Colebrook Housing Society is an independent, not for profit organisation, which provides high quality housing and support services for people with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities to help them live as independently as possible

We have supported housing projects across Plymouth and also support people in their own homes to enable them to improve their quality of life and to move towards living independently in the community.

Colebrook Housing Society aims to support people to take control of their own lives and enable individuals to gain full access to all the opportunities and choices to which they aspire.

Colebrook is committed to promoting the equality of opportunity for all residents, volunteers and staff.

What You Can Expect From Being A Volunteer

• To be part of an organisation that is playing an important role in improving opportunities for people with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities
• A chance to gain experience of working with people with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities
• Training opportunities to enhance your skills and help with career moves
• Regular volunteer meetings to get to know other volunteers and to find out what they are doing
• Guidance by way of a framework of policies and procedures. You will receive copies as part of your initial induction
• Support is available from staff on duty. More formal support is provided by regular reviews with Volunteer Co-ordinator. These meetings give the volunteer and co-ordinator the opportunity to ensure that all is well
• As a volunteer you will not be out of pocket as any travel expenses will be reimbursed, as well as any expenses incurred on undertaking an agreed activity

What Colebrook Expects From You

• To respect and value peoples differences
• Adhere to Colebrook’s policies, procedures and guidelines that relate to your voluntary role
• To be part of a team with staff and other volunteers
• To be reliable. If you change your plans, fall ill or cannot turn up, please let us know in good time so that we can make alternative arrangements
• To fully respect confidentiality of any information that you are given
• To talk to the Volunteer Co-ordinator or support staff for help or if you have any concerns or difficulties
• To be aware of our complaints procedure
• You will also have the opportunity to take part in recommended training and meetings.

What Volunteering Means

To be a volunteer means that you are giving your time to help others. You may do this for many reasons:

• To meet new people
• To share your skills with others
• To learn new skills
• To gain experience
• To get back into the work place
• Or simply to give something back to the community

What ever your reason WE value the time you give.

Volunteer Placements

As a volunteer you will usually be working within a particular project, such as the Drop In, helping out with various community activities or working with a particular resident as a buddy. The aim of volunteering is to provide support for residents to help build confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to integrate into the community, learn new skills and enjoy new experiences. Examples of volunteering are:

• Supporting residents to engage in new activities
• Helping residents to access leisure/educational courses
• Helping new residents to access the Drop In
• Helping residents to travel independently

What ever you choose to be involved in, you will be working as part of a team, along with other volunteers and support staff.

Being Part Of The Organisation

As a volunteer for Colebrook you are a valued member of the organisation. It is important to us that you are doing something that you enjoy. If you are not able to talk to the Volunteer Co-ordinator, do not do anything that you feel uncomfortable with and do not be afraid to say no.

We value whatever time you can give. There will always be a role for you, whether it is an hour or two days a week.

If you do volunteer, you and others will benefit and hopefully you will have some fun.

Our Commitment To You

• You are offered choices for how you get involved and how much time you give
• You have an induction looking at relevant policies and procedures
• We will ensure that you clearly understand your volunteering role and Colebrook’s volunteering policies, such as Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Code of Conduct, Boundaries and Good Practice
• You will be respected and not used as unpaid staff
• We aim to provide support and training and actively encourage volunteers to be equal partners within Colebrook Housing Society
• We encourage and want volunteers to be involved in steering the project so that it is catering for the needs of residents and volunteers alike
• Colebrook’s Health and Safety Policy ensures the health and safety of all residents, volunteers and staff is adhered to.