Volunteer Hub
Library Volunteer
Organisation Details
Bluesci
Activity type: Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Libraries, Mental Health
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Bluesci Support have provided community based mental health and wellbeing services in Trafford since 2004 from four locations in Old Trafford, Sale, Partington and Timperley. We work in a solution-focused, trauma-informed and collaborative way with individuals to empower them to create positive change in their life with support from the community.
Bluesci offer a number of services including social prescribing, talking therapies and an out of hours crisis service. Our centres host a number of free activities and workshops for people to join to socialise and develop new skills. Volunteers are at the heart of our work and help in many ways within the service.
Bluesci offer a number of services including social prescribing, talking therapies and an out of hours crisis service. Our centres host a number of free activities and workshops for people to join to socialise and develop new skills. Volunteers are at the heart of our work and help in many ways within the service.
Description of role: Bluesci run the Coppice Library in partnership with Trafford Council. The service brings together the library service and mental health and wellbeing services (e.g. social prescribing and counselling) to create a unique opportunity for the local community.
Our library desk is run by volunteers, welcoming people to the centre and helping them with various queries. Volunteers are the first point of contact for many people who come to Bluesci centres and a warm welcome makes people feel comfortable.
Main tasks of the role include:
1. Meeting and greeting visitors to the centre, engaging and assisting people with general enquiries and signposting.
2. Supporting people to find library books and assisting them to loan, return or renew books.
3. Carrying out administration such as answering the phone, making phone calls, taking messages, and sending brief emails.
3. Liaising with the team to ensure the smooth running of the front of house service.
4. Regular checks of the building to ensure all areas are set up, clean and tidy.
We are also welcome volunteers to propose ideas for projects, and to shadow colleagues in their work to gain experience.
Skills and experience you will gain in this role:
1. Listening skills - some people attend the centre in distress, or want to speak to someone about their concerns and this role will develop your ability to actively listen to others.
2. Administration - answering emails, creating word and excel documents, fielding queries over the phone.
3. Time management - the role involves working as a team to manage bookings within the centre and to ensure the service runs smoothly.
4. Understanding of mental health - you will work in a multi-disciplinary team made up of social prescribers, mental health nurses, counsellors and CBT therapists, offering opportunities to understand different job roles and the mental health system.
5. Understanding library systems - you will have the opportunity to understand the council library system including using the Spydus online system, the Dewey system and workflow system to ensure Trafford residents receive books at their chosen library.
Our library desk is run by volunteers, welcoming people to the centre and helping them with various queries. Volunteers are the first point of contact for many people who come to Bluesci centres and a warm welcome makes people feel comfortable.
Main tasks of the role include:
1. Meeting and greeting visitors to the centre, engaging and assisting people with general enquiries and signposting.
2. Supporting people to find library books and assisting them to loan, return or renew books.
3. Carrying out administration such as answering the phone, making phone calls, taking messages, and sending brief emails.
3. Liaising with the team to ensure the smooth running of the front of house service.
4. Regular checks of the building to ensure all areas are set up, clean and tidy.
We are also welcome volunteers to propose ideas for projects, and to shadow colleagues in their work to gain experience.
Skills and experience you will gain in this role:
1. Listening skills - some people attend the centre in distress, or want to speak to someone about their concerns and this role will develop your ability to actively listen to others.
2. Administration - answering emails, creating word and excel documents, fielding queries over the phone.
3. Time management - the role involves working as a team to manage bookings within the centre and to ensure the service runs smoothly.
4. Understanding of mental health - you will work in a multi-disciplinary team made up of social prescribers, mental health nurses, counsellors and CBT therapists, offering opportunities to understand different job roles and the mental health system.
5. Understanding library systems - you will have the opportunity to understand the council library system including using the Spydus online system, the Dewey system and workflow system to ensure Trafford residents receive books at their chosen library.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Administration, Customer Service, IT Skills, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working, Written Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM, Saturday AM, Saturday PM
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 3 hours per week
Location:
Coppice Library & Wellbeing Centre, Coppice Avenue, Sale
Trafford
M33 4ND