Newham Speak Out Peer Volunteer
Our team in Newham are looking for volunteers to work with us in supporting Newham Borough Council’s Autism and Learning Disability Residents Advisory Groups. The groups look at all things that matter to people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
How you can get involved
VoiceAbility will support our volunteers to work with the groups to look at the areas that are most important to people. The groups will be for autistic people and or people with learning disabilities. The people in the groups will all work as equals to improve services in their community.
Some examples of how you could support us include:
- promoting the project in the community and telling people what we do
- sharing your relevant life experiences
- helping to plan and design the project’s work and resources
- supporting us at larger community events
- supporting any of the Newham groups
Do you have any of these skills?
We are looking for people with skills in these essential areas:
- good communication skills
- working as part of a team
- reliability
- a commitment to the values of VoiceAbility
These skills below would be helpful but are not essential for you to volunteer with us:
- a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- ability to use Microsoft Teams for online meetings, or willingness to learn
- having a lived experience of autism and/or learning disabilities
More about the role
What does this project do?
Our Connections projects make sure that people who use the services are involved in shaping them. This includes disabled people with autism and/or a learning disability. Connections Speak Out team is supporting this exciting work in Newham.
We are working with Newham Borough Council to identify the topics which are most important to people with autism and/or a learning disability. We will work together to set up a monthly drop-in.
Where does it take place?
This work takes place across Newham. Some meetings may be online.
When does it take place?
We are setting up a monthly drop-in and also have regular quarterly meetings hosted by Newham Borough Council to look at things that are really important to people. You may choose to be involved in just some or get more involved. We can see what would work for you.
What can you expect from us?
- the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and gain experience in your role
- a chance to make a positive difference to people with care and support needs
- induction training and other learning opportunities that will help you in your role
- the opportunity to help us develop our volunteering work
- support from staff
- a reference if you complete over six months of volunteering
- reasonable expenses and travel costs in line with the VoiceAbility volunteer policy
What do we expect from you?
- to complete the recruitment process, including providing two references and completing a DBS check
- to complete all necessary training
- to understand and sign the volunteering agreement
- to carry out your role in a way that fits in with VoiceAbility’s values and policies
What do I need to do next?
Please contact us at volunteering@voiceability.org to register your interest in this role. If you have any difficulty doing this, please call the Helpline on 0300 303 1660. Our team will contact you to arrange an online meeting or call. We encourage people with lived experience of care and support needs or disability to apply for our roles.