Volunteering
ANCA currently has about 40 volunteers. We always need new people as the demands on our services increase all the time. In particular, we need people to:

  • Drive clients to health appointments and collect them afterwards. The vast majority of appointments are in the Croydon area and are during weekday working hours. Volunteers will need access to a suitable roadworthy vehicle and must check their insurance

  • Escort clients on the shopping buses on a rota basis

  • Help at social events and the Lunch Club, to set out tables and chairs, wait on tables, clearing and washing up afterwards

  • Befriend clients by regular visits to them in their homes

  • Offer practical "DIY" type help on an occasional basis, in response to ad-hoc requests. This may be no more complex than changing an out of reach light bulb – but still essential support for a frail housebound person

  • Take on office duties on a rota basis, including answering the telephone to clients and acting on their requests

  • Carry out light gardening

  • Assist clients with official "form-filling" and liaison with statutory authorities

  • Safeguarding
Many of our clients nay be vulnerable and ANCA has a safeguarding Policy. We ask
all volunteers and staff to undertake a DBS assessment, at no cost to the volunteers or staff.


We would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us at the ANCA office. More details about some of the opportunities to volunteer are set out at the bottom of this page.


Some commonly asked questions:

ommitment?
 
Q: Will  I have time for the c
Your commitment can be as small or great as you wish. All contributions are valued. We do ask that you are reliable in your undertaking to prevent frustration and disappointment to staff and clients

Volunteers should also be aware that the frequency of requests from clients can vary considerably and ANCA cannot guarantee the timing or frequency of call outs.

Q: Will I be asked to do something I don't want to do?

You always have the right to say no - at any time. You can say no at the beginning if you are asked to do something you would rather not do, or at any time while volunteering for ANCA.

Q: Who can I ask for help if I need it?

The staff at ANCA are available to help and support. You are welcome to call anytime the office is open. Where applicable, training can be arranged to help you with your voluntary work.

Q: Will I be insured while carrying out Voluntary Work?

Yes, ANCA carries Employers and Public Liability Insurance which covers volunteers.

However, if you are driving your own vehicle, you must, of course have statutory vehicle insurance, including Third Party cover. You must check with your insurers before taking on a driving job for ANCA.


Some Volunteers Job Descriptions

Shopping Bus Escorts
The ANCA shopping buses operate on Wednesdays and Thursdays between approximately 10.00am and 12.00 noon. The escorts accompany the shoppers to Tesco at Elmers End and provide assistance to people in wheelchairs, or who find it difficult to reach items on high and low shelves, or who are visually challenged.
No driving is involved.

The job description includes:
  • assisting shoppers from their homes into the adapted minibus
  • providing assistance whilst at the supermarket
  • ensuring that the shopper and the shopping arrive safely at home
  • enjoying the fact that you have helped provide the opportunity for those with limited mobility or sensory impairment to choose for themselves



Lunch Club and Social Event Helpers

We always need people who are available to help with our Lunch Club held at St Mildred’s Centre on Bingham Road from 11.45am to 1.30pm, 2 days a week.
The job description includes:
  • setting out tables and chairs and laying tables
  • assisting with the serving of ready cooked meals
  • ensuring the well-being of members and help to provide a friendly, welcoming atmosphere
  • assisting with the clearing of tables and washing up
  • observing health and safety and food hygiene regulations under the direction of the Supervisor
  • clearing away afterwards
  • gaining great satisfaction from helping older people enjoy a hot meal in a friendly atmosphere

Drivers
Drivers provide transport to non-urgent health related appointments and ANCA's social events using their own vehicles. ANCA also provides transport to Lunch Clubs and ad-hoc social events. An mileage allowance is available for drivers who wish to claim expenses.

The time involved is from half an hour per month upwards, depending on your availability. ANCA cannot control how long a patient may have to wait at a clinic or hospital, so patience and flexibility are appreciated.

We try to give as much notice as we can but we especially appreciate volunteers who can help out at short notice.

Drivers must check with their car insurance brokers that use of a private car for this purpose does not invalidate their cover.

Drivers should not attempt heavy lifting unless they are trained in the Wheelchair Handling Course and they are physically fit.ANCA can arrange for suitable courses as necessary.

The job description includes:


    Befriending

    Developing a longer term association with one or more people. You may be calling round for a chat and a cup of tea on a regular basis.
    The relationship may develop into other areas but only by mutual agreement: looking after some of the Client’s needs - perhaps a little shopping or household chores.

    This role will be different in every case.



    Security and Safeguarding Clients and Volunteers

    We would ask volunteers to bear in mind that our Clients may be vulnerable and ANCA asks volunteers in such roles to have a CRB check undertaken (arranged by ANCA) and to be instructed in ANCA’s Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedure.

    In many cases, volunteers will be asked to carry Photo ID which will be provided by ANCA to reassure clients that volunteers are bona fide.