Drop-in Volunteer
Beyond Detention
Volunteers help run our weekly drop-in sessions held at Yarl's Wood IRC for their residents, under the supervision of the In-Detention Coordinator. Drop-ins run for 2 hours and additional time is needed on arrival to set up and to close things down at the end of the drop in.
Volunteers help run our weekly drop-in sessions held at Yarl's Wood IRC for the residents, under the supervision of the In-Detention Coordinator. Drop-ins run for 2 hours and additional time is needed on arrival to set up and to close things down at the end of the drop in. Volunteers help set up and run various activities during the drop in such as talking with residents, providing phone credit, and also on occasion playing card and board games. Volunteers support residents to complete mobile top up requests as needed. Volunteers give residents time and space to talk about their situation, how they are coping and to offer emotional support in a compassionate non-judgmental manner. As the drop-in sessions take place within YWIRC volunteers are required to have an enhanced DBS security check. Volunteers are also required to follow the policies and procedures of YWIRC, particularly with respect to health and safety and safeguarding. Volunteers need to show curtesy and respect to centre staff, always following their instructions and rules of the centre. This is important for maintaining and developing the good relationship that Beyond Detention has with YWIRC. Recruitment and training All new drop-in volunteers will be required to attend - an information session, a training and selection day and a separate informal interview. Once volunteers join the organisation, they will take part in - initial training, ongoing mentoring and ongoing training as needed throughout the year depending on training needs and updates to service provision. Time Commitment Each drop-in session last 2 hours and often requires up to 3 hours of time at YWIRC depending on time taken to go through security procedures when visiting. An online rota system is used for all drop-in volunteers, and volunteers can confirm their availability up to 3 months in advance if needed. Volunteers will need to do their best to attend the sessions they have signed up to, where possible giving good notice of absence. This is so that we can maintain an adequate level of support for each session.
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring
Admin, Basic IT skills - internet & email, UK Driving Licence
Willingness to accept people without being judgemental or seeking to influence them Ability to keep calm when faced with difficult situations, including when listening to traumatic stories or meeting people who may be displaying a wide range of emotions Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding Ability to listen - encouraging others to express their own thoughts and feelings Aware of body language and able to put residents at ease Emotionally resilient with an understanding of the need for professional boundaries Interested in meeting new people from a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs Willingness to abide by our policies and procedures, in particular respecting a resident’s right to confidentiality and data protection Willingness to attend our ongoing training programme and other events
Beyond Detention is committed to supporting all volunteers through: A clear Role Description and Code of Conduct Role specific training – through the induction process and our ongoing training programme Ongoing mentoring as a new volunteer Ongoing support from the In-Detention Coordinator Regular communication about your role and the activities of the organisation. The opportunity to give regular feedback on your role and the wider organisation. Doing our best to help you develop your volunteering role with us, while recognising your need to balance this with work, study, family and/or other commitments. Annual recognition of the volunteering you have done for Beyond Detention, plus references for work, study or other volunteering if required. Honoring the time commitment you have agreed to give and not putting pressure on you to commit more. Treating all volunteers fairly and in accordance with our Policies and Procedures. Trying to resolve fairly any issues or difficulties you may have whilst you volunteer with us before they become problems, in line with our Policies and Procedures. Promptly reimbursing agreed out-of-pocket expenses following procedures set out in our Expenses Policy. Providing adequate insurance to cover your volunteering within the scope of your Role Description or any additional tasks approved by us. Additional benefits of being a Drop-In Volunteer may include: Knowledge that drop-in sessions mean a great deal to residents, reducing their isolation and giving them something to look forward to Experience of running drop-in sessions within a unique environment Being part of the enhanced support service offered to people detained indefinitely at YWIRC Resulting knowledge, skills, and experience Being part of the Beyond Detention team with regular opportunities to meet in person and online
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MK40 2AA
43 Bromham Road, Bedford
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