If you already have a My Volunteer Account, please sign in below
If not, you can sign up for a free account
EDC Adult Day Services is seeking to develop more opportunities for adults who have autism or are neurodivergent, moving away from solely utilising a building-based resource, to instead ensuring our neurodivergent community members are utilising and making the most of the opportunities that are available in our community. This is an opportunity to become a volunteer befriender for a member of the neurodivergent community who as well as providing more formal support from EDC Day Services would benefit from having a befriender to help support them to develop confidence and social skills and access social opportunities. This could be accompanying them for a coffee, a walk or simply a drive somewhere.
Experience required
Experience of supporting adults with additional support needs is desirable although not essential providing there is an openness to learn strategies and support techniques.
Good communication and listening skills are essential, as well as patience, kindness and tolerance of the needs of the neurodivergent community. It is also essential that the person has good timekeeping skills and is reliable. Driving licence would be ideal.
Travel details
The opportunity will take place from the person’s home or from an agreed meeting place to take part in an activity within the community. It would be ideal if applicants had their own car and could be reimbursed for their travel expenses. A full risk assessment will be completed and shared before volunteer starts.
Travel expenses
More details can be found in the volunteer policy and handbook. Details of how expenses are claimed will be explained at induction, but public transport, mileage at 0.45p whilst volunteering and any refreshment costs to the value of £3.50.
Support
Training details
They will also be offered free Autism Awareness training, Disability Awareness, and Adult Protection (not exhaustive list). They will also have the opportunity to know and understand more about the individual they will be befriending and will be introduced to them via staff who support them in other areas of Day Services. Volunteers can also shadow staff in other group settings and undertake any other training or shadowing that it is agreed would be useful.
Restrictions
Minimum age: 18
Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more
Please fill out this form to register your interest in the opportunity Volunteer Befriender/Autism Neurodivergence with East Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Ashleigh Grant-Ng, East Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership
A copy will be sent to the organisation that supports volunteering in East Dunbartonshire:
Thank you for registering your interest in Volunteer Befriender/Autism Neurodivergence with East Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership.
East Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership has been sent your details and message, they will respond to you at the email address you provided.
Something has gone wrong, please let us know about this issue at milosupport@scvo.scot quoting reference #VO101207.