Working with volunteers really is invaluable. In our experience, not only do they provide additional companionship for our residents, their time is dedicated to this, therefore affording our support workers more time to focus on the other aspects of customers’ care.
We also find that creating volunteering opportunities is a great way to be part of the wider community and build reputation locally, increasing awareness and advocacy for the organisation. Similarly, the social value gained helps create a more diverse and muti-generational community.
Who to recruit
Pop into any Belong village and volunteers can be found leading all sorts of experiences, from hosting coffee mornings to teaching others to play instruments. We even have a young man with special needs who works in the onsite bistro a few days per week.
Notably, our volunteers comprise a mix of people who live locally, relatives of customers, and in some cases, customers themselves. A good place to start is to recruit internally. Families of customers are keen to spend time with their loved ones and so offering their assistance more formally can be another way increase their involvement in the village. For others, it can be a way to maintain their connection with the village community after a loved one has passed away.
Customers can be equally as keen to help. For example, our Chester site is an intergenerational village, home to an integrated nursery. Apartment tenants (known to the children as ‘grandfriends’) get involved with experiences including a choir, taking them for a walk, and even helping them to use a workbench. Imparting their life experience gives them a renewed sense of purpose.
In another example, at Belong Crewe a former hairdresser who is supported to perform light duties in the in-house salon one a week and this brings her tremendous joy.
Plan for success
The key is to have an equal relationship, where a sense of purpose for the contributor is brought about, whilst they bring something that benefits the organisation. There should be collaboration, that is, discussion around their motivation, what their background and interests are, and how much time they can commit.
A degree of formality is crucial as volunteers are not employees, so their needs and experiences differ from that of staff. The establishment of procedures sets out from the beginning clear expectations of what is expected.
Once terms are agreed, Belong provides induction training, including how to work with people who have dementia. A nominated placement supervisor ensures training is completed so they have what they need to undertake their role safely and confidently. Once on-boarded, we observe their interactions with residents. This helps the volunteer to ensure they feel confident in our setting and provides further insight into shared values with our colleagues and customers.
There’s funding available for personal transport costs, opportunities for training, and those with us for a full day enjoy a free meal at our on-site bistro as an extra thank you.
It’s also imperative to recognise their work. For example, we have a dedicated category at our in-house colleague recognition awards, the Champion Awards. This provides all customers, their families, and our teams the chance to put forward volunteers whose contribution is exceptional.
Final thought
It’s important to keep in mind that ultimately, whatever and however volunteers contribute, residents enjoy the companionship and the widening of their social network. So, if there is the capacity to accept help, be sure to have the mechanisms in place so everyone reaps the rewards.