A new volunteer role just for Shared Lives carers
You might have seen in our last newsletter that a group of Shared Lives carers have been working hard behind the scenes with our volunteer coordinator, Abi Reese to create a new volunteer role that will make a difference to you as a Shared Lives carer. We’ve decided on six key areas where we think our carer champions can have the most impact.
Now, we’re on the lookout for shared Lives carers who have the passion, interest and knowledge to champion one of these areas. As carer champion you’ll be part of a team that work across all of our Shared Lives services (that’s Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Norfolk, Suffolk, North Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Lincolnshire). You’ll help other carers learn and improve on their skills, you’ll share best practice and make carers feel part of a team.
You’re invited to join any one of our workshops to find out more. We’d love to hear your ideas and questions about this volunteer role too. Please contact Abi on abi.reese@pss.org.uk
Join any of our six workshops to find out more
Workshop 1: Being a technology champion
Date: 16th May
Time: 11.00am-12.00pm
What will you do?
- Help carers build their skills in using technology
- Help carers get around the online training system, Learning Pool
- Get together after carer meetings to help with IT
- Hold training mornings for carers to meet up and complete training together
Workshop 2: Being a ‘new carer’ champion
- Contact new carers as they are approved and give them a lovely, warm welcome to the service
- Answer any questions the new carers might have
- Have quarterly welcome sessions with new carers who are coming through the recruitment process.
- Encourage new carers to play a part in carer meetings, events and get togethers
Workshop 3: Being a Move On Together champion
- Give carers who are coming through the transition process an idea of what they can expect and share experiences.
- Host quarterly Q&A meetings with new carers who are coming through the recruitment process.
- Be a go-to person for new Move On carers to help understand the differences between being a foster carer and a Shared Lives carer
Workshop 4: Being a carer listener
Time: 11am – 12pm
What will you do?
- Get trained to be a listener (like in fostering, Samaritans offer this training for free)
- Be someone for carers to be able to phone and have a chat about how the day has gone.
- Be someone to seek some advice from or may have been through similar situations.
Workshop 5: Being a person-centred carer champion (specialist training and support)
Date: 13th June
Time: 12.30pm – 1:30pm
- You’ll have the knowledge and skills (or be willing to learn) in using the outcome stars to support someone.
- Show other carers how to measure the achievements set for someone in a person-centred way
- Work with our learning and development team to find specialist training for carers
Workshop 6: Shared Lives promotions champion
- Share experiences with social work teams about being a carer and what the role is like
- Share your experience as a carer at recruitment events
- Talk to new potential carers and answer any questions about the role at pop-up events or stands.
- Take part in social media stories and blogs for our Shared Lives website