Arts & Crafts Support Volunteer (East Elmbridge)

Working closely with our member of staff / tutor, this role will complement and support the service delivery of our weekly art group.  Based at a local community facility, this will be a rewarding role for someone seeking a regular opportunity either once a week or fortnightly.  It will suit someone creative, with good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others, whilst seeking a more medium to long term involvement.

The group’s focus is not about a finished project, but more around enjoyment and participation, and is therefore aimed at being inclusive to all including people that have never done Art before.   The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the art session to set up and pack away materials. Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.

Key Points

• Weekly or fortnightly involvement
• Monthly 4 week workshops – theme changes monthly
• Wednesdays 12:45 to 3:15  (1:00pm to 3:00pm service)
• East Elmbridge – Community facility
• Medium to long term involvement (9-12 months plus)
• Typically attracts 10-20 attendees weekly

What we ask of the Support Volunteer

• Support the Arts & Crafts Tutor to plan an activity (e.g. Mandala Drawing, Watercolour Painting, Unearthing Creativity using Collage, Summer Blooms (using flowers and plants – plant pressing, lavender weaving etc.)
• Help set up, pack away and lay out refreshments in the session as required
• Provide creative support to attendees
• Sign in, welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included
• Support and assist the staff / tutor with any difficulty that may arise
• Treat all client information as confidential
• Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients
• Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Please note: You do not need to have any previous volunteer experience to volunteer for this role although the ability to get on with people and communicate well with others is key.

Contact: Matthew Plumridge on 07432 510493 or email: matthew@maryfrancestrust.org.uk, if you are interested in this role.