Volunteer Roles

We will work with each volunteer to deliver a full induction and VR training session after which a residential care home, near the volunteer’s own home wherever possible, will be identified as their placement. 

The volunteer will need to provide their own transport. We will accompany the volunteer for their first care home visit after which we will provide ongoing support. We envisage the volunteer would deliver a two to three-hour weekly support session.

The volunteer will be required to be observant, sensitive, and responsive to the needs of the individuals they are working with, and to uphold the highest health and safety standards. They will be required to work effectively within a team to achieve good patient experiences and outcomes. There will also be a small amount of feedback information to complete and submit following each visit. 

Company Background

‘Connecting Realities’ is a project coordinated by Vere Experiences CIC which explores the use of immersive and digital technology to support and improve the outcomes of people who may be at risk of isolation.

Connecting Realities is in residence at the Pembrokeshire Community Hub and partners include:

• Hywel Dda University Health Board
• Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC)
• Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS)
• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA)
• Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development (PLANED)
• Volunteering Matters

Aims and outcomes

The use of Virtual Reality headsets in residential care facilities has been proven to:

• reduce loneliness
• reduce periods and feelings of depression
• improve medical care
• reduce feelings of isolation
• improve cognitive tasks
• provide adventure
• provide additional entertainment

 Job Description

  Job summary and purpose

• Support the delivery of Virtual Reality interventions working with staff in residential care homes
• Listen to participants when they share their experiences, and observe and record their responses
• Respond to and report feedback to improve the experience process
• Problem-solve to support individual needs and reduce risks

 Main duties and responsibilities

• Support individuals to experience Virtual Reality (VR) following agreed guidelines, protocols, care pathways and guidance
• Record feedback using agreed systems and processes
• Report technical issues immediately to Lead Co-ordinator
• Uphold the highest health and safety standards and promptly alert management to new or newly identified risks or incidents
• Pro-actively contribute to the innovative development of the project

 Additional information

• VR training and equipment provided
• Own transport required or use of public transport with mileage paid
• All technical equipment supplied
• Uniform/workwear provided
• The ability to communicate in Welsh is an advantage but not essential

• Work with and support the VM Engagement Manager around their communities’ identified wants and needs
• Promote community cohesion where the community becomes self-sufficient
• Promote and become the point of contact for local volunteering opportunities available with Pembrokeshire Volunteering Matters and Pembrokeshire Community Hub
• Disseminate useful information to benefit the community around opportunities and community grants
• Use, share and feedback local knowledge to work alongside community members to help identify future opportunities
• Set up a pro-active community group if required
• As the role progresses new innovative responsibilities may develop

Time Frame: 

Be able to commit to volunteering to between 2-4 hours a week

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The role will require a DBS check and/or production of a current certificate

Key Duties and responsibilities 

• To adhere to confidentiality and current GDPR policies
• To be innovative in how and when to speak with community members
• To record, share and discuss community information with the VM Engagement Manager and plan moving forward
• To maintain ongoing discussions with residents
• To maintain accurate records of meetings and discussions
• To immediately report issues including any safeguarding concerns to the Engagement Manager
• To work with the community to identify residents who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness
• To be flexible within the role
• To be passionate about supporting your local community

Key attributes 

1. Good communication and listening skills
2. Confident, patient and emphatic
3. Reliable and honest
4. Pro -active and passionate

Duties could include answering and responding to calls and emails, booking meetings, planning team events, data entry, invoicing, IT support, promoting the project at events, managing databases, dealing with public inquiries and much, much more.

Time Frame