What training do we offer?

All Link Up volunteers are given a series of induction training sessions.  They are informed of the history of learning disabilities, issues to do with communication and language, personal care, confidentiality, child protection, risk assessment, honesty, reliability and many other relevant topics. Link Up will pay for your training and support you with the training programme.

There is also an introduction and monitoring procedure to help volunteers to get to know people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, and to develop equal and reciprocal friendships.  There is also on-going training for any specialist matters or refresher needs.

Is it safe?

All Link Up volunteers are selected through a strict recruitment procedure by trained staff.  The procedure includes the taking up of two references and a Criminal Records Check.  Link Up carries employer’s liability and public liability insurance for its volunteers’ activities.

What is expected of parents, carers and staff?

Information

Volunteers need to be given all necessary and appropriate information on the needs, medical conditions, behavioural issues and abilities for the safety and well being of both friends when they are together.

Respect

Parents, carers, and staff are requested to respect the care and trouble taken by volunteers to visit their friends or go out with them.  They do not get paid.  When visits, outings and events are agreed with carers, volunteers should be informed of any difficulties as soon as possible so as not to disappoint the volunteer or their friend. Equally, volunteers are expected to be reliable.

Help to prepare

If volunteers have arranged to go out with their friend, the friend may need help to prepare appropriately for the outing.  Clothing, money, mobility aids, medication and information need to be considered by carers to ensure dignity and enjoyment.  Sometimes things like sun creams or umbrellas may also need to be considered.

Support

Sometimes it will be necessary for a carer to go out with a person due to their individual circumstances.  Enough time should be allowed for the outing to be enjoyed in full.  The duration of the trip should not be determined by the amount of time available for the carer.  If this is a problem, alternative arrangements should be made as far in advance as possible and the volunteer should be informed immediately.

What is expected of Link Up?

Link Up will support its volunteers with all needs related to their voluntary activities.

Link Up will respect the time and effort volunteers give.

Link Up will pay volunteers expenses for the activities undertaken as part of Link Up.  They will not normally pay the expenses of friends with learning disabilities. 

Link Up will liase with other agencies such as Social Services, private care providers, leisure service providers etc, to ensure that the role of the organisation is understood.

Link Up will offer opportunities to all who are suitable and will not discriminate.

Link Up will provide information as necessary for the well being of the people involved with its activities.

Link Up will respect confidentiality and will not disclose any confidential information unless there is a safety related reason for doing so.

Link Up has policies to ensure the safe and fair involvement of those who take part in its activities.  These policies are available on request.

If you would would like to find out more, please call

at the office on 020 8868 5808