Volunteering

Money First Advocate

For Impact Initiatives

Register your Interest

Money First advocacy is looking for new volunteer advocates to support an advocacy partner directly, working with them 1-2-1 until their issue is resolved, which can be anything from 2 to 6 sessions with someone. To work alongside an advocacy partner to help them stay in control of their issue, understand their rights, while working through their options to be able to make an informed choice.

We offer adult’s 18+ with disabilities 1:1 support with money related issues. These issues could include but are not limited to budgeting, debt, fuel poverty, Cost of living concerns, housing arrears, social care financial concerns or debt as well as disability related benefits – applying for, or challenging the outcome.

The role of a volunteer advocate involves:

• Working with people with various disabilities and health conditions to make sure that their voice is heard. This may involve helping them to access information and services, supporting people to make decisions, or speaking on their behalf to professionals, family members or others.
• Keeping some simple notes of your meetings in accordance with the Impact Advocacy guidelines.
• Updating your Team Leader on a regular/monthly basis. If possible, to attend regular supervision sessions, team meetings and training events – not compulsory.
• Working within the Project and Organisational policies and procedures.

Money issues can be worrying and a difficult time for people, particularly if you are already faced with a disability that could be affecting how you might manage day to day life. Having an advocate by your side can greatly reduce someone stress in a situation, support their confidence and enable a person to manage what seemed like an impossible situation. Advocates are not experts, they help a person look at their options, understand their rights and find an expert that can help. Advocates help people stay in control of their own issue, which can be a very rewarding volunteering role.

If you like the sound of this opportunity, please get in contact to find out more.

Skills

• Be non-judgmental.
• Have good listening skills.
• Understand the need to respect confidentiality.
• Be able to cope with stressful situations.
• Have the time to volunteer on a regular basis, approximately 3 hours a week.
• Have time, and be willing, to attend training and supervision sessions as required.
• Be committed to equal opportunities.
• Be willing to develop knowledge and skills

About Impact Initiatives

Impact Initiatives is a Sussex charity that has been running for more than 40 years. We work with other charities, not-for-profit organisations and private and public funders to set up and manage projects and services that support local people of all ages.
Our services are extremely varied and support children, families, young people, adults and older people. They are developed where a gap in existing services has been identified and help Sussex people live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Details

• Yes - DBS check required
• Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
• Yes - Expenses reimbursed
• Yes - Health and Safety Policy
• Yes - Is it fully accessible
  We visit some people in their own homes, but we can manage this as required
• Yes - Ongoing support
  Supervision and team meetings etc are provided
• Yes - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
  Possibly after further discussion
• 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

The role is very flexible, anything from 2/3 hours a week, which needs to be within the working week.

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