Age UK Cornwall Information and Advice Volunteer

Age UK Cornwall Information and Advice Volunteer

You can make a real difference by volunteering with us!

Age UK Cornwall is searching for Information and Advice volunteers. We believe that everyone should have independence, choice and control. Our aim is for you to live well in later life. 

The service provides information and support to older people on matters such as welfare benefits, health and social care, housing and local services, and much more to support you. Last year, we helped people receive over £1 million in unclaimed support.

You will be part of the Community Gateway: a partnership of voluntary sector organisations which supports the NHS, Adult Social Care and the residents of Cornwall.

Main tasks

We have identified a need for people, who are not comfortable using the phone or the internet, to have face to face support. For this role, we need volunteers to be based in local community hubs to offer support for people to complete their Attendance Allowance forms. In future we may expand the role to cover Blue Badge claims and benefits checks using an on-line benefits check. Occasionally we may respond to a request for home support: this will not be the norm and we will risk assess this request before asking volunteers to consider visiting.

Skills

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Empathy
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy
• Good IT skills, especially use of the internet 
• The ability to work confidently on your own initiative and know when to seek help and support

Experience

No previous experience is required, but a willingness to learn, and to participate in training, is important. Enabling you to offer the best support possible. Experience in a similar role and knowledge of the benefits system would be an advantage, but not essential as you will be supported by a skilled and experienced team.

This role is based in North East Cornwall so there is a requirement for some volunteers to travel to local hubs. Mileage will be paid.

There is a requirement to take part in regular group and 1 to 1 supervision to ensure you have the most up to date information and are confident and competent on your role.

Benefits for you as a volunteer:

• Engage with a great team
• Help your local community and make a difference
• Volunteering to improve wellbeing in later life
• Be part of something bigger
• You can gain skills transferrable to employment
• Students will boost their educational or professional portfolios
• Further training opportunities

Core Training

• Safeguarding
• Health & Safety
• GDPR (data protection) and Confidentiality
• Boundaries
• Lone Working

Responsible to

• Mary Austin (Wellbeing Project manager)

When

We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. Any day/time (Mon-Fri) - we are flexible to meet your needs and will work with you to find the right fit.

One-day training is likely to take place at the end of September 2023.

Contact

Please contact Mary Austin at mary.austin@ageukcornwall.org.uk to find out more.