Why volunteer with ReConnect Gloucestershire?
We couldn’t do what we do without of our wonderful team of ReConnect volunteers. They really are the heart of our organisation; helping us with all aspects of Befriending whether this at home or on the telephone or in hospital, supporting in a group, providing digital support or simply helping us whenever we need it.
Our volunteer roles are many and varied but each volunteer makes a unique contribution that adds up to a huge impact on the lives of people following their stroke. Since 2022, we have delivered:
1453 hours of befriending support to 181 people
1498 hours of support onto the Woodmancote ward at Cheltenham General Hospital
414 hours of support at The Vale Hospital
710 group sessions facilitated by a volunteer
ReConnect believes in a future where no one affected by stroke or aphasia faces life alone, where every person is connected to the people, activities and purpose that make their life meaningful. Your volunteering will help change the lives of the 100,000 people who have strokes in the UK each year and more importantly, within Gloucestershire itself.
What We Offer
We have multiple different opportunities that are varied and range in challenge, so there really is something for everyone no matter your level of confidence or what you want to achieve. Whether you have had a stroke yourself, know someone who has or are committed to supporting people finding things tough, we want to hear from you.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are also committed to finding a role for as many potential volunteers as we can so discuss with us what you want, what your limitations might be and let us overcome them together with meaningful roles.
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
Regular catch-ups usually via the telephone
Out-of-pocket expenses, including mileage
Volunteer consistently with us for a year and be in with a chance to be nominated for a free 2 person stay in a hotel through our partnership with the ‘Room to Reward’ scheme.
-
Flexible, expert volunteer onboarding process at a pace that works for you. From initial chat to your first role, we make things as transparent and as uncomplicated as we can.
We provide support with:
completing the enrolment form
applying for the DBS online
training
understanding your worries/barriers.
This focused, bespoke approach will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
-
We have a multitude of different roles and we are sure to have something that suits you and the time you can offer. From Befriending 1:1 to supporting in a group, our volunteers make things happen.
When you apply to be a volunteer, our Volunteer Manager will arrange a 1:1 meeting or phonecall to go through your enrolment form and identify volunteering opportunities that match what you want and the skills you have, or wish to develop further.
This exploratory meeting makes sure that your goals align with what we can offer.
If you are not sure, we can arrange for you to attend groups as a trial to see what feels right for you.
-
As your confidence grows, we know you will want to strengthen your volunteering. We therefore offer volunteering roles that develop in complexity and challenge and when you are ready, we can expand your repertoire further or you can help us develop the next volunteer.
Whatever you want, we can find something to keep you motivated and interested.
