Alternative Provision and Outdoor Education Instructor

Hours: Minimum 10 hours per week with opportunity for additional hours, possibly with some evening, weekend and school holiday working
Salary: Community First Pay Scale 480 equivalent to £27,000 pro rata (actual salary £7,397 per annum) plus optional 7% employers pension contribution
Location: Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre with some outreach delivery at alternative venues, including Linkenholt Countryside Adventure Centre
Contract: Permanent
Supervisor: Deputy Centre Manager, Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre

Community First

Community First is a dynamic charity (Registration Number 288117) committed to supporting communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. Our team goes the extra mile to create brighter futures for those living and working in the county. Putting people first is at the heart of everything we do. Our outdoor education arm is run through our two sites at Oxenwood and Linkenholt and they offer residential activities to school, youth groups, and clubs. Programmes are bespoke, designed around each group’s learning goals, and delivered by experienced instructors.

The Role

This role supports the development and delivery of our Alternative Provision (AP) programme at the Oxenwood and Linkenholt Centres, working 10 hours per week. The post holder will provide young people who are struggling to attend school, with a high quality, engaging, and meaningful learning programme, typically delivered on a one to one basis, to help them succeed in a setting tailored to their individual needs

The role also has opportunity to be part of the wider Instructor team to lead a range of high-quality outdoor education and heritage activities for individuals and groups and particularly those that support young people, to develop their self-confidence, self-esteem and skills, as part of our day, multi-day and residential outdoor education service offer.

Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

For an informal discussion about the role and to apply please contact Mo Maloney, Deputy Centre Manager on 01264 731274 or email: dmaloney@oxenwoodcentre.com.

Please contact us if you would like a hard copy application form, or if you require any assistance in applying for this post.

Please send completed application forms to Nicky Theobald, Premises and Business Support Manager at ntheobald@communityfirst.org.uk. For more information about the role, please see the recruitment pack and apply using the application form linked below.

Please note there is no closing date for this role and we will review applications as they are received.

Community First is an equal opportunities employer.

Volunteer Club Leader – Carer Clubs

Carers Together Wiltshire is looking for Volunteer Club Leaders to support community-based Carer Clubs.

What are Carer Clubs?

Carer Clubs are all about unpaid Carers connecting, having fun, laughing, and looking after their mental well-being! We create spaces where we support Carers in finding a great balance between caring for others and looking after themselves.

Each club tailors their sessions focusing on what the Carer Club members want to do!

We often dive into an activity or listen to an inspiring or informative speaker, followed by a relaxed time with refreshments where Carers can chat, relax, and catch up. Whether it’s playing quizzes, card games, bingo, or just enjoying some extra social time to share stories and experiences – it’s all about making it fun and meaningful for everyone!

What does a Volunteer Club Leader do?

Our Volunteer Club Leaders run our community-based Carer Clubs and create a welcoming space for unpaid Carers at a local venue, where they can relax, unwind, and take a well-deserved break from their caregiving duties! The usual tasks carried out are:

• Organise and join fun monthly Carer Clubs, creating a lively space for Carers to connect and support each other!
• Greet and support new carers, helping them feel at home and encouraging them to sign up with Carers Together Wiltshire.
• Team up with fellow volunteers to create a friendly, open environment for everyone to feel welcome!
• Follow our guidelines to keep all Carers safe, and speak up if something seems worrying.
• Point Carers in the right direction for Carers Together Wiltshire services and other helpful resources.
• Keep track of Carer Club attendance to help us stay organized and on top of things.

As a Club Leader you will also help to promote the club in the local area to encourage unpaid Carers to take a break from their caring role in a fun and friendly environment.

How much time do I need to Commit?

As a Volunteer Club Leader, we ask for a minimum commitment of 3 hours per month at a Carer Club, but if you’re up for it, you’re more than welcome to lead more Clubs throughout the month, your time and energy are always appreciated!

Minimum monthly commitment: 3 hours

Induction Training: Two 2 hours sessions

Along with the initial training, volunteers need to join support and supervision meetings and attend additional training as necessary.  We would love for you to come along to Age UK Wiltshire’s Bi-Annual get-togethers too. It’s a great chance to connect and stay updated!

What skills do I need to have?

We’re looking for Volunteers who are excited to take the lead in running a Carers Club and create a positive, welcoming atmosphere for everyone!

• If you’re someone who’s empathetic to the needs of unpaid carers and are friendly, patient, reliable, and approachable, we’d love to hear from you.
• You’ll be great at motivating and encouraging others with confidence, and most importantly, you’ll bring a sense of fun and energy to everything you do!
• You’ll be able to build supportive and caring relationships, communicate clearly, and enjoy presenting to groups. Listening with empathy, especially when someone’s feeling distressed, is second nature to you – you know when to listen rather than solve.
• If you’re keen to learn new skills and happy to take part in online or group training, plus work as part of a supportive team to help develop the clubs – we think you’ll be a perfect fit!
• It’s all about, growing together, having fun, and most importantly making a difference!

What will I get out of Volunteering for Carers Together Wiltshire?

• An informative induction to Carers Together Wiltshire and Age UK Wiltshire, where you’ll discover all the amazing services we offer.
• Access to 10 engaging online training courses covering essential topics like GDPR, Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Slips, Trips & Falls.
• First Aid Training to feel confident in any situation.
• All the equipment you’ll need to run engaging club sessions.
• We’ve got you covered with out-of-pocket expenses.
• Be part of a supportive team that helps you grow and share new ideas.

What are the practical considerations?

You must be 18yrs or over, prepared to undertake the training requirements and meet the time commitments in this Volunteer role profile.

I have some questions, who can I talk to?

Contact: Emily Clark – Events and Engagement Officer

Tel: 01380 710 311

Email: volunteer@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk