Volunteer as an advocate with Onside

Onside is looking for people who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable or disadvantaged people, to volunteer as a Relevant Person's Representative (RPR) or Community Advocate in Herefordshire.

Relevant Person's Representative (RPR)

• An RPR is an independent person who 'looks out' for an older or disabled person living in a care home, making sure they are getting the right care and support and are being treated fairly
  
  
• The people you may visit will be receiving care, are vulnerable and often have communication difficulties, for many reasons such as dementia, learning disabilities or difficulties following a stroke or other physical conditions
  
  
• You will try to understand the person you are supporting and encourage everyone involved in their care and support to see the 'whole person'
  
  
• This is a brilliant opportunity to support someone in your local area

Why become a Relevant Person’s Representative?

During her 20’s, June loved dancing, laughing and being swept off her feet. 60 years on, June still smiles at the memories of the Dance Hall.

She now lives in a residential home, she's frail and finds it difficult to be understood. June needs support from someone who can still see the person who laughed, danced, loved and cried.

Can you volunteer to support a person like June?

• Ensuring the person's care and support is right for them
  
  
• Making a difference to someone’s life
  
  
• Regular visits to people for around an hour, once every 4 weeks
  
  
• Working in your local area, either in person or via video call
  
  
• You'll receive free training and ongoing support from our Volunteer Team

Community Advocate

As a volunteer Community Advocate, you will work alongside a vulnerable individual, supporting them in a variety of ways. You may help them to make a complaint about a service or situation they are unhappy with, such as a housing or benefits issue or an NHS complaint. You may help people to live independently by dealing with issues with utility providers or services, setting up a bank account or helping them to understand and manage their finances.

An advocate does not provide legal or specialist advice, but helps to ensure that the individual:

• Has access to information and professional advice and guidance
  
  
• Has support to consider options, make decisions and act on information and advice
  
  
• Is afforded fair and equal treatment
  
  
• Has their voice and views heard

Why become a Community Advocate?

John has learning disabilities and is unable to manage financial information. Unbeknown to John, a loan was taken out in his name and he was being chased for payment. This caused him significant distress, as he didn’t understand what was happening. The advocate worked with John to negotiate with the loan provider and was successful in getting the debt written off.

Can you volunteer to help a vulnerable adult like John to be heard?

• Are you empathetic and a good communicator with Microsoft IT skills?
  
  
• The hours are flexible and can fit around your current commitments
  
  
• You'll receive free training and ongoing support from our Volunteer Team

To join our Volunteer Team or for more information, please call our Access Hub on 01905 27525 or email volunteering@onside-advocacy.org.uk.