Volunteering Opportunity: Shopper Service - Support Bus Buddies with Communities 1st

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

District: Hertsmere, Three Rivers

Location: Outdoor

Time of day: Casual or Intermittent

Practical Considerations: There are no formal qualifications or prior experience are required to volunteer with us, This opportunity is suitable for those people who would like to get out and about, providing practical sociable support to shoppers who are less able-bodied. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities. A full charity induction will be given before the volunteer starts with us and ongoing training is offered depending on what you are working on. This role is based in your local community at various shopping locations. Some benefits for the volunteer are; Once a number of sessions have been completed we will be happy to provide a reference. Gain practical and interpersonal skills, with an opportunity to progress into more varied roles. Out of pocket expenses reimbursed. Satisfaction of helping people. Positive work environment, part of the friendly Communities 1st team. Training in Equality & Diversity and Customer Service.

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)

Suitable for: 16 – 17 year olds, 18 – 25 year olds, Aged 26 and over, School students, University students

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Children, Families & Family Support, Driving & Transportation, Health and Wellbeing, Isolation & Loneliness, Older People, Physical Disabilities, Social Activities

Skills required: Talking to others, Listening

Does this opportunity provide wheelchair access?: No

Full Description:
We are a small friendly team of staff and volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. We need an able-bodied, friendly, and patient volunteer to play a critical role in facilitating our Shopper Scheme Minibus Service. This role offers a great opportunity to give something back to your community and would suit a person who is passionate about giving hands-on, practical support to the elderly and less able. If you are looking to give your time regularly each week to provide much-needed support to those who may otherwise struggle to get out and about, this role is for you.

This Role involves supporting the Volunteer Driver as and when requested. Providing practical & logistical support for shopping trips for the elderly. Escorts will be required to either meet shoppers at the local supermarket or join them on the minibus collection. If supporting shoppers on the minibus then they will be assisting passengers on and off of the minibus using the step access and possibly assisting the driver with the tail lift for any passengers using wheelchairs. Supporting shoppers around the supermarket if they require assistance. This could be assisting with shopping in the store, carrying bags, obtaining/pushing a shopping trolley, supporting a wheelchair user or partially sighted/hearing impaired shopper. Assist the shoppers to take their shopping to their front door / or occasionally into their home if formally agreed beforehand. Ensuring the shopping trip is enjoyable and sociable, providing friendly conversation. You will also be required to complete Moving and Handling Training to carry out certain tasks associated with this role.

Our shopping trips usually take around 2 to 3 hours. We make trips to various different supermarket locations which are agreed upon prior to the journey. The driver will have information regarding the destination and all the passengers that are attending. | In order to ensure a happy shopping trip for all you will be required to make sure that you are aware of any passengers’ particular needs beforehand. Our shoppers can be elderly people with mobility issues or may have learning disabilities. They may have hearing or sight problems.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience; Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less able
You will need to have good interpersonal skills. You must be committed to having a friendly caring nature towards our passengers and an ability to speak confidently with a wide variety of people. You will need to follow our equality and diversity guidelines. Organised, pro-active and capable of offering practical assistance with shopping tasks with Good time-management skills. Team player and ability to work in partnership with our driver as well as on own initiative
Commit to at least 1 day per month.