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  1. FAQs

Volunteering FAQs

If your query is not answered below, please email us at [email protected] and we will try our best to help you.

How do I apply for a volunteering role?

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1. Complete the application form

You can find an application form on our volunteering opportunities page or you can click here to download the form directly.

Please ensure that you write the name of the volunteering role you are applying for at the top of the form.

You will need to provide two references, which we may contact during the enrolment process.

2. Submit the application form

You can email your application form to us at [email protected] or if you would prefer, you can print and send the form to: WDP Volunteer Services, 1st Floor, Ilford Chambers, 11 Chapel Road, Ilford, IG1 2DR

3. Wait to hear back from us

You will receive a confirmation email from us once you have submitted your application form. We will get back to you within 10 working days. If you have any queries in the meantime, we are happy to help.

Need help with your application? Email us at [email protected]

Published: 23rd June, 2021

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What volunteering roles can I get involved in at WDP?

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We have a variety of volunteer roles across our services, which include:

  • Practitioners (who support our staff in working with our service users)
  • Skills facilitators to run groups (e.g. arts and crafts, music)
  • Volunteer counsellors
  • Complementary therapists (e.g. yoga teachers, acupuncture)
  • Administrators and receptionists
  • Social Work students
  • Employability skills coaches
  • Health trainers
  • IT trainers
  • Cooks
  • Gardeners
  • Innovation and Research Unit Volunteers
  • Capital Card Ambassadors

Published: 22nd June, 2021

Updated: 23rd June, 2021

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What does a Volunteer Counsellor do?

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Our counselling service provides people with the opportunity to meet in private with a Volunteer Counsellor for 12 weekly (up to 1 year), 50-minute sessions to discuss issues and concerns, which are currently making life difficult.

These could include any of the following and more: addictions, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, relationship difficulties, loss of purpose or meaning, family difficulties, loss and bereavement, anger, depression, trauma, etc.

You will enable individuals to identify and explore their concerns whilst reviewing options and assisting individuals to decide on a course of action.

As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will:
 
  • See a minimum of 3 clients and a maximum of 6 clients per week (1 day).
  • Keep accurate records of work in line with WDP expectations and feedback any issues to your line manager/supervisor
  • Attend ongoing training in discussion with your clinical supervisor
  • Adhere to all WDP policies and procedures
In addition to the above you will be invited to participate in meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.
 
What skills do I need?

The role would be ideal for someone looking to develop their therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue some counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACK, UKCP. While some knowledge of the sector is desirable, we are specifically looking for people who have a passion for the work that we do. A positive attitude and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgemental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.

To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the clients at WDP we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following’

  • Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSC,or MSC in counselling or psychotherapy training.
  • If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, Bsc, or Msc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
  • Trainees are expected to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, UKCP or BPS.
  • Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours
  • Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling or psychotherapy accreditation
  • Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to WDP and agree that WDP can ask supervisor and tutor from references.

Published: 21st June, 2021

Updated: 23rd June, 2021

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What does a Volunteer Receptionist/Administrator do?

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Volunteer Receptionists/Administrators provide a welcoming presence for people coming into our services.

The role can include:

  • Covering reception duties, answering the telephones and welcoming service users to the service
  • Undertaking day-to-day administrative tasks such as filing, archiving and photocopying
  • Supporting the collection, collation and inputting of service data 
  • Working with local and national databases that record service activity. 

In addition to the above you will be expected to participate in team meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the service.

Published: 3rd March, 2020

Updated: 13th May, 2020

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What does a Volunteer Recovery Practitioner do?

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Volunteer Recovery Practitioners support the delivery of a wide range of interventions for our service users.

The role can include:

  • Advising service users on drug awareness, overdose prevention, safer injecting, safer sex practices and other harm minimisation advice
  • Supporting staff to complete service user assessments (Please note you will not be asked to carry out initial assessments)
  • Supporting staff who have a caseload of service users; this may involve working with service users and co-facilitating groups.
  • Assisting service users to access wider services, including completing referrals to onward local agencies.

In addition to the above you will be expected to participate in team meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the service.

Published: 3rd March, 2020

Updated: 13th May, 2020

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What does a Capital Card Ambassador do?

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Capital Card Ambassador roles can include:

  • Supporting with the Capital Card Shop on Wheels during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Conducting desktop research to identify potential local Spend Partners
  • Communicating, promoting, and organising surveys or consultations in your service
  • Championing service users' interests, feedback, values, beliefs, and contributions
  • Approaching potential Spend Partners in the community (this could be in person or by telephone/email) and promoting the value of involvement with the Capital Card
  • Supporting the service's Capital Card Lead

In addition to the above you will be expected to participate in team meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the service.

