DEFINITION OF VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering means "the commitment of time and energy, for the benefit of society, local communities, individuals outside the immediate family, the environment or other causes. Voluntary activities are undertaken of a person's free will, without payment, except for the reimbursement of out of pocket expenses."

» Benefits of Volunteering
» What's in it for you
» Meeting a person with an intellectual disability
» Trial period guidelines
» Rights of volunteers
» Responsibility of volunteers
» Some Do's & Don't
» Potential emergency plan
» Volunteer application form

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BENIFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

Builds your Confidence:
Volunteers can encounter new challenges when they start to volunteer for a new group. Sharing these, challenges, as well as new experiences with new people, volunteers can better equip themselves to face challenges in other areas of their lives.

Making new friends:
By joining this type of volunteering group you will meet like minded people, which is a great foundation to build friendships. Having a common interest is a good starting bond to build a lasting relationship even after you leave. Plus it's a great opportunity to meet a different group of people you might not have any dealings with in your daily routines.

Create more fun in your life:
Many volunteers don't realise the amount of fun you can have when you're helping others. Leisure Buddies matches couples on shared interests and hobbies so you have a good chance of having fun while giving your spare time.

Improve your well being:
According to "The healing power of doing good" there is medical and scientific documentation supporting the health benefits of volunteering such as; a heightened sense of well-being, an improvement in insomnia, a stronger immune system and a speedier recovery from surgery.

Boost your career options:
Volunteering can change your perspective and lead you down a different career path. Volunteering can also bring you into contact with all kinds of people from different walks of life which can create networking opportunities. A good network can help you take big steps in the direction of your ideal career.

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WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

It will be a great opportunity for both you and your partner to meet new people and gain new experiences.

Builds your Confidence: Volunteers can encounter new challenges when they start to volunteer for a new group. Sharing these, challenges, as well as new experiences with new people, volunteers can better equip themselves to face challenges in other areas of their lives.

Making new friends: By joining this type of volunteering group you will meet like-minded people, which is a great foundation to build friendships. Having a common interest is a good starting bond to build a lasting relationship even after you leave. Plus it's a great opportunity to meet a different group of people you might not have any dealings with in your daily routines.

Create more fun in your life: Many volunteers don't realise the amount of fun you can have when you're helping others. Leisure Buddies match couples on shared interests and hobbies so you have a good chance of having fun while giving your spare time.

Improve your well-being-. According to "The healing power of doing good" there is medical and scientific documentation supporting the health benefits of volunteering such as; a heightened sense of well-being, an improvement in insomnia, a stronger immune system.

Boost your career options: Volunteering can change your perspective and lead you down a different career path. Volunteering can also bring you into contact with all kinds of people from different walks of life, which can create networking opportunities. A good network can help you take big steps in the direction of your ideal career.

Even though your partner requires support to go out, they have a lot to offer your new friendship, and if it works you will find you gain as much from it as your friend does.

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MEETING A PERSON WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Be yourself.
React in your usual way; introduce yourself, find out the person’s name and use it as you talk to him or her.

Share your thoughts
Tell the person about yourself and what you do. Don’t always ask questions and don’t be afraid of silences. It is easier to chat with someone if you are engaged in an activity together.

If you don’t understand what the person is saying
Ask him or her to repeat it, to say it another way, to show you what they are referring to, to get the help of a friend of theirs; or take a guess at what is meant and check it with them. It is important that you do try to follow what the person is saying. You will quickly acclimatise to the person’s way of talking. All it requires is a bit more concentration at first.

Use simple language
A person who has an intellectual disability does not usually have the same range of vocabulary as you. Speak at their level of language but in an adult manner and with appropriate, adult content.

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SOME DO'S & DON'TS FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Do think about why you want to do voluntary work.
It will help you decide on the right project for you.

Don't start any voluntary work until you know exactly what
Is expected of you.

Do ask about the Association and your role within it.

Don't over commit yourself. Offer only as much time as you now you are able to give regularly.

Reliability is vital.

Do make sure you know to whom you are responsible and to
whom you can go for help and support.

Don't just not turn up if you are fed up, have problems or feel you are being taken advantage of. Discuss it with your Co-ordinator or project head.

Do stick to any arrangements you have made. If you cannot, inform your Supervisor/Co-ordinator and/or the person you are visiting

Don't betray any confidences that you may be entrusted with by people you come in contact with in your voluntary work.

Do attend any training or support meetings arranged for Volunteers. They are ideal opportunities to share your experiences, both positive and negative.

Don’t carry out any work if it is against your Wishes/principles.
Discuss the situation with your Supervisor or the Co-Ordinator.

DO ENJOY YOURSELF.

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TRIAL PERIOD GUIDELINES

After being matched with your partner you are on probation as buddies, this is to ensure the match is well monitored to establish how things are working, whether the match is gelling and to provide support and advice. This arrangement also makes it easier to finish a match that is not working, for whatever reason, and allow either party to look for another partner or withdraw from the project.

During the trial time the volunteer buddy is required to:

Meet their buddy at least once a month.

Decide with their buddy what they are doing

Discuss plans with parents/guardians and obtain their permission.

Inform the co-ordinators of where you are going and what you will be doing.

Report back to the co-ordinators about the meeting/activity to discuss what you did and how it went.

Volunteers may use their private cars during the course of the voluntary work, e.g. to collect their friend who may not have access to any other form of private or public transport, going for a drive or leaving someone home. It’s important to remember that it is the volunteer’s own motor insurance policy, which provides cover in this instance. The use of your car for this purpose should be covered by the existing social and domestic clause of your motor insurance policy.

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RIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers have the right:

To make it known if they are having problems or feel their partnership is not working.

To meet with other volunteer buddies and their partners.

To support, encouragement and advice from co-ordinators.

To be treated with respect and dignity.

To be recognised as an integral part of the project.

To be well informed about Leisure Buddy activities.

To a complaints procedure.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF VOLUNTEERS

Responsibilities Volunteers are responsible for;

Ensuring the safety and well being of their buddy when out with them.

Being in a fit state to ensure the safety and well being of their buddy e.g. Not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not ill or overtired.

Following health and safety guidelines relevant to the activity or location of your leisure e.g. Holding appropriate insurance, wearing seatbelts and abiding by speed limit when driving.

Informing families/carers of where they are going, how to be contacted and when they will return.

Being reliable and honest in their dealings with their all involved in the buddy project. Maintaining confidentiality at all times, i.e. not divulging private information concerning the personal details or circumstances of your friend, their family or staff. Do not betray confidences in any way.

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POTENTIAL EMERGENCY PLAN

Emergency As a Leisure Buddy Volunteer you are responsible for the safety and well-being of the person you have befriended, although rare, emergencies do occur and it is essential to be prepared for them and know what to do should the situation arise.

General

1. Always carry the telephone numbers of:

The parents or carers of your buddy.
The Leisure Buddy Co-ordinator
Emergency services.

2. Be aware of any allergies, illness or condition your buddy may have.

3. Accident, injury or death – know whom to contact.

Specific

If your buddy has:

An allergy to medication, foodstuffs or bites
Epilepsy, asthma, diabetes
A history of absconding
A history of outbursts

Obtain a specific emergency action plan from the co-ordinator that details what to do in the given situation if you are out.

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Download Volunteer Application Form Click Here