RPR support volunteer
Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) support volunteers help people to be heard in decisions about their care.
What does an RPR support volunteer do?
Some people live in a care home because other people have decided that’s the best and safest place for them. They’re entitled to have support from a Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR), who is there to make sure they get the best care possible. Some people have a family member as their RPR, but the RPR might be a person from VoiceAbility. An RPR support visitor supports the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.
As an RPR support volunteer, you might:
- visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
- talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes
- raise concerns
- keep detailed notes and records
- make a real difference to someone’s life
Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. You need to be over 18 years old with the right to work in the UK, and be living in the UK.
By supporting people, I got to meet people from many walks of life and learn from their wisdom and experience.
Where can I volunteer as a care home visitor?
RPR support volunteers are needed in Bolton, Cambridge and Peterborough, Cheshire, East Riding, Lincolnshire, Manchester, North Northhants, Northumberland, South Gloucestershire and Tameside.
What skills will I need?
You’ll need to be able work independently and safely in various situations.
These skills will be important:
- Empathy with people
- Good communication skills, both writing and speaking
- A knowledge or interest in the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) - training will be given
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office
- Ability to volunteer independently and as part of a team
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. You’ll be supported by an RPR from VoiceAbility, and you’ll get regular feedback.
- grow your confidence and communication skills
- build up personal experience in health and social care
- develop skills in accessibility, confidentiality and empathy
- add experience to your CV
- know you’re making a difference to people’s lives
Volunteer
See RPR support volunteer roles at VoiceAbility
If you prefer, email us at volunteering@voiceability.org.
You can also call 0300 303 1660.