Sensory Activities Support Volunteer

The Wilberforce Trust supports people with sight and hearing impairments, including those with other disabilities. The aim of the organisation is to create opportunities that enable individuals to live fulfilled lives as independently in their community as possible.

To achieve this the Trust offers a wide range of different services, from housing, support with daily living to rehabilitation services, technology and equipment assistance, and activity and educational groups.

The Wilberforce Trust is looking for volunteers to support the planning and delivery of activities, help to create materials for sessions, support events, fundraising and much more. This is a varied position, and you will be able to discuss which areas you would like to support.

Supporting sensory activities

We organise sensory activity sessions for the individuals we support, whether that’s for our tenants or members of the public. We provide a range of activities ranging from crafts and baking sessions to active and calm sensory sessions, as well as organising parties and celebrations or music and exercise sessions.

We are looking for volunteers to support or facilitate these sessions, and to help with planning, organising and promoting these activities. We are also keen to hear from you if there are specific activities you’d like to facilitate.

This role supports us to be able to provide a variety of activities to individuals who we support and engage with, on a regular basis and providing a range of options, and so enhancing the lives of local people with or supporting someone with a visual and/or hearing impairment, as well as other disabilities.

Skills required

● An open and friendly nature
● Adaptable, reliable and patient
● Good communication skills
● Confident approaching and talking to members of the public
● A sense of humour

Commitment

● You can commit for as much or as little time as you can — it is your decision. Two hours a month or a day a week, all is equally valued, we can work with your availability. All that we ask is that you are committed and reliable, and if you are unable to attend an activity which you have signed up for that you let us know as soon as possible.
● We may ask your help to support events or other activities, but this is entirely optional.
● Provide two references
● Complete training as required

Benefits

● A chance to meet new people
● Satisfaction of helping others
● Develop new skills
● Gain experience and knowledge in supporting children and adults living with a sensory impairment
● Gain insight into the third sector and a small local charity

Location

Wilberforce Trust is located at Wilberforce House, The Grove, Dringhouses, York YO24 1AN. When fundraising, your location will differ depending on what you choose to do. For example if you assist with existing fundraising events, this may take place at various locations and events across York. Full details can be discussed with Wilberforce Trust during your induction.

Training and support

Full training and ongoing support will be provided by The Wilberforce Trust. There will also be opportunities to access other Sensory Awareness Training.

Timeline

● Applications are accepted throughout the year and should be made by completing a volunteer application form available from our website (https://www.wilberforcetrust.org.uk/join-our-community/volunteer/)
● If you have any questions about the role, email volunteering@wilberforcetrust.org.uk
● Training and start date to be agreed with The Wilberforce Trust.
● Please note that some volunteering roles require a DBS check.
● If you are a student, we aim to complete the application and induction process during the first term of the academic year and have you ready to volunteer by the start of the second term if you submit your application by the 2nd week of November.

If you have any questions about the role or wish to speak to us about any reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements, please email volunteering@wilberforcetrust.org.uk or ring us on (01904) 760037

Now is the time to get involved and help us to make a difference to the children and adults living with a sensory impairment across Yorkshire. To join our growing group of volunteers, please complete the the Volunteer Application form below or download it and send to us.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Name *

First

Last

Select as many volunteering options as you wish to participate in. We will discuss these with you, in more detail, before you join us *

• Befriending
• Visually Impaired Children & Young people Club Support Volunteer
• Microvolunteering (Fundraising, marketing and event preparation)
• Other

If you wish to become a Befriender, we require a minimum commitment period of six months. Please confirm that you can meet this requirement. *

• Yes
• No

Please confirm whether you have the legal right to work and undertake voluntary roles in the United Kingdom *

• Yes
• No

Phone *

Email *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

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Preferred method of contact *

• Email
• Text
• Phone

We are also interested in increasing service provision to people with hearing impairments. are you able to communicate using *

• British Sign Language (BSL)
• Makaton
• British Sign Language (BSL) & Makaton
• Neither, but I am happy to volunteer in activities that do not require them

Please let us know about yourself and your motivations to volunteer with us *

Please select as appropriate *

• Employed full time
• Employed part time
• Currently unemployed
• Retired
• Student

Please provide an indication of your availability, for example, a few hours in the weekend, Thursday afternoons, Monday mornings, etc *

For the purposes of training and communication, could you please indicate if you have access to... *

• Smart phone
• Computer
• Printer
• None of the above

Do you require adaptations due to disability, mobility problems or or other health issues like allergies or dietary restrictions? *

How did you find out about volunteering with us? *

How did you find about volunteering with us?

Emergency contact full name *

Please include: - Full name - Address - Email address - Nature of relationship, for example mother, sibling, etc.

Emergency contact address *

Emergency contact email address *

Emergency Contact telephone *

Emergency Contact - Nature of relationship, for example mother, partner, friend, etc. *

We require DBS checks for volunteers who will be working with children and/or vulnerable adults. We will provide you with a link to apply for one and we will cover its cost. Once the check is completed, you will get a DBS Certificate by post, which you will need to email to us and bring with you on your first activity. Please confirm that you agree for this check to take place *

• I am happy for a DBS check to take place and provide you with a scan/photo of both sides of the certificate.
• No DBS required (Microvolunteering)
• I do not consent to a DBS Check

Reference 1: Please provide the full name and email address of someone who knows you as an employee or student (not a family member) and can provide a reference covering the past three years. If you are unable to provide a single reference covering this period, please provide additional referees to cover the full three years. *

Please provide the full name and email address of someone who knows you in any capacity (not a family member) and can provide a reference covering the past three years. If you are unable to provide a single reference covering this period, please provide additional referees to cover the full three years. *

Do you need any communication support with this enquiry? *

• Large Print
• Audio
• Easy read
• No additional support required.

By submitting this application I give consent to the Wilberforce Trust to process and store my data for the purpose of participation in volunteering activities.

I agree for my data to be processed and stored as per General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and understand that I can request for this consent to be removed by emailing volunteering@wilberforcetrust.org.uk

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