Art Group Support Volunteer - Esher (CSVA)

Mary Frances Trust is a Surrey-based charity supporting people with mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of services to adults (16+) including wellbeing courses and advice, a range of activities and interest groups, peer support, self-help groups, individual support and volunteering opportunities. We engage volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help us by assisting the staff team to deliver our work to clients that seek our support, across Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead and Elmbridge.

How you can help

Working closely with our member of staff, this role will plan, co-ordinate and deliver our weekly Arts & Crafts group.  Based at a local community facility, this will be a rewarding role for someone seeking a regular opportunity once a week.  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.  You will be assisted by a support volunteer.  The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the art session to set up, pack away materials and debrief. Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.

What we ask for;      

Support the Arts & Crafts Tutor to plan an activity each week

(e.g. painting, drawing, photography, pottery, origami, crochet, diamond art etc.)

·         Help set up, pack away and lay out refreshments in the session as required

·         Provide creative support to attendees

·         Collect and return materials to MFT offices before and after the session

·         Sign in, welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included

·         Support and assist the staff / tutor with any difficulty that may arise

·         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)

Benefits you will receive      

Being part of a friendly, caring and supportive service

-          Ability to be creative and share this with others

-          Making a difference to the lives of other people

-          Gain practical experience of working alongside people with mental health

-          Regular involvement in your community

-          Training relevant to the role

-          Reimbursement of travel expenses

What skills do I need?

Qualities that make a successful Arts & Crafts Facilitator

- Creative, open and willing to ‘have a go’

- Ability to teach / show others

- Good interpersonal skills, reliable, friendly, flexible

- Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

- Ability to ask for help if necessary

- Ability to work as part of a small team

- Passionate about supporting other people