Rampton Volunteer
RAMPTON VOLUNTEER
ROLE PROFILE
Date last updated: November 2017
About the Role
The LGBT Foundation has been holding 2 x monthly groups at Rampton High Secure Psychiatric Hospital for more than ten years. The groups act as a safe ‘neutral’ space for patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (and their allies) to meet others and share experiences and support. The main focus is social interaction and learning through discussion, debate and a range of activities including crafts, art and quizzes.
The volunteer role is to support the sessional workers who facilitate and deliver the groups; by interacting with patients and helping to set up and clear away. Although no specific qualifications are required for this role, previous experience of working or volunteering with service users, ideally within a mental health setting is essential.
The volunteer will be required to attend the Rampton visit every month, which is usually on the third Thursday of the month, between 1pm and 10.30pm (lunch and expenses will be provided on the day). Transport will be provided.
Typical duties
- Attend 12 monthly Rampton visits per year
- Co-facilitate Rampton sessions alongside sessional workers, helping to set up and clear away each session
- Contribute to activities carried out in each of the sessions, assisting patients and helping them to engage with the wider group
- Liaise with hospital staff during each session, drawing their attention to any concerns or issues with any of the patients
- Work within the conduct guidelines as set by the hospital, ensuring that appropriate clothing is worn for visits and that you are familiar with guidance around boundaries
- Give a minimum of one months notice when taking a break or deciding to leave as a Rampton volunteer
- Consider and commit to extra volunteering opportunities at either of the following LGBT Foundation events: Pride in August or World AIDS Day in December.
Skills & Knowledge Required
Volunteers with previous experience of working or volunteering with service users, ideally within a mental health setting are welcomed, as well as facilitating groups. Although no specific qualifications are required for this role, excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with service users is essential. Some knowledge or experience of working in a high security setting would also be desirable.
Essential Training required for the role
- Induction to the LGBT Foundation
- Induction to working within a high security setting delivered by the Wellbeing Manager
DBSCheck required?
Yes – please arrange appointment with Volunteer Manager upon offer of placement as you will be unable to start volunteering with clients until a satisfactory check has been received.
The signature below indicates you have read and understood the role profile, and are aware that if any of the above may prove a problem you can discuss this with your volunteer supervisor and/or the Volunteer Manager.
Signed (staff supervisor):
Signed (volunteer):
Date:
We welcome volunteer applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age, but, as women, ethnic minority groups, members of the trans community and religious and faith groups are currently under-represented among our volunteers, we would encourage applications from members of these groups.