Befriending Support Worker

Hamelin exists to reimagine life for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, enabling limitless possibilities. Our mission is to build inclusive, caring, and compassionate communities for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities. By empowering and supporting these individuals, we strive to enable them to live the lives they choose.

Volunteers will support autistic adults and people with learning disabilities from across the Colchester area, on a one-to-one basis and/or in small group befriending and mentoring sessions. Working in partnership with the Dacon Trust’s Level Best Art Café, sessions will include relaxed creative activities, “Walk & Talk” social groups, and peer-led events where people can build friendships at their own pace.

Individuals will have been assessed as suitable for the project and can access the community independently. Volunteers will not be responsible for any personal care needs or administration of medication.

Volunteers will provide extra support to participants to build confidence, friendships and connections in the community, in order to combat loneliness and isolation.

What skills do I need?

Reliability, empathy, patience, friendly, approachable, open minded, willing to learn. Experience of autism and/or learning disabilities is desirable but not essential, training will be provided.

Other related activities may include:

Volunteers are expected to attend face-to-face induction training and online learning and any other training that is considered to be relevant to the role

 Requirements

•           Completed Volunteer Application Form

•           Enhanced DBS (completed and paid for by                Hamelin)

Interests

• Disability
• Health and Social Care
• Wildlife and Animals

Activities

• Creativity
• Supporting Charities
• Supporting People and Befriending