We always need new volunteers

Whether you’re in work, a student, a full-time mum or retired, taking on the role of a Volunteer Advocate can be a very rewarding experience.  There are no special qualifications or experience needed to become a volunteer.  Anyone can apply to be trained as a volunteer, provided that they have certain personal qualities, for example:

• A good listener
• Respectful and non-judgemental towards others
• Sensitive to the needs of others – caring and empathic
• Discreet - treating information heard or seen in a confidential way
• Genuine and honest
• Calm and patient
• Assertive, when necessary, to make things happen

Volunteers are the life-blood of our charity - this also includes our Trustees and Directors, all of whom give their time to AVA free of charge.

 

The first stage in the volunteering process is a brief informal chat with the AVA Manager, during which the roles and responsibilities are explained.  Whilst the majority of people who apply to volunteer are suitable candidates possessing many of the personal qualities listed above, there may be situations, for example a conflict of interest, where it may not be appropriate to take on the person as a volunteer.  We will try to ascertain any such difficulties at an early stage and be honest with the person concerned.  Assuming the successful outcome of this informal meeting and that both parties agree to continue, you will be trained in the principles and practice of advocacy.  Our training courses are usually run Aylesbury and mainly during the working day.  However, we try to be flexible in our approach to training, to take account of people's busy lives and work commitments.

When you have finished the course, you will be given a training certificate, an identity badge and a handbook on the principles of advocacy.  One of our Coordinators will be assigned as your mentor - this person will then introduce you to your 'client' or advocacy partner.

The number of hours worked can be as few or as many as you are prepared to offer.  There is flexibility around these hours and you do not need to commit to giving a certain number of hours, at regular times, every week of the year.  At AVA we understand that you have your own life to lead and you will need to fit the hours you work for AVA around your other commitments.

During the whole of your volunteering experience with AVA we will try to support you in your role as much as possible.  Your assigned Coordinator will be ready and willing to advise you in any situation which you find difficult for whatever reason.  There aren't always simple answers to complex situations!  There's no disgrace in asking for help and guidance - we much prefer you to contact us.

Most people who volunteer find it to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. This is particularly the case for people who have spent most of their working lives in business and now wish to 'put something back into the community'.

All volunteers must be cleared through the Criminal Records Bureau.

If you would like to be an AVA Volunteer call us on: 01296 432313

 

Please click here to download our Volunteers Information Pack

Please click here to download our Volunteers Application Form

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