Drop-In Centre Volunteer
Register your interest
You will be redirected to the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire website to express your interest.
Eight Bells is a friendly, member-led, charity that provides friendship, support, and a listening ear to people experiencing mental health issues in Newbury, Thatcham, and surrounding areas.
The main objective of this volunteer role is to provide day-to-day support to both members and the coordinators at our Drop in Centre which is open 3 days a week (Monday, Thursday & Friday between 10am and 4pm).
Volunteers provide valuable services from helping with activities and fundraising events to simply sitting down for a chat with our members.
Getting to know the members is an important part of this role. Being their listening ear and a supportive friend helps to reduce loneliness and isolation and improve confidence whilst supporting mental well-being.
You will:
- provide support with the day-to-day running of the drop-in. This could include assisting with housekeeping, lunches, washing up, shopping, clearing away and cleaning at the end of sessions.
- give assistance, when required, with any of the activities that take place at the drop-in.
- signpost or seek assistance from the coordinators for members to find the right help to meet their needs.
- provide support if required with fundraising events.
- work with the coordinators to ensure the success of the service.
- be an ambassador for the charity in the wider community.
- flag any concerns or issues regarding members that you feel are outside your remit.
- undertake and engage in any appropriate training that will support you in the role.
- In addition, if a volunteer has any particular skills that they can share as an activity for members, we would welcome this. You would be able to share this skill by leading a small workshop for members at the drop-in to enhance their mental well-being.
Volunteering location
Friends Meeting House, 1 Highfield Avenue, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5DS. Highfield Avenue is behind the former bus station opposite the Kennet Centre (now a new development).
What skills do I need?
Ideally, volunteers will:
- be kind and caring
- have a general awareness of mental health issues
- have good listening skills
- have good communication skills and the ability to engage with people.
- have a non-judgemental approach
- have the ability to respect confidentiality
- be flexible
- work with members to build their confidence to resolve issues.
- be prepared to 'muck in'
Other useful attributes for our volunteers to have are:
- Reliability
- Patience
- Confidence
- Honesty
- Approachability
- Calmness
- Realism
- Commitment
Through self-awareness, you should recognise the importance of your own well-being and be able to share your limitations with the Coordinators. Computer literacy is helpful but not essential.