Published: 2nd March, 2020

Updated: 16th November, 2020

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What support will I receive as a volunteer?

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If you decide to volunteer with us, you will be allocated to a supervisor once you begin your role.

They will provide you with ongoing support and regular supervision meetings and will work closely with you to ensure you get the most out of your volunteer experience at WDP.

There is also a central volunteer services team that will support you while on your placement.

You can also expect:

  • A full induction to your role and continuous training
  • Access to organisational training opportunities
  • Reimbursement of reasonable travel and lunch expenses

Published: 2nd March, 2020

Updated: 3rd March, 2020

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Once I have sent my application form to you, when will you get back to me?

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You will receive an automated email to acknowledge that we have received your application. 

If you are applying for an advertised volunteer role, we will be in touch within 10 working days.

All other applications will be reviewed and you will be contacted if a suitable vacancy arises. Do keep checking our website regularly, as new Volunteering Opportunities are advertised as they become available.

Published: 21st November, 2019

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Do you want to hear from people who can offer something other than the roles advertised?

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If you have a particular vocation or skill which you think could help WDP service users, we’d love to hear from you! Please send us an email at [email protected].

Published: 18th November, 2019

Updated: 11th May, 2020

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Can I work and volunteer at the same time?

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Absolutely – there are no stipulations on working outside of your volunteer placement, unless you are receiving benefits. However, we ask that you are able to commit to the days and hours that you have agreed with your Service Manager / Supervisor. If you are having any difficulties in committing to your agreed days and times you will need to discuss this with your supervisor, as a priority. 

Published: 18th November, 2019

Updated: 20th November, 2019

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What training will I receive?

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Throughout a volunteer placement, individuals have access to the same training opportunities available to paid members of staff, apart from management specific courses. A quarter of all places on training courses are allocated to volunteers.

You can access local training arranged by your service and there will also be opportunities for specialist volunteer training either locally or at the head office.

When being inducted by your supervisor you should agree on a training plan which can be reviewed during supervision.

Published: 18th November, 2019

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Recruitment of ex-offenders

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We recognise that individuals looking for volunteer positions with WDP may have criminal records. While certain serious offences may have an impact on the volunteer roles you can undertake, having a criminal record will not automatically bar you from undertaking volunteer positions with WDP.

It is important to be honest about any criminal convictions you may have when applying for a volunteer role. This is because, if you are successful in achieving a volunteer role, you will be asked to complete a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly a CRB check). Please contact [email protected] if you would like to discuss any issues around previous convictions or DBS checks.

Published: 18th November, 2019

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Do I have to be abstinent to volunteer?

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WDP will review applications on an individual basis. We have no specific requirements for periods of abstinence but would expect applicants to be motivated and ready to fulfil voluntary role descriptions that have been applied for.

Published: 18th November, 2019

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Am I able to volunteer while receiving benefits?

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Receiving state benefits should not impact on any volunteer placements that you undertake, provided that you do not receive payment while volunteering and that you adhere to the conditions of the benefits that you receive. For example, if you are receiving Job Seekers Allowance you will still need to evidence that you are looking for paid employment and be available for an interview within 48 hours.

Full information relating to volunteering and state benefits can be found on the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/when-people-can-volunteer

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that volunteering does not impinge on the requirements of your benefits.

Published: 18th November, 2019

Updated: 19th November, 2019

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Can I get my out of pocket expenses reimbursed?

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Yes - we will reimburse reasonable travel and lunch costs.

Published: 18th November, 2019

Updated: 19th November, 2019

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Do I need a DBS check (previously CRB) to volunteer with WDP?

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Yes. All volunteer roles require a full Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check (previously a CRB check). Once you receive your approved DBS check, please let the WDP Volunteering team know as we would need to make a copy for our records.

Without a valid DBS check, you can start your role but you will not be able to do any one-to-one work with service users. For any volunteering roles involving work with families and children, unfortunately you will not be able to start your volunteer role until you show us your completed DBS check.

Published: 17th November, 2019

Updated: 19th November, 2019

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How much volunteering do I need to do to get a job in the field?

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What volunteering will do is give you valuable experience which will increase your chances of becoming employed with WDP or other Social Care agencies.

Usually, at least six months experience in this or a related field to is required to be employed in a practitioner role.

Published: 16th October, 2019

Updated: 28th November, 2019

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