Bexley Buddies Activity Host: Arts & Crafts

Bexley Buddies runs volunteer-led social groups at local GP surgeries for registered patients and the wider community. It is where people get connected, learn new things and improve their well-being. We aim also to relieve pressure on the GP surgeries, and therefore the NHS, by taking care of patients' non-medical needs, which sometimes spill into the medical sector.

We are now entering an exciting expansion phase, and are looking for Arts & Crafts Activity Hosts to help deliver sessions in Bexley GP surgeries. It could be anything such as knitting, crocheting, painting, collage, zine making, calligraphy or other activities you are happy to facilitate. Most of our participant buddies are older adults aged 55+.

Could you be our volunteers who can help out on a regular basis for at least six months to create a warm, welcoming and creative space for others? We are open for discussion in terms of how often you come in and deliver the activities, and are willing to work out a plan that best suits your availability and your activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and tidy away the activity space
• Welcome and engage participants
• Plan the activities and motivate people of all experience levels to take part
• Collaborate with other volunteers to co-deliver the sessions if needed
• Share observations and reflections with project staff and shape the group together

What skills do I need?

• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to engage with people from diverse backgrounds
• Good communication and ability to interact clearly
• Ability to plan creative arts activities
• Openness to work with people of all experience levels
• Organisational skills to manage the logistics
• Empathy and patience
• Reliability and commitment
• Induction, training on group facilitation and regular check-ins will be provided