Volunteering

Drugaid recognise that volunteers enhance the services available to drug and alcohol users so we commit time, energy and resources to a volunteer scheme run by our dedicated volunteer co-ordinator.

Volunteers are key to workforce development, ensuring Drugaid have a well trained and sustainable team of unpaid and paid workers.

Brief outline of the role of the volunteer

The role of the volunteers at Drugaid can vary depending on how much time someone is able to commit and what they are interested and capable of doing.

All volunteers will go through an induction which gives them an opportunity to see what work Drugaid does.
Volunteers can then specialise in an area that interests them.
For example someone may like working with young people as a support worker or trainer.
They may prefer to work with people wishing to reduce their substance use and offer support and practical help.
They may get involved in diversionary activities and take service users to the gym or horse riding.
Or they may want to work in the drop-in centres offering crisis intervention, information and support.

Volunteers receive professional development support including training, mentoring, supervision and reviews, portfolio building, work expereince and help with CVs and interview practice.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Drugaid aims to provide everyone who volunteers with us an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
We offer:

• Accredited training.
• Support, mentoring and guidance from a trained substance misuse worker.
• The opportunity to apply for paid employment if you wish to do so.
• Personal and professional development.
• The opportunity to meet new and interesting people.

The criteria for being a volunteer

Drugaid will encourage people from all sections of the community to apply to become a volunteer including those who have been directly and indirectly affected by substance misuse.

Drugaid are particularly looking for the following qualities from prospective volunteers:

• Open minded, non judgemental, creative, supportive and willing to learn.
• We ask that you are able to give us some of your time on a weekly basis.

Drugaid can have more people wanting to volunteer than the spaces we have available. Although not everyone who applies to become a volunteer will be successful we will give you suggestions, signposting to other organisations or request you reapply at another time if you are initially unable to join our team.

How do I apply to volunteer with Drugaid?

Drugaid recruit volunteers 2-3 times a year, if there is sufficient demand and capacity within the organisation.  The maximum number of volunteers recruited at each time is 12.

All people interested in volunteering with Drugaid should ring our HR Officer who will let you know when the next recruitment will be.  The HR Officer will either send you out an application form or ask to hold your contact details on our database until our next recruitment.

Successful Applicants will be invited to attend a group interview.

For more information please have a look at our volunteering handbook or give our HR Officer a ring on 02920 849 640.

Comments from existing volunteers

"I feel my input is valued" Caerphilly Volunteer

"It's an eye opener, it's changed my attitudes"  GOALS Volunteer

"It's opened up a new career path for me"  Merthyr Volunteer