Club Wilber Volunteer

About Wilberforce Trust

The Wilberforce Trust supports people with sight and hearing impairments, including those with other disabilities.  We have a wide range of services, from housing, support with daily living to rehabilitation services, technology and equipment assistance, and activity and educational groups.  These services create opportunities that enable individuals to live fulfilled lives as independently in their community as possible.

Role Description

Bringing up a family is rewarding, joyful, hard work, frustrating and many other things at times.  If one of your children is blind or has a visual impairment, it can be a lot more complicated.

Life costs more for disabled children and their families.  This can put a strain on relationships as parents struggle to cope.  Things like childcare, transport, therapies and specially adapted equipment all stretch family budgets so that days out, treats and holidays may have to take a back seat.

We believe in enabling everyone to achieve their potential regardless of their disability.  Anyone can be affected by sight loss and it is our goal to help to smooth out the bumps in the road that parents of blind children encounter.  Which is why we have set up Club Wilber.

We need volunteers to support the activities and events which we put on for these children and families; from planning and delivery of activities, providing support for facilitators of activities, helping us to create materials for sessions, to supporting sports events and fundraising and much more.

This role enables us to provide opportunities to young visually impaired children which do not currently exist elsewhere, enhancing their lives and those of their families, and supporting them to develop skills.

What special qualities do I need to be a volunteer?

• An interest in supporting families of children with visual impairments
• Some spare time
• An open and friendly nature
• Patience
• Adaptability
• Good communication skills
• Reasonably active
• A sense of humour
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• We will need to apply for two references (with at least one referencing how you have previously worked with children in the past, where possible)
• We will need to carry out an enhanced DBS check (which the Trust will apply for)
• A willingness to undergo mandatory training in line with Safeguarding policies

How much time will I need to give?

We just ask for commitment to activities you have signed up for and to let us know as soon as possible if you can no longer attend something.

What will I get out of it?

Volunteering for the Wilberforce Trust gives; a chance to meet new people; to develop new skills; gain experience and knowledge; to be respected and valued for your involvement; the satisfaction of helping others; and valuable use of your spare time.  You will also gain insight into the third sector and a small local charity, the opportunity to develop your skills and receive training and support from staff.

You will be given the opportunity to receive online Children and Young People Safeguarding training, Sensory Awareness Training, Paediatric First Aid Training and ongoing support and supervision.  We also encourage volunteers to come up with ideas for activities which we will support where possible.  We will also provide references.

How to apply

To apply please email us.

Location

York

Safeguarding Statement

The well-being of children and young people is paramount to the work of Club Wilber at the Wilberforce Trust.

All employees and volunteers working with children that come to events and groups that the Trust are responsible for must be made aware of our Safeguarding Children and Young People policy and procedures, be aware of their responsibilities, and undertake their duties with care for quality, efficiency and effectiveness.

The Wilberforce Trust ensures that all Club Wilber employees, volunteers, and Trustees are provided with training and support to equip them to safeguard children and young people at risk within their day to day practice.

You can read our Safeguarding Children and Young People policy here