Reaching Out - Volunteer Induction
Healthwatch Doncaster Reaching Out
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Healthwatch Doncaster appreciated the impact this was having on local people.
Government and local guidance is issued regularly to keep people safe and well and informed, however we know that some people are unaware of how they can access services to maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing and some people are feeling isolated and lonely.
What do we want to achieve?
- Volunteers working from their own home and using their own telephone will contact individuals to assist them to maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing and reduce the impact of social isolation.
- The emphasis is on establishing a relationship with people and giving them the opportunity to talk, providing advice, support and signposting to appropriate services using the most up to date information.
- We want to give people a positive experience, we need to give them time to talk and we need to listen. Many will feel distressed and isolated by what is happening and will appreciate someone to talk to.
Volunteer sign-up
If you have not been identified as a volunteer through Voluntary Action Doncaster and you would like to volunteer to participate in this project please contact Healthwatch Doncaster directly here or Voluntary Action Doncaster here.
Healthwatch Doncaster have a volunteer group who support the work that we do and should you want to continue as a volunteer following the end of this project we would love to hear from you.
Induction
If you have volunteered to participate in this project through Voluntary Action Doncaster, the following information will take you through an induction process to support you to fulfil this role.
All elements of the induction need to be completed and you can do this by accessing the links in the Induction below. Once completed, you will need to submit the form attached to evidence you have completed all elements before you will commence your volunteer role
Induction: Resources
Read the project overview for Reaching Out
Three short videos explaining the role of Healthwatch: What is Healthwatch, Finding the right service, Share your story
What is Healthwatch Doncaster?
Click here to undergo an induction to the Healthwatch network
View this presentation on guidance to have positive conversations
You can record your conversations on this form
DBS Check Process: If you currently have a portable DBS certificate we can check your status online if we have your permission to do so and you give us your date of birth and certificate number.
If you do not currently have a certificate you will need to undergo a new DBS check this can be done online and you can produce the required documentation via a video call, the application process will be discussed at this point.
The guidance relating to documentation required to apply for a DBS check can be found here
Induction: Policies and procedures
Volunteer Code of Conduct and Agreement
Healthwatch Doncaster Health and Safety Policy
Expenses: Healthwatch Doncaster will be providing a standard £5 per month to cover phone costs incurred my phoning people and having conversations