Volunteers bring a vitality and energy and a different perspective to our work. Independence Trust is a demanding environment in which to volunteer where every day is different and rewarding. If you like what we do and think that volunteering might suit you then this part of the website is for you.

We value volunteers for their passion, commitment and desire to make a difference and Independence Trust has always been committed to the development of volunteers in order to make the best use of all that they offer.

Volunteers’ skills are used throughout the organisation. For example, in our drug and alcohol services volunteers help to run the needle exchange and offer advice and information on the telephone and face to face. In our mental health services, volunteers offer face to face support, facilitate groups and support outings that help with developing social skills with service users. There are also a number of opportunities in administration or business development.

There are no specific qualifications for volunteers. All we ask is that you can be flexible and willing to learn. We look for people who share our values of empathy, tenacity, challenge and ethics. We welcome those who may have personal experience of the issues that face those who use our services. We enjoy Investing in Volunteers recognition. This award represents the organisation’s positive and inclusive attitude to volunteers and the ways in which we recruit, train and support our volunteer teams.

Many people who use our services may one day want to make use of their experiences and train to become volunteers. Some then become paid staff. If volunteers wish, they are encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge as a route to gaining careers.

We offer comprehensive training and continuing support to all volunteers.

 

Volunteer Mentoring

We also run a Volunteer Mentor Scheme. The aim is to recruit and train people who have had some experiences of drug and alcohol treatment to act as mentors. They help other service-users to sustain positive changes in their behaviour.

This could involve helping to develop confidence and self esteem by sharing experiences and enthusiasm about overcoming substance misuse issues. It encourages those they support to recognise the benefits of all their efforts and to form positive relationships.

Contact the Volunteering department on 01452 317473 or email volunteering@independencetrust.co.uk

 

Student Placements

We have a long and respected track record of providing placement opportunities. These enable students following higher education programmes from Gloucestershire and surrounding counties, or staff seeking continuous professional development opportunities to spend time in one part of our service developing the knowledge and skills to enhance their practice. Social Work Degree, Mental Health Nursing and Health and Social Care students have all had successful placements within one of our teams. We consider applications for other students or practitioners requiring this type of placement.

We can offer regular supervision, a professional environment and in house learning opportunities.

Within our staff team we currently have four Practice Learning Educators and are keen to build links with other learning organisations.

At Independence Trust we pride ourselves on being a learning organisation with high standards working in partnership with both students and educational providers.

Contact the Learning and Development department at messenger.house@independencetrust.co.uk