The role of the Activity Buddy is to provide practical support and reduce isolation. The people we work with can find it hard to attend appointments and leisure activities due to poor physical/mental health, limited mobility, social anxiety or literacy issues. When illness, mobility, or side-effects of medication make housework or going out difficult, we offer support to make the home environment more comfortable. Volunteers play a vital part in improving service users’ physical health, mental well-being and quality of life through supportive relationships, community connection, creating pathways for personal growth and collaborative goal setting. By building trust and connection, volunteers help individuals to thrive within their homes and communities. As an Activity Buddy, you will be matched with a person, build a trusting relationship, and accompany them in activities to help build up their confidence. This might include joining a person when trying a new hobby, helping within their home, escorting them when grocery shopping or having regular conversations over the phone.
About Positive Help
Positive Help’s mission is to provide practical support to enable people to access treatment and support to live well with HIV and/or Hepatitis C in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Our friendly support services are delivered by volunteers supported by staff. Our tailored support addresses an individual’s fundamental and individual needs, such as medication, nutrition, and safe living environments, while fostering social connections to reduce isolation and stigma. As many Service Users are receiving medical treatment, trying to stay healthy is important. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk.
Experience Required
We do not require any experience for any of the roles. We are looking for friendly and understanding volunteers who are ready to support individuals to a range of appointments to support their care and growth. Personal qualities: Empathy, patience, reliability and a caring, non-judgmental attitude. Skills: Good listening, timekeeping and relationship-building abilities. Commitment to values: Upholding Service Users' confidentiality and maintaining boundaries.
Training Details
Our training covers a range of topics including information on HIV and Hep C; stigma and discrimination; maintaining boundaries; Adult Protection protocols and trauma informed approaches. Training takes place over two full days, one of which is certified First Aid training and four shorter training sessions. Ongoing post-session support. One-to-one support meetings. Guided peer-support.
Flexibility & Commitment
School Holidays;Term Time
Location/Travel Details
You will travel to a risk-assessed Service User’s home or meet in a community location. Additionally, you can accompany a person to a block of weekly meetings such as a pottery class, yoga class or even join them on a bus journey to help ease their social anxieties.
Expenses
After each session you will complete a feedback and expenses form. You can claim money back for the cost of public transport/fuel. You will then be reimbursed within a week of submitting the form.
Accessibility Details
- Happy to have a conversation about volunteer’s needs
click background to close