Our volunteers are everyday people who come from a variety of backgrounds, need no formal qualifications and make a commitment to another person.

We offer a unique opportunity for volunteers to develop a lasting and meaningful partnership with another person that makes a real difference to their lives. You will gain real satisfaction of having put something back into the community.

What skills do I need?

• Sensitive to the needs of others.
• Supportive, understanding and non-directive.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Able to set and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Able to maintain and respect confidentiality.
• Able to empathise with and relate to people from different backgrounds.
• Ability to respect a person’s individuality in a non-judgmental way.

What is involved?

We have a number of projects which provide our volunteers with a variety of opportunities and these are described in more detail on this website under the heading “ Our Projects”.  These include:

Sandwell Together  –  a telephone befriending service which supports lonely and isolated people in Sandwell.  The befriending calls are made by volunteers and the service is managed by a Volunteer Coordinator.

Adult Feedback Support Service – this service is funded by Sandwell Council and requires us to obtain feedback from Sandwell care home residents on the care they receive which is then fed back to the Council.  This service is supported by volunteers who assist in interviewing the residents and completing the questionnaires.

Young Carers and SAVE – volunteering opportunities exist to assist at events and outings.  Also to provide telephone support ( under the guidance of paid staff) to young people following their completion of the project.

Trustees – In addition to the above Sandwell Advocacy is managed by a team of trustees and opportunities exist for those wishing to support the organisation at this management level.

What do we offer our volunteers?

• Introductory training.
• Further training and development sessions (internal or external) may be arranged where they complement the volunteers ability to perform their tasks.
• On-going support of the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Peer Support Group meetings.
• Agreed out of pocket expenses.

What would you gain from volunteering with us?

• You will make a real and positive difference to the life of another person.
• You will gain satisfaction from helping others in your community and a stronger sense of community participation.
• You will have the opportunity to make new friends.
• Your employment prospects can be dramatically improved.
• You will gain valuable work experience and develop new skills.
• You can open up opportunities in further/higher education.
• Volunteering can increase your confidence and self-esteem.

Most of all our volunteers tell us that they feel they make a lasting difference to the lives of those we support.

If this sounds like something you would like to do why not give us a call and we can arrange to meet for an informal chat where can tell you more about the variety of opportunities that are involved. Please call 0121 520 8070 or contact Louise Jones, Volunteer Coordinator sandwelladvocacy@btconnect.com