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  Volunteer Role Description

What will I do?

You will work within Time 2 Share’s short break and befriending service for disabled children/young people (aged 0-18 yrs) and their families.  This involves spending time with a disabled child or teenager in their home or on outings. You will support the young person in developing relationships and taking part in social and leisure activities in their local community.

Who am I responsible for?

The disabled child/young person with whom you are matched and any other children if previously agreed.

If you are not available for a prearranged visit please tell the family immediately as they may need to make alternative arrangements.

You should not involve your own friends and family without firstly discussing and agreeing it with your co-ordinator and the child/young person’s family.   You must tell your co-ordinator before you take a child to your home as you need to have written consent from the parent /carer and the co-ordinator needs to undertake a risk assessment of your home.   Also, other adults in your home who may regularly be present during a visit will have to undergo a police check.

Who am I responsible to?

You are responsible firstly to the parent/carer. You must ensure that the parent / carer’s reasonable instructions and guidance regarding the welfare of their child are adhered to and feedback is given to the parent/carer following a visit.  You are also responsible to your Co-ordinator and Time 2 Share.

What do I do in an emergency?

In an emergency you must contact the family or the person designated by the family. If you are unable to contact the agreed person, phone the local duty social worker. The telephone number is 01454  615165 - please carry it with you.  If it is a medical emergency you will need to call for medical assistance prior to the above.

Do I need experience?

In most cases you do not need any particular experience. You will not be asked to do anything beyond your capabilities. You need to be friendly, caring, reliable and able to take responsibility for a vulnerable young person.

How often would I be needed?

It depends on what you are able to give – we are looking for a few hours on a regular basis. We match our volunteers and families carefully, taking into account how often a family wants someone, and how much time you can offer. Wherever possible we also try to link volunteers with families who live nearby.

What about expenses?

We pay your travel expenses to and from your home to your visit. Families are responsible for all costs for both volunteer and child, including travel, during the visit.

Remember that if you use your own vehicle to take a young person out you must inform your co-ordinator and your own motor insurance company. 

Main responsibilities:

• To provide regular short breaks for a disabled child/young person.

• To take out/spend time at home with a child/young person, thus enabling the child and/or family to have a break.

• To befriend a child/young person.

• Abide by the Children's Act 1989, as specified in Time 2 Share’s Child Protection policy.

• Abide by Time 2 Share’s other Volunteer Guidelines (which volunteers will be asked to read and sign).

• Complete and return the necessary monitoring and evaluation forms. Even if you do not wish to claim your expenses, we really need you to return your completed claim form - you can tick the ‘donated’ box if you wish.

• To inform us of your visits - this information is vital so that we can monitor the service.  This information is also required to ensure ongoing funding.

• To attend Time2Share Volunteer Induction training.

Volunteers are not expected to:

• Do domestic tasks, such as housework, ironing, cleaning, cooking, etc.

• Care for any other children (unless previously arranged)

• Sit before 7.00 am or after 12.00 pm midnight.

• Accompany a family on their holidays

Volunteers MUST NOT:

• Administer medication UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

• Undertake any task involving intimate care.

Time 2 Share reserves the right to end a link without notice or giving a reason.

Charity Registration Number: 1068862. Company Registration Number: 3424738      ©2005 time2share