator – who will provide each Buddy Volunteer with guidance, advice, and supervision - while they are delivering their volunteering activities.

Volunteers will: 

Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to agree a match to a child or young person   

  • Attend an initial meeting with the child or young person and Volunteer Coordinator to agree the type and frequency of support to be offered and agree ongoing activities and support 
  • Meet with the child or young person and deliver the ongoing support agreed 
  • Record and share information as agreed

The next induction training session is in Winchester on Monday 13th April.

Watch a film about our volunteering service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_wY0yZasIo 

What skills do I need?

Training and support will be provided therefore previous experience is not essential. We are seeking volunteers who feel able to:   

  • Communicate and ensure children and young people, with varied levels of ability, understand information in order to access the community successfully
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with children and young people with a disability or additional need 
  • Listen and remain calm and impartial when dealing with children and young people 
  • Record information 
  • Respect differing views of individuals and work in a non-judgmental way 
  • Respect confidentiality and the agreed information sharing process 
  • Have the confidence to report concerns to their Volunteer Coordinator 

Training dates for volunteers are released throughout the year and occur roughly quarterly. 

Interests

  • Children
  • Disability
  • Young People

Activities

  • General Helping
  • Supporting People and Befriending
  • Youth Work

Details

  • Accessibility
    Volunteers need to be able to travel and we cannot always guarantee accessible access.
  • Age restrictions
    Volunteers must be 18+
  • Current Driving Licence
    Ideally volunteers need to have access to their own transport.
  • DBS check needed
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Expenses reimbursed
    All volunteering expenses including mileage to and from the child or young person’s home will be paid.
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Ongoing support
    Volunteers will be supported during their time with Hampshire County Council by one of Hampshire's locally based volunteer coordinators. This support can include peer supervisions, 1-2-1 supervisions or phone and email conversations
  • Recruitment Process
    Informal chat, application form, interview and 2 x references.
  • Suitable for under 16s
  • Suitable for under 18s
  • Training provided
    Volunteers will receive a bespoke training program which can be personalised based on the skills a volunteer may or may not already have. Volunteers will also have access to a Volunteer Coordinator, who will provide individual support to all volunteers on the Buddy Scheme. This support will include guidance, advice, and supervision whilst they are delivering their volunteering activities.
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Slot Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Evening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Availability Details

Volunteers will need to commit to regular visits which depending on the child or young person’s preference might be on a weekly or monthly basis. Visits can take place on weekdays or weekends generally during the following time periods: As agreed in the matching process. 9am to 12 midday (morning) midday to 6pm (afternoon) 6pm to 8pm (evening)

Location

The role is available countywide:
GU51 4AE

GU14 7JU

RG21 4AH

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