Overall Purpose of the Role
To contribute to Totnes Caring’s aim to support vulnerable people to live as independently as possible in the community, by delivering an Art Group which brings people together thereby reducing social isolation.
The Art Group
The Art Group takes place once a week, on a Monday morning, at Rushbrook Centre, Station Road, Totnes.
Duration of the group: from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm.
Time commitment for the lead volunteer: the lead volunteer will need to arrive at 9 am to set up the space and leave when everything is packed away. Packing-up takes a minimum of 30 minutes. Therefore, weekly commitment will be at least four hours from 9am-1pm, plus activity preparation time. The group does not run on bank holidays.
Attendees to the group will either make their own way or be brought in by Totnes Caring volunteer drivers.
Maximum number of attendees 10.
Specific Tasks
- Create a welcoming, positive relaxed atmosphere
- Offer an accessible and engaging art activity
- Prepare example materials, templates, stimulus
- Demonstrate techniques
- Listen to client’s general concerns and support their wellbeing
- Appropriately intervene as needed to guide group back to positive focus. Life can be very worrying and while we make space to listen, we also need to make sure Art Group is a positive experience for the whole group.
- Chose music and encourage quiet focus as appropriate to support the group dynamics.
- Be able to set up and clear up including moving tables and chairs from stacks. Lifting down and replacing boxes from on top of cupboard. Oversee the packing away of materials and artworks into the cupboard at end of session
- Take the group’s subs and account for them
- Work as part of a small volunteer team. Amend plans due to volunteer availability e.g. simpler activities when fewer volunteers available
- Offer differentiated versions of activities depending on client’s interests, mobility and cognition
- Welcome and accommodate late arrivals
- Liaise with volunteer drivers about any concerns about clients
- Guide volunteers toward clients with particular support needs
- Keep track of supplies, restock, liaise on budget and ordering
- Document the group with photos and send them for social media
Reporting
To the Community Engagement Team, who will also be responsible for support and supervision.
Skills development
All volunteers are expected to attend any relevant training arranged from time to time.
Totnes Caring recognises that without the commitment of our volunteers it would not be possible to offer our services. Therefore, if you join us and you think there are ways we can improve your volunteering experience, please do not hesitate to let us know.
For more details please contact Totnes Caring, based at Follaton House.