Sense Holidays volunteer

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How you can make a difference
Sense Holidays gives children, young people, adults with complex disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and try new activities. Sense Holidays take place across the UK at a range of venues and vary. Each year we need skilled volunteers to help us deliver this exciting programme.

The Volunteer Role involves:

• Staying in touch with Sense and your Holiday Leader before and during the Sense Holiday, raising any issues or concerns that may need addressing by the wider team.
• Attending the equivalent of one full day mandatory training which will be delivered virtually. You will also be asked to complete online e-Learning prior to the holiday.
• You will provide hands on support for the people on the holiday to meet their everyday needs. This may involve but is not limited to; supporting them to participate in group activities, making activities accessible to their particular needs, supporting the building of friendships and social communication.
• You may also be required to support holidaymakers with personal care including support with eating and drinking, washing, bathing and toileting.
• Carry out tasks of daily living, such as cleaning the venue and cooking to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
• For those qualified and willing, you may be asked to complete Driving for Sense and drive an accessible vehicle on the holiday this could be a car, van or minibus depending on the holiday.

Volunteer Role Criteria

Essential criteria:

• Aged 18 or over.
• Have experience supporting those with additional needs. Please note, we can offer a small number of places to those who are less experienced.
• A skilled communicator.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude.
• Can demonstrate reliability.
• Can demonstrate resilience.

Desirable:

• Able to use British Sign Language.
• Experience in moving and handling.
• A full driving license and willing to drive on a holiday.
• Experience cooking for large groups.

Why Volunteer for Sense?

Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

Volunteering on a Sense Holiday requires resilience but offers an incredibly rewarding experience.

Benefits

• All food, drink, accommodation, and activities on the holiday are paid for by Sense Holidays.
• You will receive comprehensive training for your role.
• The chance to practice and use your existing skills to communicate with others.
• An opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairments.
• Up to £60 of your travel expense paid.
• Full support from our team, including induction and training for this role, and regular ongoing support.

Ready to make a difference?

If you require any further assistance, please contact the Volunteering Team on volunteer@sense.org.uk.

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of places are subject to an enhanced DBS check.