Information and Signposting Support
Information and signposting volunteers help local people to find information andadvice on local services and the choices open to them.
Tasks and activities specific to the role:
To provide signposting, information and advice to local people by telephone, in writing and in person at the Healthwatch Hub
To talk to patients, members of the public and staff to find out what sort of information or help they need
To assist them to find the most appropriate information to meet their needs (online, leaflets, over the phone)
Maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in relating with service users
To communicate and liaise effectively with stakeholders who provide health and social care services in Tower Hamlets.
To ensure all enquiries are accurately recorded using appropriate data collection methods.
To ensure that any concerns which you may have in relation to children’s and vulnerable adult safeguarding, and/or child protection, are immediately reported to a member of staff.
To assist colleagues and volunteers in ensuring that the information held on available services and resources is continually maintained to ensure the information and signposting directory is accurate and relevant.
To assist with health events and campaigns Possible Projects
Depending on your particular interests or area of expertise there are opportunities to undertake specific projects e.g.
developing information guides around particular service areas or conditions developing a user guide for older people on using the internet to find and access services
Person specification
Personal qualities needed:
A desire to help improve other people’s lives
Good listening and communication skills
Reliability, flexibility, enthusiasm and initiative
Skills:
Good people skills with an ability to talk and listen to people from a diverse range of backgrounds
1
Good research skills and the ability to seek out information from a range of sources including online and over the phone.
Ability to be non-judgemental and work with a variety of mental and physical health needs
Willingness to undertake training, supervision and guidance
Organised and a good team worker but with the ability to work independently.
Ideally, some knowledge and understanding of health and social care service provision, either through personal or professional experience reliable and responsible
Time availability:
This is a flexible role and the time commitment will be agreed with individual volunteers depending on their availability - ranging from two or three hours per month to two or three hours per week. Activities could take place during the day, the evening or the weekend in the Healthwatch Hub or at other events/places in the community. We hope that volunteers will stay with us for at least six months after the initial training
Training, support and supervision
All volunteers must successfully complete the Healthwatch Tower Hamlets volunteer induction. Further training on specific topics such as Dementia Awareness may be offered from time to time. All volunteers will receive regular support and supervision from the Outreach and Engagement Officer, Sab Siddiq.
For more information on the above volunteering opportunity, please contact Sab Siddiq:
Aurora Todisco:
Or email or call 0208 223 8922
Web:
2