Possability People is a disability charity based in Brighton & Hove with services across the city and into East and West Sussex. We are a user led organisation that promotes independent living for all and works toward equality by inspiring disabled people to identify barriers and define solutions.
Hospital Discharge Support (HDS) is a free service for older people in Brighton and Hove who have recently been discharged from hospital. We are small team but a busy service made up of three components:
1. providing wellbeing support via phone and where appropriate referring on for further support and services
2. supporting service users to access activities and services to enhance their recovery and independence, improving their longer-term health and wellbeing
3. co-ordinating Hospital Discharge Grants to help patients get home sooner by providing adaptations, repairs and essential equipment
What does the opportunity involve doing?
We need volunteers to join the HDS Wellbeing Service Team to provide support for vulnerable patients including frail elderly patients, and those who are younger with support planning needs, to optimise their ongoing health and wellbeing. We are looking for friendly, compassionate and organised individuals.
What induction, training and support is offered?
Before starting with us you will attend a Group Induction Day to familiarise you with our culture, ethos and working practices and to prepare you for your role.
All volunteers have a full induction into the role with ongoing training and support from their volunteer lead, including day-to-day supervision and quarterly one-to-ones. Volunteers are invited to attend team meetings and social events throughout the year.
You will have access to a range of free courses, including confidence building, computer skills, disability equality, customer services, and more.
If you are looking to get back into work we can offer additional resources and tool kits, whether that’s around explaining a health condition to an employer, how to write a brilliant CV, or ways to build your confidence in the work place; after 6 months we can provide an employment reference for you.
Volunteering for us will give you the opportunity to meet new people and work alongside them to do things which you wouldn't or couldn’t do alone e.g. challenging discrimination, reviewing services, delivering training.
Volunteers are made to feel welcome as part of the Possability People Team.
What skills or qualities are needed?
These are some skills, knowledge and experience we are looking for. However, if you don’t have these don’t worry as we can offer training and development within these areas:
• Calm and supportive temperament
• Reliable
• Able make a regular time commitment
• Self-motivated, able to work independently
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Good organisational skills
• Some experience of working in an office/ administrative role
• Confident telephone manner
• Competent computer skills, including use of Word and Excel and basic internet based research
• Willing to contribute ideas and attend team meetings
• Interest in or experience of working directly with or providing one-to-one support to vulnerable older people
• Broad knowledge of local community and voluntary sector services
• An understanding of the impact of social isolation on an elderly client group
• A commitment to the provision of quality services and support for disabled people
• A commitment to the principles of equal opportunities for all service users
Date added
1st March 2023
Organisation
Location
Montague House
Montague Place
Brighton
BN2 1JE
Deadline for applications
20 Mar 2026
Categories
Carers Community and social centres Disabled people Older people Other groups People with health problems People with mental health problems
Activities
Administration/finance/fundraising Other activities Research/media/campaigning Volunteering as part of a team Volunteering with computers
Disabled access?
Yes
Expenses paid?
Yes
Childcare available?
No
Contact name
Emily Keller
Phone number
01273 894040
Email address
volunteer@possabilitypeople.org.uk
https://www.possabilitypeople.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/