Role: To support our service users to meet up twice a month, on a Monday evening, to do fun and interesting activities within the local community.
Purpose: To support adults with a learning disability and/or autism in a social situation to increase confidence and self-esteem, to build independence, and to reduce social isolation by becoming more integrated into the wider community.
Activities: The Hive Hangout and Hive Hangout Extra involves our service users meeting up in the community to do a range of fun and interesting social activities within the east Bristol and wider area. Volunteers and staff are there to provide support where needed.
Please note that this is not a support role and that members who need extra care will attend sessions with their own support/care workers.
Examples of Activities:
- Encourage and support individuals, alongside the session leader, to access and/or engage with a range of different activities.
The first Hangout per month will usually take place in a pub, whereas the second Hangout will involve supporting our members to take part in activities such as tenpin bowling, bingo, crazy golf or attending art galleries.
- Encourage independence and social skills amongst members by engaging and socialising with them (in accordance with The Hive’s boundaries policy).
- Support individuals to build their independence and confidence to catch the bus and pay for things independently.
Skills Required: Skills in listening and the ability to communicate with diverse types of people are essential. Patience, enthusiasm, and a non-judgemental mindset are a must. Fun and engaging personality needed to encourage and welcome new members to the group. Experience with learning disabilities and/or autism is not a requirement, and full training will be provided to new volunteers.
Hours and Timescale: Groups will meet on the second and fourth Monday evening of the Month, 7.00-9.30pm. Individuals will volunteer for either one or both of the Hive Hangout’s per month, ideally for a minimum of six months.
It is essential that volunteers attend any sessions that they are scheduled for and notify the session leader if they are unable to attend. This is to ensure the safe running of the group.
Supervision: Volunteers will be supported by their Session Leader, who is responsible for the overall safety of service users, as well as for booking and promoting any activities. The Volunteer Coordinator can always be contacted via email if there are any issues.
Benefits: All volunteers receive induction and awareness training on learning disabilities and autism within the first three months of volunteering and have the option to attend additional training offered by The Hive. Full liability insurance is in place. Mileage and out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed if needed. A work record will be kept for each volunteer so that we are able to provide references if requested. Social events, such as skittles, are held regularly for volunteers.
Queries: For any additional information or to request and application pack, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@thehiveavon.org.uk or phone our office at 0117 9614372.
When: Second and fourth Monday of the month, 7-9.30pm.
We also have other days and times of the week, where we are looking for prospective volunteers in our drop-in centre (based in Kingswood), so don't hesitate to contact us if you are looking to volunteer on any other days.