Volunteer With ReConnect
We couldn’t do what we do without of our wonderful team of ReConnect volunteers. We have over 60 volunteers who help us with all aspects of one-to-one befriending, supporting a group, providing digital support or helping to people find transport solutions to support groups.
Volunteers have usually been affected by a long-term health condition, either themselves or through supporting a friend or family member. They share their invaluable experiences of living with long-term health conditions, to offer support and help other people in a similar situation to build confidence. Volunteers understand the challenges those with long-term health conditions face. All befrienders are trained in communication techniques – so aphasia need not be a barrier. All our volunteers also have DBS Enhanced Clearance and are overseen by our Volunteer Manager.
Why Volunteer?
As a valued member of our friendly team, volunteering will enable you to meet new people with long-term health conditions and connect to your local community. Your skills will be celebrated and nurtured so that you have a great volunteering experience from start to finish.
You will receive:
A comprehensive induction including 1:1 training
On-going training
Regular support from our Volunteer Manager
Volunteer Bulletin magazine three times per year to share our news and discuss new ideas to develop your volunteering further Latest Volunteer Bulletin
Regular catch-ups
Out-of-pocket expenses, including mileage, reimbursed
A chance to be nominated for a free 2 person stay in a hotel through our reward scheme - Room To Reward.
Volunteers gain a huge amount from their volunteering, they feel they have a purpose, feel part of a team and are “giving something back”. We are also operate an inclusive volunteering approach meaning we actively recruit people who are disabled or who have a condition where they may find volunteering harder.
Ways To Get Involved
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Peer Befriender
Support a person affected by a long-term health condition to offer company, empathy, encouragement, and share experiences. This can be either face to face or over the telephone.
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Group Leader
Run a peer support group for people affected a similar long-term health condition, helping people to socialise and connect.
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Group Enabler
Assist at peer support group organising tea & coffee, helping with admin and planning seasonal group trips.
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Stroke Mentor
Provide support and encouragement to someone recently discharged from hospital following their stroke. This role is an intensive version of our befriender role and is typically weekly for 6 weeks.
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Driver
Transport a person with a long-term condition to a peer support group and help them regain their independence.
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Digital Champion
Assist our members to get online or troubleshoot day to day tech ‘issues’ so everyone is digitally included.
We would love you to volunteer with us. You can either complete an online application form or simply contact Paula, our Volunteer Manager, for more information.
If you need help filling in the form, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level is required for this role. ReConnect will process this with you for free.
Once we have received your application, references and DBS check we will arrange a time for your training and match you with a person or role.
“I’m writing to express my sincere thanks for the opportunity to volunteer with ReConnect Gloucestershire. My time with the organisation has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with both the team and the stroke group members. The experience has only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in health psychology, with a particular focus on stroke recovery”.
James
“ I just wanted to share my wonderful experience from my first befriending volunteering session at Hatherley Ward, Cheltenham General Hospital. The staff were incredibly friendly and supportive – it really made the experience even more enjoyable.”
Yuki
“ I must say I don't think I've ever had such a compassionate response as that in my life and it really meant a lot to me. Thank you.
The fact that you've felt so supportive I will give it a try again. You are right!”
Anon
“Reconnect is special because it focuses on peer support. It helps people find others like them; they are not alone’
Dulcie
“I get as much out of my befriending as they do.’
Annette
“ Life is for living, and I’ve been given a second chance. I’ve kissed death, and I’m hugging life.’ ‘As a befriender my greatest wish is to inspire, empower and encourage my befriendees, and I tell them you only get what you put in.’
Sue
Loneliness
