Advice & Support Volunteer

The role of the advisory and support volunteer is to act as a conduit for all relevant information and sources of support to service users on issues that may impact their lives beyond the physical and emotional challenges of living with a long-term neurological condition or being neuro diverse.

The experience and knowledge of the volunteer will inform whether they have enough detailed and up to date knowledge of the subject to respond to situations themselves or to refer them on to other professionals/organisations (voluntary or statutory) which have more in-depth knowledge or experience.

It is expected that this specialist volunteer role will be suitable for someone that has acted in a similar capacity such as in adult social care; citizens advice, help advisory service and has some knowledge of working with people who have disabilities or long-term/complex health needs.

The volunteer role will be to act in an advisory or facilitator capacity around issues such as benefits and welfare entitlements, family issues, housing, or to support them in completing forms such as for benefits or grant applications.

The role will be to support the client by using their existing knowledge or to research appropriate  services to signpost them to. This may be in the voluntary or statutory sectors and therefore it is important that the person carrying out this role keeps up to date with local and UK-wide support networks.

A key part of this role is to keep an up-to-date database of client enquiries and actions taken so the charity can evidence the need for such a service. The volunteer will liaise regularly with therapists at the centre to update them and their client records to ensure the enquiries and actions taken are properly recorded. 

Initially the volunteer will report to the Centre Manager or Clinical Lead and advise them of what actions have been taken; if they have any concerns or issues which may require further intervention. Once the new role of Service Improvement Co-ordinator is in post then the SIC will oversee this volunteer role.

As the person will have direct contact with vulnerable adults and children, they will need to have an up-to-date enhanced DBS check and will be expected to attend regular training and adhere to the Charity’s policies and procedures e.g., safe-guarding, client confidentiality, data protection, equality, inclusivity and diversity, complaints etc.

Private space will be made available on request to enable meetings and interviews with clients and carers to be kept confidential.

The volunteer role will be based at the Centre and all information given will be treated in confidence and kept according to data protection and client confidentiality policies.  Initially we will run the clinic on a monthly basis.

The charity provides free parking, offers reasonable expenses, refreshments, and a low-cost café for its volunteer team. It holds training sessions and volunteers are an integral part of the Merlin team.

About the charity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH14GGgI0Ho

The Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre charity provides a place of support, therapy, information, and community for people living with a long-term neurological condition in Cornwall. We also run clinics for children and young people who are neuro diverse.

We give financial assistance to our beneficiaries in the form of subsidised specialist therapies. Our purpose built, fully accessible Centre offers physiotherapy; hydrotherapy; exercise classes; Ayres’ Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy, and oxygen therapy. Support is also provided for carers, with information and access to peer support and opportunities to socialise.

Symptoms for those with a neurological condition can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological health. It can be challenging and isolating, not just for those diagnosed, but also for family members too. Having sensory processing difficulties or being neuro diverse affects the way an individual interacts with others and their responses and development may not be typical. It can affect how others see them which may lead to anxiety and distress affecting how the person copes in social situations.

As a therapy centre our main aims are to improve the health and well-being of our community; help people manage their symptoms and situations; and support their main care giver. We aim to promote independence, encourage confidence, and inspire friendship in a welcoming, accessible, and accepting environment.

Find out more about volunteering with us: https://www.merlincentre.org.uk/volunteering