CHESHIRE IRELAND VOLUNTEER INTRODUCTION

This evening’s format 7.30pm Welcome & Introductions 7.40pm Cheshire Ireland story & values 7.50pm(location) Cheshire 8.00pm Volunteering and roles 8.20pm Process and paperwork required 8.25pm Next steps & Questions 8.30pm Tea and Coffee

WELCOME and INTRODUCTIONS 1. Share your name 2. Your expectations of this session

Cheshire Ireland Ethos & Mission Leonard Cheshire ( ) History in Ireland (50 years) Worldwide projects in 52 countries globally Ethos ‘ quality, person-centred services which facilitate people with disabilities to live a life of their own choosing’ New Direction – community living

Cheshire Ireland Our Values: Respect Optimism Integrity Innovation Collaboration

(Add Location) Cheshire Add details: Brief history of centre Number of residents with various physical and neurological disabilities Number of staff

VOLUNTEERS – why? To open up new possibilities To add something new To ensure that people belong or feel a part of their community To meet new people To uncover new skills

Volunteer roles Personal Volunteer Befriending Driving (Gift–a-Lift) Gift–a-Lift Co-ordinator Key requirements of all: Respect Confidentiality Security

How to succeed in a volunteering role at Cheshire Ireland New initiative – please, have patience with us! Teamwork with staff and other volunteers Professionalism – be there if you have committed to it, i.e. timekeeping Training – Cheshire Ireland Orientation, Fire Safety, Moving and Handling, Choking and Swallowing, Driving Assessment (if appropriate)

Communication If you are unsure what someone is telling you, say so If you are not comfortable with something, say so Do not do any task you are not trained to do – say ‘no’ If you see something that is not right, tell a senior member of staff

Eating/Drinking:

A life of meaning?

Adding to ‘a life of meaning’ You can help to ‘make the less, more’ Active citizenship Linking with the local community Going on outings Family events Writing letters Reading aloud Computers Board games Entering competitions Sitting with someone watching a DVD Helping with loneliness Singing along to music Scrap booking Doing a budget Tidying someone’s wardrobe Going shopping And I’m sure you can think of more…… A good guide is what a person of a similar age is doing in the community.

Next Steps 1. Submit an Application Form and CV 2. If short-listed: Garda Vetting (photo ID) 3 referees 3. Until the Garda Vetting process is completed, no one can have 1:1 contact with residents (normally takes 2 months) 4. ‘Meet and greet’ evenings will be held in the interim and shadowing of staff can take place.

Finally, Any questions?