Volunteering Opportunity: Men that Meet Volunteer with Communities 1st

Men That Meet is a community group for Hertsmere's men - a relaxed place to meet for good conversation, interesting activities and complimentary refreshments. It is an informal drop-in, men from all age groups are welcome.

From simply talking to someone to facilitating the activities, there are many opportunities for volunteers to support people who attend the sessions. The aim is to provide a warm, friendly, inclusive and welcoming space for people who attend the activities. Volunteers are expected to be open minded and non-judgemental. Communities 1st asks that volunteers are respectful of the attendees opinions and life experiences. Ideally volunteers should be over 18 years old and be able to demonstrate good levels of empathy.

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

District: Hertsmere

Location: Indoor

Time of day: Weekday Afternoons

Practical Considerations: Time commitment:

From a one hour commitment to a full session volunteers are invited to attend at the meeting for as long as they can.

Currently open meetings take place at Windsor Hall, Blyth Close, Borehamwood, on a Tuesday afternoon from from 1.30-4.30 pm

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)

Suitable for: 18 – 25 year olds, Aged 26 and over, University students, Older People

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Health and Wellbeing, Isolation & Loneliness, Men’s issues, Social Activities, Voluntary & Community Action

Does this opportunity provide wheelchair access?: No

Full Description:
Main role responsibilities:

• Be a friendly face and engage in conversation with those
that attend the meeting.
• Help set up/pack up any activities that might take place.
• To help make warm drinks and be a friendly ear for
them.
• To help organize and facilitate the activities
• To provide information around other services
• To listen to any concerns from attendees and signpost
to Communities 1st services

Support

● Once registered to be a Men that Meet volunteer,
Communities 1st will provide relevant training for the
role. (Safeguarding and more).
● One or two staff members from Communities 1st will be
present to run the activities. Staff members can answer
any questions the volunteer may have and can provide
information regarding upcoming activities.

Safeguarding and wellbeing

● Volunteers may be asked to have a DBS check
completed with Communities 1st.
● A general risk assessment is completed for each Warm
Hub and Communities 1st staff completes another risk
assessment before each session.
● Children are allowed to attend the Warm Hub with
adults only.
● Volunteers are offering a friendly ear for those that
might
want to talk while attending the warm hub. If the topics
turn to things they don’t feel they can manage or have
experience in, they should sign post attendees to
Communities 1st staff members or other organisations.
● Attendees could be referred to their own registered
healthcare professionals, if appropriate, for any
additional needs that may be identified during a warm
hub session.

The role is suitable for volunteers who:

• Enjoy working with people
• Are keen about helping others
• Are confident dealing with a wide range of people
• Want to increase confidence