Community Volunteer - Association Visitor / Befriending

Association Visitor - Redbridge

Do you enjoy listening to and helping people? Are you looking for a volunteering role where you can do just that, and fits in around your family, studies or other commitments? By becoming an Association Visitor and donating your time, energy and skills, you can make a real difference to the lives of people affected by MND.

The MND Association was founded in 1979. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We also fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

“I am extremely honoured to be a volunteer for the MND Association. The most rewarding thing is knowing that I have helped people to access the services, equipment and support they need.” Jo-Ann, Volunteer

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Offer emotional support and provide information to people affected by MND

• Help people affected by MND make informed choices and access appropriate services / support

• Explain to people affected by MND how the MND Association can support them

• Record information following the MND Association guidelines and local protocols

• Develop and maintain relationships with our local branch or group

• Attend support and supervision meetings as well as development events

Benefits to volunteer 

•  Become part of a friendly and dedicated team

• Make a positive impact to the lives of people affected by MND

• Get access to a range of workshops and events

•  Provided with through onboarding and induction

•  Continued training and development opportunities

• Flexible volunteering, meaning to work around existing commitments

• Ongoing support from the Area Support Coordinator

How flexible is the role?

•  The time required is flexible, but we expect Association Visitors to commit to a minimum of 2 - 4 hours per week.

What sort of training/induction will I receive before starting?

You’ll be inducted into the role and informed about the Association. As part of this, you will receive e-learning, face-to-face training and mentoring. The training programme will also include experiential and reflective learning.

We encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds and all communities

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes and qualifications 

• Have good listening skills and be a good communicator

• To be able to develop and maintain supportive relationships with people affected by MND

• Have non-judgmental and respectful of diverse lifestyles

• Be prepared to increase your understanding of MND and its impact on families

• Understand the need for confidentiality and the importance of data protection

• Be able to assess when extra support is needed
• Need to be 18 years + only, no upper age limit
  

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

The volunteering role is very flexible to work around existing commitments, on average volunteers give between 1 to 2 hours of time a week / fortnightly