The Supported Volunteering Scheme
The supported volunteering scheme started in 2014. The project allows disabled adults who are community members to get involved in volunteering with Discovery. The scheme gives the individuals support to allow them to volunteer in a range of our projects and one-off activities working 1 to 1 with one of our student volunteers.
Before the covid-19 pandemic the project was running in person with 20 adults who participated in volunteering and would require 1-2 hours per week commitment where the users were assisted to carry out volunteering activities that they were interested in. The scheme is also aimed to help individuals with support needs in their day-to-day life such as through fundraising experiences to educate themselves in budgeting.
Since the pandemic started we initially moved to phone calls and zoom support and some people still volunteer and some people prefer to do more social support now and it just varies from person to person. Volunteers are paired up with their supported volunteers and usually in the same time slot every week according to what the students are comfortable with.
We’ve got our first pair, who meet in the office again now, but some pairs might go into town go for coffee or do some volunteering there and or they might have a phone call or zoom call. We give the individuals the chance to work in a range of our departments and projects including admin, crafting, fundraising, litter picks and beach cleans, positivity postcards, well-being activities and the list could go on forever.
If you are students who are planning to pursue a career in psychology then this is the perfect steppingstone to some experience. We are always looking for new volunteers and particularly people who do not have exams or will be available over the summer period because this project runs all the way through until July and then stops and picks back up in mid-September.
There is a waiting list of users who are waiting to be matched up. This perfect match could be you!! No previous experience is required to do this role and 1-2 hours of training will be giving prior to the volunteering starting. This project is a really good way to build a one-to-one experience and to add it to your CV for future employment opportunities.
If you are interested in volunteering on this project please email Kirsty the Project Co-Ordinator at: k.rowles@swansea.ac.uk
Paid Summer Internship Opportunities.
There are currently 3 internships being advertised for this project at £9.90ph for 17.5 hours a week for a period of 4 weeks throughout the summer months. These are great opportunities to gain some hands-on experience all while being paid to do so.
For more information on our internship opportunities and how to apply please visit: https://discoverysvs.org/internships/