EARS Outreach Volunteer

Responsible to	Volunteer Coordinator
Support from	Volunteer Coordinator, other staff & Volunteers
Purpose of role	Help elder clients through their trauma of elder abuse onto a pathway of recovery by building a friendship based on trust and respect. To support and empower an older person to attend activities that will help them on the road to recovery and improve their overall health and well-being as well as aiming to reduce isolation.
Description of tasks	After a referral has been received (either self-referral or professional) and risk assessment has been conducted, contact the client to arrange a first meeting, possibly in the client’s home. Introduce the client to activities or groups they might not have tried before, but would like to and initially attend with them. Support the client to overcome any barriers to commence recovery from issue or concern relating to recovery. Undertake and/or work towards mutually agreed goals as stipulated in client individual development plan Create and adhere to volunteer agreement Encourage and motivate the client to be more physically active; to engage socially or to take other steps to improve their health and wellbeing. Arranging to attend activities with the client being supported using the mode of transport they will use after you withdraw support. Attending support/advice/training sessions with other volunteers Contributing to the collection of information about how the project runs. Refer all information and advice enquiries to the Volunteer Coordinator which will be forwarded to the relevant member of staff. Provide a summary of each meeting with the client to the Volunteer Coordinator Attend one-to-one sessions with Volunteer Coordinator


Time commitment	Committed to the role for at least 6 months Minimum of 4 hours per week Length of visits will vary with each client. Visits could take place weekly or could be on a one-off basis. Visits could mean going to individuals own home/community setting or escorting them to an activity or an appointment
Skills and qualifications	We look for people who understand and empathise with the service objectives, who have relevant experience and who can demonstrate a professional but friendly approach Good listening and communication skills essential. Patience and tact A caring, empathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgemental approach Reliable/dependable/flexible To be able to recognise and work within personal and organisational boundaries Understanding of confidentiality (working within AEA policies and procedures) Commitment to understanding the needs of older people Willingness to help raise self-esteem/confidence through a positive befriending relationship Willingness to work without direct supervision
Training and support	Induction training (2 days, that can be split over 4 half days. Weekend training may also be an option) On-going support is provided Additional training into dementia awareness/mental health awareness etc is also available
Expenses	Lunch & Travel expenses
Benefits to the volunteer	This opportunity will allow volunteers to use and develop their skills. Our volunteers will join an exciting and dynamic organisation and help us to work towards a safer community for all elderly adults across the UK. Access to AEA’s Elder Abuse Recovery Service training courses including: Health & Safety, Lone Working, Safeguarding One-to-one support Get involved with your local community The satisfaction of knowing that you play a pivotal role in aiding an older person in their recovery Impart your time and skills for the benefit of survivors of elder abuse & their families Valuable experience of volunteering that you can add to your CV
References	You will be required to supply two references, one being your current or most recent employer Both of which must have known you for at least two years
DBS	This role will be subject to a DBS check – carried out following successful completion of training

Click on the button to complete the online application form: Application form

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AEA National Safeguarding Conference - Book Now

Action on Elder Abuse will be holding its English national conference on 15th June in central London. The theme of this year's conference is 'Domestic violence and abuse of older people'. The theme is especially pertinent this year with a new government domestic abuse bill now being consulted on. The day will feature a number of plenary speakers providing their perspectives on the abuse of older people in their own homes.
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The charity has adopted a view on a range of topics that directly or indirectly impact on elder abuse.
Is an unwanted reduction in care an abuse of an older person's human rights?

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