09/02/2012

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT DORSET ADVOCACY

Dorset Advocacy, a charity that has been speaking up for vulnerable adults since 1993, is looking for more volunteers to help adults living within Dorset, who have either a learning difficulty or a physical disability, to help get their voices heard. At present Dorset Advocacy runs a very successful volunteer advocacy scheme with volunteer advocates from a diverse range of backgrounds supporting vulnerable people countywide. But we have more advocacy partners who need support, so can you help?

Many vulnerable members of the community can find it difficult to speak up or stand up for themselves, or even be aware of their rights - the things that most of us take for granted. People often feel at a great disadvantage in certain situations and having a volunteer advocate helps them feel more confident knowing someone is with them and on their side.

So, if you are looking to volunteer, over 18 years old, available for a couple of hours a week and want a rewarding role, then Dorset Advocacy would like to hear from you. And if you are a good listener, patient, understanding, diplomatic, non-judgmental, respectful of the views and opinions of others and want to make a difference, then Dorset Advocacy needs you.

Typical duties of a volunteer advocate include meeting with their advocacy partner on a regular basis and listening to what they want and then supporting them to achieve their goals. This may involve attending and speaking up at meetings and appointments (both formal or informal), taking them out  to social events, making telephone calls, gathering information to help understand rights and responsibilities or helping to make a complaint.

Each volunteer partnership is different, special and unique.

For more information on how to become a volunteer advocate and how to apply, call Chris Harker (Volunteer Development Officer) on 01305 251033 or e-mail enquiries@dorsetadvocacy.co.uk

Alternatively visit the Dorset Advocacy website www.dorsetadvocacy.co.uk to download an application form. All applicants will require two references and will be CRB checked

Interviews to become a volunteer will be held at the end of February and the induction training programme will take place at Dorset Advocacy’s Meeting Room in Dorchester on Wednesday 14th March (7.00 – 9.00pm), Friday 16th March (10.00am – 4.00pm) and Saturday 17th  March  (10.00am – 4.00pm).

Applications to be a volunteer advocate are being taken now

  

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