Role: To support our service users to meet up once a month, on a Monday evening (usually the second Monday of the month), 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 involves supporting our service users to meet up in the local community, usually a pub or social club, to do a range of fun social activities. Pubs where they meet are mainly 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 in activities and socialise in local pubs or social clubs.
- 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 once a month on a Monday evening (usually the second Monday of the month), 7.00-9.30pm. We are lookign for volunteers that can commit to at least six months of reguar volunteering.
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.
Queries: For any additional information or to request an application pack, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@thehiveavon.org.uk or phone our office at 0117 9614372.
When: Once a month (usually the second Monday of the month) on a Monday evening, 7-9.30pm.
We also have other days and times of the week, where we are looking for new 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.