Football Support Volunteer Friday (Leatherhead)

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust is a Surrey-based charity supporting people with mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of services to adults (16+) including wellbeing courses and advice, a range of activities and interest groups, peer support, self-help groups, individual support and volunteering opportunities. We engage volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help us by assisting the staff team to deliver our work to clients that seek our support, across Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead and Elmbridge.

How you can help

Working closely with our member of staff / coach, this role will support our established football practice sessions in Leatherhead once a week (Friday 1pm to 2pm).  Based at a local community facility, this will be a rewarding and fun role for someone seeking a regular opportunity to get involved and make a difference to people's lives.   It will suit someone who enjoys football as well as supporting people whilst helping to establish a team spirit along with all the benefits that can bring.  Although football is a competitive sport, this isn't the primary objective of the group as we like to encourage those with mixed abilities to join in.

The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the football sessions to set up, pack away materials and debrief. Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.  Most of the players end up going for a coffee and chat afterwards at the local cafe creating a really good opportunity to build relationship and team dynamics.

Key Points

•Weekly including setting up and packing away time.

•Friday 12:45 to 2:15pm  (1pm to 2pm service)

•You can volunteer for one or both of the weekly sessions

•Leatherhead (local community facility)

•Medium to long term involvement (12 months plus)

What we ask of you

•Support the member of staff / coach to deliver weekly activities

•Help set up, pack away and debrief with facilitator as required

•Welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included

•Join in with the activities as much as suits you, so you are seen to be part of the team (group dynamics)

•Deal with any difficulty that may arise along with the member of staff / facilitator where necessary

•Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

•Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Benefits you will receive

•Being part of a friendly, caring and supportive service

•Share the joy of football with others irrespective of ability of those who attend the service

•Making a difference to the lives of other people

•Gain practical experience of working alongside people with mental health 

•Regular involvement in your community

•Training relevant to the role

•Reimbursement of travel expenses

What skills do I need?

Qualities that make a successful Football Support Volunteer

•Someone willing to ‘have a go’

•Ability to teach / show others

•Good interpersonal skills, reliable, friendly, flexible

•Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

•Ability to ask for help if necessary

•Ability to work as part of a small team

•Passionate about supporting other people