Volunteer Role Description

Peer Support Volunteer (Wales)

Terrence Higgins Trust is committed to achieving a good volunteering experience for all our volunteers. We know that equity, diversity and inclusion is critical to the work we do.

We are striving to be an anti-racist, anti-sexist organisation and are committed to having a workforce with people from different backgrounds. It is the responsibility of each one of us to create an environment of inclusion and belonging within our organisation. Our work has to be internal first so it can impact on all that we do for all the communities who use our services.

We particularly welcome applications from our service users and those who have benefited from our services. Where Criminal Disclosures are required, we will review all cases on an individual basis and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to volunteering with us.

Introduction to role

Peer Support Mentor volunteers provide emotional and social support based on lived experience through our Peer Support Wales project. Our new Peer Support Mentors should be people with experience of living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C (Blood Borne Viruses – BBVs) so that they can give advice on how to manage the conditions.

Peer Support Mentoring will initially be online with opportunities for face-to-face support when appropriate.

Activities you may be involved with:

Provide one-to-one support via Zoom/Teams, phone or in person when restrictions allow in relation to living well with a BBV.
To foster a welcoming and supportive environment online and in person.
Working with Terrence Higgins Trust staff to develop and deliver engaging, in-house events and webinars.
Facilitate group chat sessions and provide regular one-to-one support within the Peer Support Wales project, in relation to living well with a BBV of your specialism.
Helping users to develop new skills through online support.
Signposting people with a BBV into local support services where available.

Essential tasks

To give and receive support and feedback and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of commitment and reliability.
To have an understanding of BBVs, BBV-related stigma and the social and emotional issues affecting people living with BBVs.
To complete all necessary paperwork and provide basic monitoring data as required.
To undertake all training as required.
Log volunteer hours and give to your volunteer manager when requested.

Person specification/Desirable skills/Experience sought:

To have the ability to deliver support in an empathetic, non-judgemental and non-discriminatory manner.
Show a high degree of empathy, compassion, and an understanding in helping others.
To demonstrate excellent communication and active listening skills in a virtual environment.
Have the ability to work as part of a team and to learn new skills.
To have a clear understanding of the importance and need for confidentiality and personal and professional boundaries within the service.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent communication skills.
Demonstrate sensitivity to others’ needs.
A commitment to personal and professional development and a willingness to develop and maintain own knowledge of HIV, Hep C and sexual health issues.
Ability to give and receive support and feedback and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of commitment and reliability.
Commitment to representing Terrence Higgins Trust in a positive and constructive way.

Benefits:

Full induction and role specific training provided.
Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses where possible (you must discuss with Volunteer Manager before spending).
Support and supervision.
References given subject to Terrence Higgins Trust policy.
Opportunity to develop and update skills and gain new experiences.

Desired commitment: Flexible hours but a minimum of 12 months for approximately 2 hours per week.

Geographical area: Online for now. Wales.

Training & support: Mandatory online Volunteer induction training, online GDPR course, safeguarding training plus additional role specific training. Group or one-to-one support provided.

Restrictions (e.g. Age, HIV Status, Access):
Must be 18 years or over and living with HIV and/or Hep C.

Selection process: Preference will be given to people accessing Peer Support Wales services. Expression of Interest form, Online application via the Terrence Higgins Trust website, Interview, references, DBS.

Is a Criminal Record Check required? Yes.

Core activities, all volunteers will be expected to:

Promote and adhere to Terrence Higgins Trust’s Equality and Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Confidentiality Policy and Code of Conduct.
Promote and maintain health and safety regulations, practices and conditions.
Be responsible for the security of buildings and their contents and the charity’s resources.
Complete all necessary paperwork and provide basic monitoring data as required.
Take part in group support sessions and supervision as required for the role.
Attend meetings, conferences and undertake training as appropriate.

For further information contact:

Tracey Bartlett
Volunteer Coordinator Cymru
Cymru Volunteer Office

Contact Number: 029 20034214
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tht.org.uk

Volunteer Role Description

Peer Support Volunteer (Wales)

Introduction to role

Activities you may be involved with:

Essential tasks

Person specification/Desirable skills/Experience sought:

Benefits:

Core activities, all volunteers will be expected to:

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