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Speak Out Southwark peer volunteer

To support our team in Southwark we’re looking for volunteers with lived experience of a disability, learning disability and/​or autism to co-produce the Thriving Together project to improve short break services for young people.

What does a Speak Out Southwark peer volunteer do?

As a Speak Out Southwark peer volunteer, you might:

  • promote the project in the community, telling people what we do
  • share your life experience
  • help to plan and design the project’s work and resources
  • join visits to short breaks services
  • support Thriving Together at larger community events

By supporting people, I got to meet people from many walks of life and learn from their wisdom and experience.

What skills will I need?

We are looking for people aged 13 or over with skills in these essential areas:

  • having a lived experience of learning disability and using short breaks, or caring for someone who does
  • good communication skills 
  • working as part of a team
  • reliability
  • a commitment to the values of VoiceAbility

These skills 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

What will I get from volunteering?

As a volunteer you won’t be paid, but you will receive excellent training, paid expenses and access to our benefits programme.

  • the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and gain experience in your role
  • a chance to make a positive difference to people 
  • 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 VoiceAbility volunteer policy

If you prefer, email us at volunteering@voiceability.org.

You can also call 0300 303 1660.