Volunteering at a Community Hub

Volunteering at a Community Hub

Posted for On My Side

Posted by Mid Sussex Voluntary Action

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On My Side is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to join our team at Hambro Hall Community Hub in Forest Row and help support our programme of creative, practical and social workshops.

Our Community Hub provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where adults with learning disabilities and/or autism can develop skills, explore their interests, build confidence and enjoy being part of their local community.

We run a varied programme of workshops, including arts and crafts, pottery, woodwork, model railways, photography and media, life skills, wellbeing, gardening and practical projects. We are looking for volunteers who would enjoy getting involved and supporting participants alongside our staff and workshop leaders.

As a Community Workshop Volunteer, you might help participants take part in activities, prepare materials and equipment, assist with setting up and clearing away, offer encouragement and practical support, or simply spend time chatting and helping to create a positive and sociable atmosphere.

You don't need previous experience of working with people with learning disabilities. We are particularly interested in people who are patient, reliable, approachable and enjoy working with others. If you have a particular hobby, practical skill or creative interest, we would also love to hear about it.

The role can be shaped around your interests and availability, whether you would like to support a particular workshop regularly or volunteer more flexibly.

Volunteering at Hambro Hall is an opportunity to become part of a small, friendly community, share your skills and interests, learn something new yourself and, most importantly, help the people we support participate fully in activities they enjoy.

Location: Hambro Hall Community Hub, Forest Row

Commitment: Flexible – regular weekly involvement would be particularly welcomed

Role: Voluntary

Support: Volunteers will work alongside OMS staff and/or workshop leaders and will receive an appropriate induction and guidance for their role.

If you are interested, we would be delighted to hear from you and arrange an informal conversation or visit to Hambro Hall to find out more.

What skills do I need?

No formal qualifications or previous experience of working with people with learning disabilities or autism are required. We are looking for volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds who are interested in sharing their time, skills and interests with others.

We would particularly welcome volunteers who:

Are friendly, patient, reliable and approachable.

Enjoy meeting people and helping others to participate and feel included.

Can communicate clearly and respectfully with people with different communication and support needs.

Are willing to work alongside OMS staff and workshop leaders and follow appropriate guidance, safeguarding and health & safety procedures.

Have hobbies, interests or experience they would enjoy sharing – for example arts and crafts, pottery, woodwork/DIY, gardening, model railways, photography, IT/media, cooking, wellbeing or other practical and creative activities.

Are happy to encourage people to develop their confidence, independence and skills rather than doing tasks for them.

Are open-minded and respectful of individual choice and different ways of doing things.

Previous experience in education, health or social care, community work, volunteering or supporting people with additional needs would be welcomed, but is not essential. Relevant life experience, practical skills and enthusiasm can be equally valuable.