Volunteer Club Helpers

Would you like to support older people in your local community? 

Do you have a few hours to spare on a weekly basis?

MHA Communities - Winchester is a charity offering volunteer based support and friendship to older people living in their own homes; helping to maintain independent living, improve well-being and reduce isolation and loneliness. We aim to help older people maintain their independence by offering opportunities for companionship, support and advice.

MHA Communities - Winchester is supported by volunteers who assist in variety of different ways.

What would I be doing as an Volunteer Activity Co-ordinator?

We require volunteers to help out at various clubs we run during the week. Volunteers are required to assist with the smooth running of the club which involves setting up and clearing away chairs, tables and equipment, welcoming and assisting members during the activity, serving refreshments, clearing away after the club.

We run a variety of different clubs throughout the week such as exercise classes, walking groups, lunch club and activity day held at various venues in Winchester - please enquire to find out about current volunteering opportunities.

Skills and qualities needed for the role are:

• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• The ability to engage yourself and others in a wide range of activities
  
• You will be reliable and punctual
  
• Flexibility
  
• You will have a clear sense of personal boundaries
  
• Having the ability to provide a supportive and non-judgmental service
  
• You’ll be willing to join in with training and development
  
• You’ll be able to maintain confidentiality
  
• Kitchen experience desirable for Lunch Club
  
• Art and craft skills are desirable for Activity Day
• An interest in exercise and sports for our Exercise Classes.

What impact would I have?

Volunteers are at the heart of our clubs and are essential for us to be able to run our varied weekly schedule of activities. We encourage volunteers to share their skills and interests with our members and help support the smooth running of the groups.

Our members benefit enormously by attending regular exercise classes and it has a variety of benefits: it strengthens muscles which can help reduce the risk of falls, and physical activity is proven to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing, and increase energy levels. Our group clubs and activities support members by reducing isolation and loneliness as well as supporting the development of new friendships.

Why volunteer for MHA?

If you are passionate about caring for older people, MHA is the place for you. We are a national charity inspiring the best care at every stage of later life. It is our mission to enable people to live later life well and you could help us achieve this. We will provide you with ongoing training, support and advice throughout your volunteering experience.

How to get involved?

Initially we will contact you to invite you into our office inWinchester to have an informal discussion regarding our current volunteeringopportunities, discuss your suitability to the role and your availability.

Our Central Volunteering Team will carry out the onboarding andinduction process with you remotely.

You will need to:-

• providedetails of two character references who you have known for at least 2years
• attend anonline induction (usually by Teams)
• complete aDBS application online (including providing suitable ID in person at ouroffice in Winchester)
• completevarious online training courses depending on the volunteer role. Coursesmay include for example, Safeguarding, Dementia Friends and First Aid.

Volunteers benefit from local support during your volunteering role,annual reviews, ongoing training and out of pocket expenses.

The United Church
Jewry Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8RZ

The Horrill Centre Day Care and Wellbeing Centre (Age Concern)