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Volunteer

At Positive Action we acknowledge how important volunteers are to our organisation that's why we try to offer a wide range of voluntary experiences to suit the needs of the volunteer and the organisation. From time to time we also have various one off volunteering projects and initiatives for individuals with specific skills.

Volunteering Opportunities

Please click the titles below to find out more about our current range of opportunities and to see how you could best support the charity.

In the Centres
Drop-in Support Volunteer

We need support within our drop in centres and are looking for friendly welcoming individuals who are outgoing, empathetic and very people focused.

Activities and duties
Activities may vary depending on the skills and experience of the volunteer(s) but will include some or all of:

Welcoming service users (s/u), preparing drinks, refreshments, snacks and meals.
Befriending and being empathetic towards s/us and giving them some level of support.
Receiving phone calls/taking messages/providing some level of HIV and sexual health information, (training is given for this), Assisting with ad-hoc requirements, i.e. prepare red ribbons, make up condom packs.

Additional duties could include

Transporting clients to and from drop-in/appointments.
Preparing lunch/supper.
Buddying/ Befriending.
Opening and closing the Centres for drop-in sessions.

Responsibilities

Taking an active interest in the overall aims of the Charity.
Adherence to Positive Actions policies, including health and safety, equal opportunities and confidentiality.

Experience and/or desirable skills required

Good communication and interpersonal skills and enjoy meeting new people.
Display an inclusive and non judgmental attitude.
An empathy for those living with HIV and an awareness of the importance of good health and wellbeing.
Demonstrate a supportive nature.
Be outgoing, confident and relish a challenge!

Hours
We ask volunteers to commit to regular time slots but do not expect them to attend all drop-ins. (See current drop-in times.)

Out in the Community
Fundraising & Events Volunteer

Positive Action relies on fundraising to support some of its services. We are looking for a dedicated group of fundraisers to support our local fundraising initiatives and participate in sponsored and social events.

Activities and duties
Activities may vary depending on the skills and experience of the volunteer(s) but will include some or all of:

Event support and supervision e.g. helping set up stands, informing the public about what we do, selling tickets and manning information stands.
Promoting and publicising forthcoming events and community fundraising initiatives. Distributing fliers and promotional material.
Collecting tins from venues and counting funds.
Informing donors and members of the public about Positive Action and the work we do.
Generally supporting the various types of fundraising activity.

Responsibilities

Taking an active interest in the overall aims of the Charity and its fundraising goals.
To attend events, fundraisers and to complete tasks that have been committed to.
Adherence to Positive Actions policies, including health and safety, equal opportunities and confidentiality.

Additional duties could include

Public speaking.
Developing fundraising initiatives.
Driving/ providing transport.
Promoting the charity at awareness and networking events.
Helping Co-ordinate other volunteers and helpers.

Experience and/or desirable skills required

An interest in fundraising is essential.
Ability to think creatively and be accountable at fundraising events.
Have good organisation and planning skills and demonstrate attention to detail.
Good communication and interpersonal skills and enjoying meeting new people.
An empathy for those living with HIV and an awareness of the importance of good health and wellbeing.
Be out going and relish a challenge!

Hours
The main proportion of our community fundraising is done through one off events during the year with busier times around World AIDS Day on December 1st. We would ask volunteers to commit to a certain amount of time but wouldn't expect them to attend all fundraising activities.

Behind the scenes
Organisation Support Volunteers

If you don't feel like 'being in the front line' there are several other ways in which you can help:

Administrative support as and when it arises.
Counting money and sending thank you letters.
Help plan for future fundraising activities.
If you are happy to use your car then we have posters and information leaflets that are distributed around the local area and promotional materials that need taking to venues, (Mileage expenses are paid).
Book-keeping.
Catering support.
Domestic assistance.
DIY, we often need help with odd jobs around the centre for example putting up notice boards or fixing taps.
Marketing/PR.
Transporting clients to drop-in sessions/appointments.

Experience and/or desirable skills required
Volunteers will be expected to demonstrate experience and skills relevant to the support they are committing to give. For example if you want to help us with driving we would expect you to be a confident driver, have a valid licence and insurance and your own car.

Location
At either of our offices and centres in Aldershot or Southampton as organisational needs dictate.

Hours
To suit during office hours which are: Mon- Fri: 09:30-17:30

Further information

Support Training and Development

You will receive an application pack, attend a training induction day and receive a volunteer handbook. There will be further training provided to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. You will be able to meet regularly with the Community Engagement Co-ordinator and have the opportunity throughout the year to meet and network with staff and fellow volunteers.

What are the benefits to me?

Developing your communication, customer service, organisational and interpersonal skills.
Meeting new people and being part of a fun, enthusiastic and supportive team.
Adding to your CV.
Potential to develop a variety of skills.
Gaining a broad experience of working with a diverse range of people and a greater knowledge of HIV.
Make a real difference to those affected by HIV.

Location

Any of the three drop-in centres in Aldershot, Southampton and Portsmouth or within the communities of Hampshire and Surrey.

Will my expenses be reimbursed?

We reimburse volunteers' "out-of-pocket" expenses within agreed guidelines.

PA's Expectations of volunteers

To ensure that volunteers get the most out of the opportunity whilst recognising their responsibility to PA, volunteers are required to:

Be clear about time available.
Fulfill voluntary work which has been committed to.
Undertake training and maintain knowledge.
Observe the volunteer handbooks policies and practice.

Insurance

Volunteers are covered by PA's Employers and Public Liability insurance but will be required to make their own arrangements for adequate insurance if providing transportation or delivering therapies to clients.

Upon Leaving

We value the work that volunteers put in so we would ask that, when possible, you give us as much notice prior to leaving. One month is preferable however we understand that this is not always possible.

Apply Now

To get started, please print out and fill in the application form below and sign the confidentiality agreement; then post these back to us. We will then get in contact with you.

Application form

To start, please print out and fill in the application form.

Volunteer application form