CARDS (Community Alcohol Related Damage Support) work with individuals who have a problematic, long-term history of alcohol use in the local community who are currently receiving little or no support in terms of their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. We offer the support of a relationship with one of our volunteers and this becomes the vehicle to positive mental health and social outcomes. In your volunteer role, you will befriend a client by spending time together 1-2 hours a week.
About Rowan Alba
Rowan Alba Limited is a charity set up to work with people who are at risk of becoming homeless. We believe that all individuals have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and offer support in a person-centred way, with the individual actively involved in planning their own care. We work with older homeless men and women in our supported accommodation and individuals in the community who are having difficulty sustaining their current accommodation. CARDS is a branch within Rowan Alba that identifies the hard -to reach vulnerable adults in Edinburgh through a community referral system and referral direct from the NHS Integrated ARBD care Pathway. All the individuals referred to our service have been identified by health and social care professionals as having mental health problems and have expressed a significant issue with loneliness and isolation. A befriender plays a crucial role in helping our service users navigate challenges stemming from alcohol-related issues, alleviating their social isolation and establishing a safe space for human connection.
Experience Required
Be a good listener and communicator Good spoken English Be reliable and understand the benefit of human contact Have an empathetic nature and a non-judgemental approach towards those in marginalised communities Be committed to maintaining clients’ confidentiality Good time management
Training Details
We will conduct an informal interview in person where you will find out more about CARDS. This is a great platform for us to highlight all the areas you need to know and an opportunity for you to ask questions. The induction training takes place in-person with other new volunteers and covers basic things like communication, boundaries and learning from your allocated key member of staff. After thorough risk assessment, volunteers are introduced to the client through double visits with staff.
Flexibility & Commitment
Flexible
Commitment ranges from 1-2 hours a week and befriending meetings are scheduled depending on the volunteer’s availability - we're flexible! Volunteers need to be available for a minimum commitment of 9 months.
Location/Travel Details
We are a city-wide project, so we have opportunities across Edinburgh. The meetings will be decided between you and the client and will take place either in the individual’s home, a local café, or a community setting within Edinburgh.
Expenses
All expenses incurred through your volunteering will be reimbursed, this includes your travel and refreshments during visits. Volunteers are asked to take photos of receipts and send them to our Volunteer Coordinator to be reimbursed.
Accessibility Details
- Happy to have a conversation about volunteer’s needs
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