Golden Years Coffee and Social Support Volunteer (Ashtead)

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 / facilitator, this role will complement and support the service delivery of our weekly Saturday morning coffee and social group for our more senior aged clients.  Based at a local community facility, this will be a rewarding role for someone seeking a regular opportunity fortnight or monthly.   This role isn’t particularly demanding, however good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others is something we look for.  Due to the nature of our work, this role would suit someone wanting a more medium to long term involvement.  The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the coffee morning to set up and pack away. Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.

Key Points

•Monthly or fortnightly involvement

•Saturdays 09:50 to 11:45  (10am to 11:30 service)

•Ashtead 

•Medium to long term involvement (9-12 months plus)

What we ask of you

•Help set up and pack away refreshments 

•Sign in, welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included

•Welcome newcomers, involving them in activities and conversation

•Support and assist the staff / facilitator with any difficulty that may arise

•Treat all client information as confidential

•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

-Regular involvement in your community

-Making a difference to the lives of other people

-Gain practical experience of working alongside people with mental health 

-Training relevant to the role

-Reimbursement of travel expenses

What skills do I need?

Qualities that make a successful Coffee Group Support Volunteer

-Good interpersonal skills 

-Reliable, friendly, flexible

-Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

-Ability to ask for help (if you don’t understand)

-Ability to work as part of a small team

-Passionate about supporting other people

Please note:  

You do not need to have any previous volunteer experience to volunteer for this role although the ability to get on with people and communicate well with others is key.