Hand in Hand Volunteers

Volunteering can make a huge difference to an older person’s life – providing relief from social isolation and giving them the confidence to find new activities and get out and about.

Through offering friendship and support, you enable our scheme members to live well and independently for as long as possible.

How does it work?

• A local older person is referred to us by their GP, a professional community service, a relative or friend, and will become a Hand in Hand scheme member. The individual can also refer themselves into our service
• Our Wellbeing Coordinator(s) will get to know them and will find out how we can help
• Together we will create a ‘Living Well Plan’ – Volunteers play a vital role in helping St John’s to support our scheme members in achieving their living well plan
• We then aim to match our volunteers with scheme member(s) based on their aims, hobbies, interest and preferences wherever possible

How can I help?

There are many ways you can volunteer to help. Below are a few examples:

• Visit scheme members within their home, befriending and building relationships with them
• Accompany the scheme member on a local walk
• Support a scheme member(s) in accessing the community
• Support a scheme member(s) in attending a coffee morning or other similar group
• Offer telephone befriending support to a scheme member
• Support a St John’s event or new group that is being set up

We understand that not all of these tasks may be carried out by every volunteer, but the role is flexible and dynamic and your support will make a real impact.

What do we ask of you?

• Give commitment and strive to help St John’s reach its objectives
• Reflect the charity’s values
• Respect our residents and staff and adhere to all confidentially guidelines
• Uphold the name and good reputation of St John’s Winchester
• Attend any training sessions required of you
• Communicate with our staff members any concerns you may have about your role

What are the benefits for you?

• By supporting people in their own homes, volunteering allows you to build and sustain a relationship with the individuals
• Person centred approach. Our scheme members have led interesting and varied lives: many volunteers talk about how much they enjoy listening to their scheme members stories and experiences
• Being able to witness the positive effects of regular and consistent support
• As well as the more general benefits of being a volunteer with St John’s, you will:
  • Meet new people and form friendships
  • Make new connections for yourself, and help the scheme members to do the same by linking them to other organisations and groups
  • Learn something new. We always look for ways to provide training for our volunteers so they feel supported and confident in their roles
  • Benefit from the feel-good factor! Knowing that you are making a difference to an older person’s wellbeing is a great feeling
  • Being invited to networking mornings, drop-in sessions and wider St John’s events. We use these opportunities to say thank you for your commitment and dedication

Volunteering application process – What’s involved?

If volunteering with our Hand in Hand team is something that you would like to do, there are a few simple steps to get you up and running.

1. You can either give us a call on 01962 827 795 or email us at volunteering@stjohnswinchester.co.uk. You can also give our Volunteer Coordinator Claire a call on 07719 562 966
2. We will then give you a call for an informal chat. We will find out a bit more about you and give you an opportunity to ask any questions
3. If you would like to go ahead, we will ask you to complete an application form and provide details for references
4. As part of the application process, we will also ask you to provide 3 types of identification for us to complete a DBS check. This process is required by the charity as you would be working with individuals that are considered vulnerable
5. We will then ask you to attend a short induction where we cover some key areas e.g. health, safety and safeguarding to support you in your volunteer role
6. Depending on your volunteering role, you will then be matched with a scheme member. If you are happy to proceed, we will then accompany you on your first visit to meet the scheme member. If both parties are happy with the match, then you will continue your befriending at a mutually convenient time
7. We will provide support and check in with you at regular intervals to make sure everything is going well; you can of course contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns

What type of volunteers are we looking for?

We are always looking for a range of volunteers! We already have an amazing group of volunteers of all ages and experience, but we would love to welcome more into the St John’s family. Whatever time you can offer, whether it be an hour a week or more, you will be improving the lives of older people in the Winchester area.

Please take a look at some of our current volunteer testimonials to find out what impact the role can have. If you would like further information or if would like a copy of our Volunteer Handbook, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Administrator Catherine on 07512 305 804.

Visit our volunteering page to read about volunteering across the charity.

Please note that the St John’s Hand in Hand scheme is not a registered Care Quality Commission (CQC) service.