SERVICE DETAILS
Our highly valued team of Volunteer Advocacy Workers deliver a vital advocacy service for people who identify as having a mental health condition or problematic substance use.
Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, and all bring valued skills and experience. What they share is a commitment to advocacy and a belief that our advocacy partners should have their voices heard and their rights respected. In return we provide comprehensive training and ongoing support and development.
Over the last 25 years more than 300 volunteers have offered their time and dedication at AdvoCard.
Many stay with us for years but others use their skills and training to go on to employment. At least a dozen of our volunteers have gone on to work for AdvoCard and others have gone on to gain employment in other Scottish Advocacy organisations.
How to volunteer
All our volunteer advocacy workers are expected to complete our initial volunteer training which fully prepares them for their important role. The 10 session training programme builds on the existing skills we all use in our day to day lives and ensures that volunteers feel confident that they are well informed and skilled at delivering high quality advocacy to our service users.
Everyone’s volunteering contribution is part of a two-way process that can bring worthwhile work and life experience and opportunities for personal development. All volunteers need to have some availability during the working day, Monday to Friday. Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
Step 1 – Apply
Please download our Volunteer Application Form and Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form, fill them in and send them back to us. The application form does need to be printed out, because you have to sign it. If you are unable to do this, please contact us and we will be happy to send the forms out to you.
To download an application form, please see https://www.advocard.org.uk/volunteering.
Step 2 – Find out more
You will be invited into the office for a short interview. We will send you more details when we have received your forms.
Step 3 – References and checks
Once you are accepted as a volunteer advocacy worker with AdvoCard, we will take up 2 references and need verification of your membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme before you can go ahead.
Step 4 – The training
Our 10 session training programme for new volunteer advocacy workers runs a few times throughout the year, with dates to be arranged. check our newsfeed for the next course dates.
Step 5 – Getting started!
The work can begin. Whilst you are working with us we will offer you ongoing support and training to ensure that you continue to be able to work to a high standard. We want you to feel confident that your skills are up to date and that you have sufficient knowledge of all aspects of advocacy and relevant services and legislation to provide the best possible service to those who come to us for assistance.
