Volunteering and Social Prescribing

Volunteering and social prescribing

Volunteers’ week is a great opportunity to say thank you to our wonderful volunteers who give their time so generously to help VCSE groups and organisations in Salford. Some volunteers devote their time daily, weekly or monthly, others volunteer as a one off or as and when they can. It all makes a difference and it is all valued and appreciated.

Across Salford CVS we have a wide range of different opportunities on offer throughout the sector and there is definitely something for everyone.

There are many routes to volunteering, for example, people may want to make new friends, meet others who share the same interests, give back to their community, learn something new, build their confidence – the list can go on. One of the ways people come to volunteer is through our social prescribing programme Wellbeing Matters.

Social prescribing is a way to link people to a range of local, non-clinical services by taking a holistic, person centred approach to improving a person’s health and wellbeing. Starting usually with a referral from a GP or health profession to their Community Connector.

Social prescribing can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.

You can find out more detail here Wellbeing Matters (salfordcvs.co.uk)

How does it work in Salford?

The Wellbeing Matters Team at Salford CVS have four Development Workers who work with people who have come through our social prescribing programme and have discussed the possibility of volunteering with their Community Connector. Together the team works together with the person who find out things such as;

• What do they enjoy? What is their passion or drive?
• What time do they have available?
• How would they get there?
• Is there anything that might stop them volunteering and how can we help to remove any barriers?

We offer a one-to-one appointment with a Development Worker where we have an informal, relaxed chat over a drink, in a place that the person chooses, to ensure they are comfortable and feel supported. We talk about the points above in a positive and encouraging way and use the time to centre on what is important to them. The Development Worker may be able to offer some suggestions for volunteer opportunities there and then or they may need to do some research and then schedule a follow up meeting. When we find a suitable opportunity, we will then make introductions and accompany the person to a meeting with the group if they wish. This is a good time for them to ask questions and see if they are happy to proceed. We can organise taster sessions too which is a great way to try something out before you make a commitment.

Making volunteering safe

The Development Workers have another important role which is to ensure the organisations and groups we introduce people to are safe. We do this by;

• Meeting with group leaders and develop relationships with them
• Ensuring their governing documents and policies are in place
• Discuss the opportunity in more detail to ensure it is appropriate
• Ask how the volunteer will be welcomed, inducted, supported, recognised and thanked
• Is there any training needed? DBS checks etc.

At Salford CVS we are able to support VCSE groups with all of the above to ensure that our volunteers have the best experience they can. Should any issues or concerns arise, which they can do from time to time, we can help with resolving these.

How do I get involved in social prescribing?

If you are a VCSE group or organisation, big or small, you can contact Salford CVS and one of our Development Workers will be happy to meet with you and tell you about the programme and how it works. The great news is that it is simple and easy to welcome volunteers into your group with the additional knowledge that you are playing an important role in their wellbeing journey.

If you are an individual and you think you would benefit from a social prescribing referral you can contact your GP practice and discuss it with them. They will make the referral to your local Community Connector and they will get in touch with you.

Thank you!

Thank you to all of our wonderful VCSE groups and organisations who continue to support our communities, making a difference everyday to the lives of people in Salford.