Art Group Support Volunteer - Esher

Art Group Support Volunteer - Esher

Posted for Mary Frances Trust (CSVA)

Posted by Central Surrey Voluntary Action

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Central Surrey Voluntary Action website to express your interest.

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, this role will plan, co-ordinate and deliver our weekly Arts & Crafts group.  Based at a local community facility, this will be a rewarding role for someone seeking a regular opportunity once a week.  It will suit someone creative, with good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others, whilst seeking a more medium to long term involvement.  You will be assisted by a support volunteer.  The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the art session to set up, pack away materials and debrief. Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.

What we ask for;      

Support the Arts & Crafts Tutor to plan an activity each week

(e.g. painting, drawing, photography, pottery, origami, crochet, diamond art etc.)

·         Help set up, pack away and lay out refreshments in the session as required

·         Provide creative support to attendees

·         Collect and return materials to MFT offices before and after the session

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

·         Support and assist the staff / tutor with any difficulty that may arise

·         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

-          Ability to be creative and share this with others

-          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 Arts & Crafts Facilitator

- Creative, open and 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