The value of volunteering
Jan Prisic has been volunteering with the former Broomhouse Elderly Befriending Service, now part of Vintage Vibes, since 2014. She tells us why she got involved and how she makes a difference.
Get in touch: hello@vintagevibes.org.uk
We’re coming to your area!
We’re visiting different areas of the city each month to spread the word about Vintage Vibes.
Take a look at our News section to see if we are coming to your area soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to reveal the answer.
Q: How do I start volunteering?
A: Firstly, have a think about what you can offer: how much time can you realistically give up each week? Would you like to visit on a one-to-one basis, or take someone out and about?
Q: How old do I have to be?
A: We’re looking for anyone between 17 and, well . . . the sky’s the limit!
Q: What time commitment is required?
A: The key aim of Vintage Vibes is to offer long-lasting friendships and create sustainable networks for people who are isolated and/or lonely.
So we’re asking our volunteers to commit to a minimum of six months, and ask that they be able to take part at least once a week for an hour or two during the day time.
Q: I work full time, can I volunteer?
A: We have been overwhelmed with the number of people interested in volunteering with Vintage Vibes so at present we are only accepting volunteers who are available during daytime hours either during the week or at the weekend.
If you’re not available during the day – volunteering is not the only way to get involved with Vintage Vibes! We need people to help spread the word, help out at weekend events and also get involved with fundraising with us. Please check out our fundraising page to find out more.
Q: How do you decide who I’ll be spending time with?
A: We’ll ask you about your interests and general likes, and how you think you might be able to help. Do you have a dog, for example, who could come with you on visits? Or perhaps you’re sporty and could help someone keep active, or reminisce about sport with them. Whatever you have to offer, we want to help match you with someone with shared interests and experiences.
Q: Do I need a PVG?
A: As you are volunteering with protected adults, Vintage Vibes will apply for you to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. This is a lifelong membership and is free to join if you are a volunteer through us.
If you are an existing member of the PVG scheme, we just have to do an update.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Our friendships are about finding the best match for you, and sometimes, if we’re honest, that can take a little time (but it’s worth it!). Whilst we are waiting for your references and PVG to come back, we’ll make sure you’re invited to our training sessions and you are more than welcome to come along to the volunteer social events that we hold every 2 months so you can get to know other wonderful volunteers.
Q: Do you offer training and ongoing support?
A: Absolutely! Volunteers are the cornerstone of Vintage Vibes, so we’re committed to ensuring you’re valued and supported. We hold 2 volunteer induction sessions with other volunteers with our service co-ordinators. They cover topics such as roles and responsibilities, confidentiality, attitudes, values and boundaries, as well as general dementia awareness. Once you’re up and running as a volunteer, there will be ongoing catch ups and the chance to get together with other volunteers for further training and social events.
Q: Are expenses covered?
A: Yes! As a volunteer we cover reasonable travel expenses to and from your volunteering and we cover teas/coffees and ticket costs whilst volunteering.
Get in touch: hello@vintagevibes.org.uk
Is This You?
We are looking for volunteers with day time availability to be matched 1-1 with a VIP to create a friendship based on shared interests
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to tackle isolation loneliness and to encourage VIPs to become more active in their local communities
YOUR ROLE WILL INCLUDE:
- Visiting your VIP once per week (at their home/elsewhere as arranged)
- Creating a wonderful friendship with them
- Supporting your VIP to re-engage with various local opportunities alongside our Vintage Vibes Community
Experience and Skills:
While no specific skills or experience are required to volunteer with Vintage Vibes, there are a number of key qualities we think are important:
- Warmth, an ability to engage in friendships;
- A capacity for empathy and understanding;
- Good communication/interpersonal skills;
- A level of self-awareness;
- An ability to work independently/use initiative and common sense;
- To be reliable, consistent and dependent;
- An ability to handle a level of stress.
Get in touch: hello@vintagevibes.org.uk
