Volunteers are vital to the work of OAOP and much of the work we do depends on their fantastic support. Our Volunteer Community & Engagement Officer, Jen Caiger, is responsible for recruiting new volunteers and making sure they have the support they need to carry out their vital work.
Here are some of our volunteering roles.
Befrienders
Befriending involves visiting members in their own home, spending at least an hour each week chatting, reading, playing games etc. Members who have befrienders are often quite lonely and isolated, and visits and/or phone calls from befrienders can brighten up their whole week. Come and join us, and help improve someone’s life by just being there.
Visiting Service
Some people need support at difficult times in their life. We are looking for people who can offer a listening ear and support. This can involve visiting different people rather than one person on a regular basis. If you can offer an hour a week or a minimum of an hour per month come along and join our team of visitors.
Minibus Passenger Assistant
We have two minibuses that transport our members to various activities and outings. Our passenger assistants are the friendly faces on board who assist our members from their home on to the minibus, ensuring that they are safe and comfortable whilst they are with us. This may involve pushing wheelchairs and supporting people who are unsteady on their feet, guiding someone who is partially sighted or reassuring and caring for people with low level memory problems.
Minibus Drivers
We are always on the look-out for volunteer minibus drivers. All our drivers undergo a training course in accordance with the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS), carried out by our own assessors. Applicants should have a full clean driving licence with the category D1 on their licence.
Car Scheme Drivers
Car scheme drivers use their own cars to pick members up from their own homes and drive them to appointed locations – such as appointments that they are unable to access without assistance. This can include visits to their General Practitioner, hospital, dentist, opticians, hairdressers, bank, post office etc. Applicants should have a full, clean driving licence, be in good health and be prepared to transport members in their own car.
Group activities assistant
Throughout the week there are a number of regular activities that rely on volunteer support. This can include making and serving tea and coffee, assisting to prepare and serve lunches, taking registers and collecting money – and much more.
Internet Cafe: Digital Inclusion
On Monday afternoons (1-2:30pm) our Digital Inclusion worker, Joe, organises a drop-in Internet Cafe session to serve as a more casual means of receiving support than his appointments and home visits. Joe structures a rota and can work with your availability. Joe and other volunteers are on-hand at sessions – you’re not left on your own!
Office Work
Office / IT Support – making and receiving phone calls, doing computer based tasks and organising mail shots; publicity and fundraising events. Newsletter preparation, despatch and delivery.
Becoming a Volunteer: