Information for Volunteers

Introduction to volunteering

We ask volunteers to commit time regularly to working for Preston DISC. By regular we mean working at least one session a week for 2 – 3 hours at a time to suit us both.

 It is important to maintain this level of input then you feel part of the team, and are always aware of any events, meetings or training that you need to attend. We are constantly distributing information that may be of interest to you – and you need to keep on top of this.

 Of course there will be times when you won't be able to attend – whether through illness or a holiday. If possible we would like to be notified in advance. When volunteers know they will be unable to attend a few weeks in advance we encourage them to arrange cover with another volunteer. This promotes self sufficiency amongst the team. If you are not able to do this you must let the Volunteer Manager know as soon as possible.

 There is a variety of work to be done at DISC. First and foremost there is a helpline service so you could be asked to staff this. Callers will usually have questions they want you to answer. These could be on a range of topics from benefits and equipment to holidays and transport. You may feel that you don't have the knowledge or expertise to answer these types of questions. Don't worry, we don't expect you to. We will give you training when you start so you'll know where to find the information you are looking for. When in doubt you can always arrange to phone them back once you have obtained the necessary information.

 As you gain more experience and more training, you will be able to solve more complex queries.

 Many disabled people have never had access to a helpline run by disabled people. When they have previously sought advice they may have felt that they were being a nuisance or wasting someone's time. At DISC it is important to listen to caller's problems. You may be the first person who has ever listened to them without showing impatience.

 As well as answering enquiries from callers or passers by there are other tasks around the office to be done such as photocopying, laminating, collating paperwork and filing. Volunteers also maintain our stock of relevant, up to date leaflets and forms by monitoring the amount used, the accuracy and areas where we require more information.

 The nature of DISC's work means that confidentiality is very important. Any information that a caller gives you can not be passed on, unless referred to colleagues where appropriate. You will be asked to sign a confidentiality pledge as part of your induction process.

 We hope that you enjoy your work at Preston DISC; it's a chance to work for other disabled people and gain invaluable new skills and experience.

Support and Supervision

 The Volunteer Co-ordinator is there to offer support and supervision to all volunteers. They will meet volunteers for regular individual supervision and will organise any meetings deemed appropriate.

 For information contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator 01772 558863