Stroll and Sign Volunteer

About Include and Stroll and Sign

Include is a charity whose aim is to improve the lives and rights of those living with a communication and other disability through services such as stroll and sign and choirs. We provide many other invaluable services to many people in Surrey whatever their ability.

Stroll and Sign is a free fortnightly session on a Saturday planned by Include.org.

Each session will encourage wellbeing, health, socialising in Surrey's beautiful countryside and enjoying the nature around us.

The key responsibilities for the Stroll and Sign Volunteer are varied and the role can be tailored to the volunteer's interests.

Stroll and Sign sessions currently take place once a month on a Saturday - although we are hoping to increase them through partnerships with other organisations.

Each Stroll and Sign session requires people to give between 2 - 5 hours a month, depending on the level of involvement and availability.

This will include an approximate 1 mile walk with members in a range of environments. Details of the level of difficulty, and whether the walk is accessible to wheelchair users, will be provided in advance. 

The locations are various and not necessarily close to current member locations so in proximity to Reigate and Banstead and Epsom & Ewell. We may be able to provide a driver for those who cannot access transport.

Tasks may include:

• Socialising and chatting with members
• Physically assisting members over uneven terrain if needed
• Assisting with sign up paperwork (consent forms etc)
• Helping record the number of attendees
• Helping prepare resources for interactive activities on the walk (training provided)
• Helping members create a chatbook using the ipad Pictello app (adding text/taking photos/taking videos - training will be provided)
• Joining in learning Makaton signs for the things you see together (with support from Makaton tutor)
• Assisting with giving lifts (clean driving licence, insurance and DBS check required)
• Potentially supporting someone with a visual impairment, for which training will be provided
• Helping to scope out potential venues/plans for walks

Introductory training and travel expenses will be provided.

What skills do I need?

• Good communication skills.
  
• Enthusiastic attitude to help out and make a difference.
• A love of the outdoors and a desire to pass this on.
• Some knowledge of the local area
• Firm but friendly approach.
• Good social skills.
• Reasonable level of fitness.
• Willingness to learn.
• Organised and focused.
• Ideally be a driver with own transport.