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Workshops Support Volunteer

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Workshops Support Volunteer at Borderline Arts.

You will provide support to the people running the workshops, both before, during and after the sessions. Working alongside the facilitator/s, you will ensure that those attending groups feel welcome and that the sessions run smoothly and are enjoyable for participants. Most of our sessions are creative groups for adults who have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). However, there are also occasional creative BPD training workshops for university students and NHS professionals.


The Workshops Support Volunteer will work alongside the Workshop Facilitator to: 

Before

  • Set up the workshops room

  • Check the loos are in an acceptable condition!

Getting Started

  • Get people signed in (and any forms filled out)

  • Ensure participants feel welcomed and comfortable 

During

  • Remind Facilitator to go through group guidelines and Health & Safety info, if required

  • Put background music on, if the group want it on

  • Chats with/encourages discussion with group members

  • Offer/make drinks and biscuits

  • Take photos (of those who have consented)

  • Help group members find art materials etc

  • Change water for painting (etc) when required

  • Where appropriate, feel free to join in with the creative activity

  • Be on alert for people seeming stuck – ask if they want help

  • Be alert to anyone feeling anxious or unwell etc – where appropriate, check if they are ok.

  • If someone leaves the room unexpectedly, check they’re ok & alert facilitator

  • Ensure anyone with additional needs is able to participate as fully as possible & feels at ease

  • Chat with/encourage discussion with group members

  • Alert facilitator to any immediate health & safety concerns

Ending

  • Hand out Feedback Forms (& EQUAL Forum slips etc) plus any dates/info for upcoming groups/events

After

  • Hand out dates / info for upcoming groups/events

  • Clear away and tidy up (vacuum if required), wash up mugs etc, ensure heating/etc is switched off etc

  • Tell Sarah/Workshops Admin if we have run out of any materials and/or need more

  • Tell Sarah and Workshops Admin if any health & safety issues that arose or if you need a debrief!

  • Pass on all forms to Workshops Admin so they can input them into database/Brevo


Knowledge and Skills Required 

  • Is very personable, fun and sensitive to others’ needs 

  • Good awareness of BPD

  • Has a good working knowledge of what Borderline is all about 

  • Is positive and enthusiastic 

  • Is willing to get stuck in!

  • Can abide by borderline policies

  • Has creative flair and enthusiasm

  • Can communicate effectively and has excellent interpersonal skills 

  • Has the ability to work well in a team

  • Is committed to their role

  • Communicates clearly and regularly with the Volunteer Coordinator about what is happening generally, positive steps forward, if anything is going awry, if yourself or team members are not able to complete tasks, etc: Communication is key!


Appointment terms and Time Commitment Required 

  • The Workshops Support Volunteer is appointed for a term, which is negotiated between the Chair and the applicant. The minimum term is 12 months.

  • The estimated time commitment required as the Workshops Support Volunteer of Borderline is 8 hours per month. Some months will be much less, some a little more – so there is a need for flexibility.

  • At all times, remember that Borderline’s focus is to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding the arts – ensure whatever you are doing is achieving that aim, or leading us to be able to do that more.


Benefits 

Being the Workshops Support Volunteer of Borderline Arts is an opportunity to contribute to the overall development of Borderline Arts. Our committee is a friendly, dedicated team who welcomes new members. 


  • 100% of out of pocket expenses that are vital to the role of Fundraising Coordinator are reimbursed.

  • Gain experience helping to run groups.

  • Access to training and development workshops and seminars. 

  • Opportunity to work in a positive and encouraging environment. 

  • Gain experience of working in a growing dynamic and successful arts and mental health organisation. 

  • Borderline will provide ongoing support and a reference to help your future career


How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, please fill out out our volunteer Application Form. 

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