SEND IAS befriending support volunteer
If you have an hour or two free during the week and would like to help support our service users please apply to become a befriender with SEND IAS.
We will introduce the volunteer to someone from their local area that we are supporting to establish a mutually beneficial mentoring relationship. The volunteer will use their knowledge and training to provide the support and guidance required.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service or SEND IAS provides free impartial, confidential and accurate information, advice and support about education, health and social care for children, young people and their parents on matters relating to special educational needs and disability. Our vision is to provide impartial, accessible information, advice and support for all Lancashire families who have a child or young person that may have additional needs and/or disability. Lancashire IAS team's vision is to be fully compliant with the national minimum standards (2018).
Tasks
Some examples are:
- To support the individual on a 1 : 1 basis
- To support the person to achieve agreed goals and positive outcomes
- To provide regular feedback on the progress of the individual.
- To log volunteering hours monthly online and submit expenses where applicable.
- To complete minimum level training e.g. Safeguarding and commit to further training relevant to the role.
Criteria
Some examples are:
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Our befrienders do not work with people who are family or close friends.
- Minimum commitment of 6 months is required
- Understanding of vulnerability
- Understanding and awareness of key issues that can affect lives i.e. mental health issues, misuse of substances -alcohol, drug abuse, etc.
Personal qualities
- Patience and understanding
- Be able to deal with difficult situations in a professional manner using own initiative
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Respect for equality and diversity
- Ability to use basic ICT systems
Training
Training will be provided in the form of peer support, distance learning or trainer led. Volunteers must have completed the required training before any activity can be undertaken and may be asked to regularly refresh training where required.
Volunteers will be expected to complete IPSEA level 1 online and face to face legal training.
DBS
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.