Volunteering

Face-to-Face Drug and Alcohol Carer (D&A) Group Volunteers CSWS

For Carers Support West Sussex

Register your Interest

We are looking for a volunteer to support the Drug and Alcohol Carer group alongside another volunteer or a CSWS staff member, creating a non-judgmental safe environment for carers to talk about their caring roles and not feel stigmatized.

D&A Carer often have challenging experiences with people’s attitudes towards their caring role and can feel that they cannot talk to family members, friends, or other organisations. The D&A groups offer carers a safe space to talk through their concerns and really be heard. Carers can talk in confidence about any issues and know they will not be judged, having an understanding from others in the groups, and feel like they are not alone. .

The D&A volunteer will:

• Welcome and support new and regular attendees to the groups.
• Assist in preparing and closing the meeting space. (This may include moving chairs and tables, depending on the venue).
• Support with tea and coffee.
• Listen and respond to issues and concerns raised by carers at the group, where possible, with information and signposting to local and national resources. Arrange support with a CSWS member of staff for more complex issues and concerns.
• Have pre- and post-group ‘briefings’ with the other volunteer and CSWS staff member. If you have any concerns, you will be able to discuss with the D&A specialist or a member of the community team.
• Support the D&A specialist with planning the group where needed. • Complete volunteer records and upload receipts for any expenses.
• Attend regular check-ins with a Volunteer Mentor.

Skills

Skills and qualities you will need:

• To be a good listener, and be confident in groups of people
• Caring and empathetic, and non-judgemental.
• To be able to keep your own boundaries with people.
• To be able to take advice and direction from a member of CSWS staff
• You will get full training; however, it would be desirable if you had an understanding of addiction, mental health, and autism (mental health and autism can also be an issue identified by carers at our D&A groups).
• Basic IT skills (support is available if necessary).

About Carers Support West Sussex

Carers Support West Sussex is an independent local charity supporting some of the 70,000 family and friend carers living in West Sussex. With more than 30,000 carers currently registered with us, we are dedicated to offering unpaid Carers information, guidance, and emotional support. Our aim is to deliver a well networked and supportive approach for each carer in the city/town or village in which they live.

We have more than 80 members of staff and over 35 volunteers, as well as a dedicated team of Trustees, we are committed to ensuring carers are recognised and listened to. Carers save the UK economy more than £1 billion pounds to the West Sussex economy and more than £150 billion across England and Wales.

Details

• Yes - DBS check required
• Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
• Yes - Expenses reimbursed
• Yes - Health and Safety Policy
• Yes - Is it fully accessible
• Yes - Ongoing support
• No - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
• No - Suitable for Under 18's
• Yes - Training provided
• Yes - Volunteer induction
• Yes - Volunteer Policy
• Yes - Volunteers covered by insurance
• Yes - Written role description

Availability

• Time: Monthly on the last Monday, 10.30 - 12.00 pm. • Commitment: 2 - 3 hours per month,

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