Volunteer Telford

Our tea party group coordinators are a vital part of the Re-engage team.

Tea parties provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated.

As a tea party group coordinator, you will ensure older guests know when and where the next tea party will be held and who will be collecting them each month.

Read Easy Telford and Shropshire East is affiliated to Read Easy UK, a national charity that helps adults learn to read and which has nearly 60 groups across England.

Read Easy Telford & Wrekin was established in 2019 and continues to grow to be a highly impactful local group with an increasing number of Reading Pairs (Reading Coach and Reader).

It is run by a hard-working, dedicated group of team members, all of whom are also volunteers.
The group is now seeking a new Volunteer Coordinator.

The Coordinator is central to the running of each Read Easy group as the first point of contact for adults wanting to learn to read. 

Role:

To support readers from the first time they contact the group, through to their pairing with a coach and on until they complete the Turning Pages scheme.

To also support coaches from their initial application and interview to pairing and coaching sessions.

What do you need to have?

By becoming a Story Starter volunteer you will give a child in a local early years setting/nursery the skills to start primary school ready to read. You’ll open up their lives to the magic of stories and provide crucial language development in a way which is fun for both you and the child!

How does it work?

As a Story Starter you will support three children aged 3-5 years' old on a one-to-one basis, using play and stories to develop and enrich their use of language.

You’ll need to commit to volunteering at a local nursery for one hour, twice a week during nursery hours.

You’ll receive professional training and support to ensure that you are best able to support young children and feel comfortable in a modern nursery setting.

Independent Visitor Volunteer role within the local area, travel within the area will be required.

Purpose of the role:

To provide consistent and supportive relationships to children and young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together. The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young person build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

Decision-making:

Independent Visitors make decisions on the types of activities and engagements with the young person, ensuring that they align with their interests and needs.

They will not be responsible for making decisions about the young person’s care or welfare; this remains with the social worker and care team.

Volunteer role:

Support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development.

Engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting.

Listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust.

Help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community.

Develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported.

Support:

Collaborate with VoiceAbility staff, social workers, and other professionals as needed to ensure the well-being of the young person.

Participate in training and support sessions, contributing to the development of the volunteer network.

Adhere to the guidelines, policies, and best practices provided by VoiceAbility.

Maintain confidentiality and work in partnership with the young person’s care team while remaining impartial and independent.

Benefits

The opportunity to make a real difference in a young person’s life, offering them stability, support, and companionship.

A chance to form a rewarding and lasting relationship with a child or young person.

Gain valuable experience in volunteering and supporting vulnerable individuals.

Access to training and ongoing support from VoiceAbility staff.

Remote working