Bexley Buddies Activity Host: Creative Writing

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 Creative Writing Hosts to help deliver sessions in Bexley GP surgeries. We are happy to let you plan any creative writing activities, including but not limited to poetry, haiku, limerick, prose, diary entries, etc. 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 activity plans.

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 writing 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