Happy to Chat Volunteer
DESCRIPTION
Happy to Chat aims to get people in North Tyneside talking to each other. People sitting in a relaxed session with a cuppa having a chat. A simple idea with a big impact to people’s lives in the community.
Being a Happy to Chat volunteer involves going to the sessions, initiating a chat with the local residents to get the conversation going. We might ask you to help out with setting up the tables, coffee and tea as well. As the number of Happy to Chat sessions are expanding over the borough, we need volunteers to help run the sessions so we can get as many people chatting as possible.
Happy to Chat currently runs at Wallsend.
The sessions will be held at Dreamshine's Well-Bee-Ing Hub in Wallsend, every Friday from 13:00-15:00.
Address: The Well-Bee-Ing Hub and Cafe, 84 Park Road, Wallsend.
We are looking for:
- Compassionate, empathetic, friendly and approachable individuals
- Someone who is Happy to Chat to members of the public at a happy to chat session or at other times out in the community at your own leisure.
- Someone who is interested in learning about the community and sharing this knowledge with people who want to connect to activities and groups in North Tyneside.
- Individuals with the ability to chat away to people from all walks of life
Volunteers will be able to access the following support from VODA:
- Happy to Chat training in person or virtually and you will receive the Happy to Chat volunteering guidance material
- Telephone and email support at all times during your volunteering.
- Reimbursement of any travel expenses and hand sanitizer costs incurred whilst volunteering.
- Access to guidance on Safeguarding and Lone Working
- All volunteers will be covered by VODA’s policies and procedures
- A certificate of thanks
- Opportunity to meet other volunteers (virtually) and share your volunteering experience
- Weekly roundup of feedback, opportunities for training, socials and useful services
- A closed Facebook group where you can connect with your fellow volunteers
- Access to the Volunteero app.
We will look to launch more sessions across the borough, so if you're interested in becoming a Happy to Chat volunteer but can't commit to the Friday sessions; then please do register your interest and one of our team will keep you posted on future opportunities.
About North Tyneside VODA
North Tyneside VODA supports volunteers and voluntary and community sector organisations across the borough of North Tyneside. We provide support, advice on training on a range of topics including starting and setting up a group, governance issues, charity law, funding, finance, involving volunteers and more.
What skills do I need?
WE WANT HAPPY TO CHAT VOLUNTEERS TO:
- Run the happy to chat session (always with another volunteer/staff member, never alone)
- Set up tables, coffees and tea if needed
- Initiate conversations with the local residents
- Introduce people to each other
- Have a laugh, make new connections and be a friendly face
- Refer to VODA for signposting if someone needs support in other areas
- Report back after the session to keep the team up to date
To help us route your application appropriately, it would be helpful if you could answer the following questions in your application:
Do you have a current DBS check? (Please note, a DBS is not essential for this role, but may be of benefit for other relevant roles)
Do you have access to a car? (Please note, a car is not essential)
Posted for
North Tyneside VODA
Interests
- Civic Responsibility and Communities
- Mental Health
- Older People
Activities
- General Helping
- Supporting Charities
- Supporting People and Befriending
Details
- Accessibility
Some venues that will have Happy to Chat sessions may not always be accessible. Our team can talk through accessibility at specific venues with you. - Age restrictions
16+ generally, however we can consider younger volunteers if consent is given by a parent/ carer - Child Protection Policy (where relevant)
- DBS check required
A DBS is not essential for this role, but may be of benefit for other relevant roles) - Equal Opportunities Policy
- Expenses reimbursed
Reimbursement of any travel expenses and hand sanitiser/PPE costs incurred whilst volunteering. - Health and Safety Policy
- Ongoing support
Opportunity to meet other volunteers and share your volunteering experience Weekly roundup of feedback, opportunities for training, socials and useful services A closed Facebook group where you can connect with your fellow volunteers - Training provided
Happy to Chat training in person or virtually Access to guidance on Safeguarding and Lone Working - Volunteer induction
Online induction Volunteer Handbook - Volunteer Policy
- Volunteers covered by insurance
- Vulnerable Adults Policy (where relevant)
- Written role description
When can I volunteer?
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Afternoon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Evening | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Availability Details
Once you have completed the relevant training and we've received a copy of your ID a member of the VODA team, we will give you access to an account on the Volunteero app. All the Happy to Chat opportunities will be posted there and you will receive a weekly email with the available sessions. Based on your location and availability you can choose which volunteering task suits you. Please also let us know if you prefer to attend a one-off sessions every now and then or if you would like to join Happy to Chat weekly.
Location
This opportunity has no specific location.
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