Adult Group Volunteer
The National Autistic Society's North Somerset Branch
| Name: | Adult Group Volunteer |
| Organisation: | The National Autistic Society's North Somerset Branch |
| Location: | The Stable Creative Hub, 3-6 Wadham Street, 129 High Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1JY |
| Type: |
Part Time
The group will meet once a month on a Wednesday evening for a two-hour autistic friendly session.
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Description
The National Autistic Society has around 100 branches, all run by volunteers, who provide local support to autistic people and their families. Every branch is different and so are the activities they provide – they may run parent support groups, adult social groups, children’s activities, conferences or focus on providing information or campaigning. However, no matter how big or small, all branches are hugely valued by the people in their local area.
The NAS North Somerset branch offers support and information to autistic people and their families in the area which covers the North Somerset area.
The NAS North Somerset branch is looking to set up an autistic adult peer support group. They will meet once a month at the Stables Games Rom in Weston-Super- Mare to play games or go out on an activity e.g. to the pub. This volunteer role is for a female or someone who identifies as female, to help support other female members of the group. The sessions aim to provide a safe space for autistic adults to socialise and make friends. Without this group, they may be at risk of becoming socially isolated. They will be supported by the branch chair, and other volunteers running the group.
Request Organisation Contact Details
Organisation Description
The National Autistic Society’s aim is to create a society that works for autistic people.
To transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for more than 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers.
To change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and helping businesses, local authorities and government to provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.
The National Autistic Society’s North Somerset branch is part of our branches network. It is run by a small committee of volunteers for the benefit of autistic children and adults in the local area. Our branch provides activities, support, information and advice and helps with general enquiries about autism through signposting. We are a donation-funded, non-profit group. We are always keen to involve new people, either as volunteers or as participants in our activities.
When
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
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| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Cause / Interests
- Disability
- Families
- Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transsexual
- Mental Health
- Sport and Outdoor Activities
Types of Activity
- Advice, Information and Support
- Befriending and Buddying
- Caring
- Fundraising
Skills and Qualifications
Requirements
What we are looking for:
- To be autistic or have a good understanding/knowledge of autism
- A female or identifies as female
- Patience, empathy and warmth
- Reliability and honest
- To be able to communicate confidently with the autistic adults, and the branch committee members.
- Experience of working with autistic adults would be a bonus but not essential.
- To be organised and able to plan ahead.
Benefits
Support that we would provide:
- Designated branch support officer to answer any queries and support you with the day to day running of the branch.
- Written guidance on a range of branch communications.
- Various training courses relevant to running an activity session.
- Insurance cover for all branch activities.
- Expenses covered for attendance at any event organised by the NAS Branches Team
What you would gain from volunteering with us
- Improved support to autistic young adults and youth in your local area.
- Access free training and learn new skills.
- Meet new people.
- You will need to live locally to be able to do this role
If you have any questions about this role or the application process please contact us.
Additional/Specific Suitabilities
| Minimum Age: | 18 | |
| Maximum Age: | NA | |
| Disabled Access: | Yes | |
| Wheelchair Access: | Yes | |
| Expenses: | Yes | |
| Restrictions: | None | |
| Induction: | Discussion with Branch Chair and NAS Senior Banch Engagement Officer (South West) | |
| Insurance Cover: | NAS Public Liability Cover for all branch events | |
| Special Needs: | We seek applications from anyone interested in the role, but particularly females and welcome applications from those on the autism spectrum. | |
| Offer: | NA | |
| Training: | To complete core training: GDPR, adult and children safeguarding before volunteering. Then: 3 autism modules, Diversity and Inclusion and Health and Safety within 6 months | |
| Other: | Support Offered: -Designated branch support officer to answer any queries and support you with the day to day running of the branch. - Written guidance on a range of branch communications. - Various training courses relevant to running an activity ses |
Recruitment Method
Application form, Informal discussion, References