Sitting Service Volunteer

Sitting Service Volunteer

Please note this is a volunteer vacancy and not paid employment.

‘Sitting’ involves spending time with an adult who has a learning or physical disability or chronic illness in their home to give their carer a short break.

Tasks and Responsibilities
• Offer friendship to the person they sit with
• Take part in activities together, such as listening to music or playing cards
• Make drinks or light snacks
• In some cases take out the person they sit with (with agreement of the carer). For example, to go for a short walk.
• To discuss any activities with the Volunteer Officer (VO) which deviate from the tasks listed above

Volunteers are expected to:
• Take part in the induction programme arranged by VO
• Attend training and support meetings
• Meet with the VO for reviews to talk about how things are going
• Maintain an awareness of other services that support Carers and use this knowledge to signpost people
• Be accountable to the VO

Skills and Experience:
• Volunteers need to be patient, understanding and have a genuine interest in people
• Volunteers should be approachable and reliable and be able to work as part of a team
• Good communication and listening skills are also needed
• Previous experience in a health and social care is very helpful, although it is not essential

Training, Support and Expenses:
• Volunteers receive ongoing support through meetings and monthly social activities
• Opportunities to meet on a one-to-one basis with the VO
• Training is offered and further arrangements can be made to meet personal needs
• Out of pocket expenses can be claimed back including travel expenses

Time Commitment
We ask you to give 2-3 hours a week for a regular sitting arrangement. Some people volunteer on an ‘as and when’ basis.

One of the priorities of Blackpool Council is to build stronger and more resilient communities and volunteering plays a key role in contributing towards this, by giving people the opportunity to contribute to the communities they live in. Blackpool Council being an equal opportunities recruiter means that volunteering is open to everyone.

If interested in joining our amazing team of volunteers, or if you would like more information, then please contact us on 01253 476884 and one of our Volunteer Officers will be happy to talk to you.

Applications can only be accepted from people living within the Blackpool Boundary.