What support is available to me?

All volunteers will be offered time where they can meet with a project coordinator and talk about how their volunteering is going. This will be different for each role. It’s a chance to talk about how things are going, how you are feeling about your volunteering and to identify and evaluate your support needs. You can also tell us if you need more support. Volunteers are offered regular supervision which is an informal, friendly space to discuss your work. Our phone numbers are at the front of this pack.

How much time will I have to commit?

We are flexible regarding hours as many people have other commitments outside of their voluntary work. Most of our volunteer roles require a few hours a week.

What about expenses?

You can claim back expenses for travel and some refreshments associated with your volunteering role. All training is paid for.

Do I need a CRB check?

Mind in Brighton and Hove and Sussex Central YMCA have a duty of care to operate in accordance with the policy guidelines set out in ‘Safe guarding Children and Young People’ and volunteers will be asked to do a Criminal Records Bureau check which we will pay for.

What information is kept about me?

In order to maintain funding, and to evaluate the Right Here project we do need to obtain some information about you, your contact details, records of volunteering hours, achievements and equal opportunities monitoring. This is kept in a safe place and information will only be used in a statistical way and is not identifiable to any individual. If you would like to see our policies on data collection and protection please ask. All volunteers are also asked to respect other volunteers’ confidentiality and to be mindful of where discussions are taking place.

What training will I receive?

All volunteers will be offered and expected to take part in core training which includes Equality & Diversity, Basic Mental Health Awareness, Resilience, Communication Skills and Child Protection.

We also have accreditation and training opportunities in place which you can get a certificate for. You don’t have to take part in any accreditation schemes but they do look great on your CV! We can also offer you training with other community organisations

Where do we meet?

Right Here volunteers meet regularly at Sussex Central YMCA and Mind venues in Brighton and Hove. The project Coordinators ensure that the meeting venues are safe environments that have been risk assessed and covered by adequate insurance.

Will volunteering help find me a job?

As a volunteer you will be gaining valuable experience and skills which could help you get work. For example, your communication skills may be enhanced through working with young people and professionals. You may also do some training with us or get some accreditation which adds value to your volunteering.

We are happy to provide references if it is appropriate for volunteers who have been on the project for a sufficient length of time.We would like to think that being a volunteer for Right Here is something people would like to include on their CV and encourage others to get involved.

What happens if I am unable to continue volunteering?

Volunteers may leave the project or take some time out at any point if they feel unable to commit their time (e.g. for health reasons, study or paid employment). Where possible, we ask you to let us know if you are going to leave the project or need some time out.

What about health and safety?

While you are volunteering at Right Here you have the right to work in a safe environment. Right Here Brighton and Hove is part of Mind Brighton and Hove and Sussex Central YMCA and therefore shares the Health and Safety policies of both organisations. For each volunteering activity there will be a risk assessment which will be evaluated on a regular basis. If you have any health and safety concerns please tell a member of staff at any time.

What input will I have in the project?

We actively encourage and enable volunteers to develop their own ideas into projects and take part in decision making processes through supported volunteer roles.