Home Group

Home Group is an award-winning national housing association, social enterprise and charity. We commit to looking after not only homes but our Customers, their physical and mental wellbeing, supporting vulnerable and non-vulnerable people alike to get the most out of life. Our Volunteers cover Group and individual projects as diverse as allotment gardening, arts and crafts, Wellbeing Walks, general support needs, pathways into work - a real range of opportunities and activities for Volunteers at all levels, including our own Befriending Service.

Join us, find out more about our indoor and outdoor range of Volunteer involvement, make new friends, learn new skills, build confidence, add to your work experience and CV. Perhaps even follow up one of our Apprenticeship opportunities for all ages or find out for yourself why we are regularly in the top few of the UK’s Best Workplaces.

Active opportunities

Befriending Volunteer supporting people in the community

Sedgefield   Seaham   Consett   Volunteering from Home   Durham City  
View this opportunity

Volunteer Gardener allotments supporting vulnerable and non vulnerable persons

Ferryhill   Peterlee   Consett  
View this opportunity

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          name:  'Home  Group',
          email:  'volunteersdurham@homegroup.org.uk',
          type:  'Charity',
          telephone:  '07778609375',
          contactPerson:  'Elizabeth  Mullen',
          website:  '',
          description:
            'Home  Group  is  an  award-winning  national  housing  association,  social  enterprise  and  charity.  We  commit  to  looking  after  not  only  homes  but  our  Customers,  their  physical  and  mental  wellbeing,  supporting  vulnerable  and  non-vulnerable  people  alike  to  get  the  most  out  of  life.  Our  Volunteers  cover  Group  and  individual  projects  as  diverse  as  allotment  gardening,  arts  and  crafts,  Wellbeing  Walks,  general  support  needs,  pathways  into  work  -  a  real  range  of  opportunities  and  activities  for  Volunteers  at  all  levels,  including  our  own  Befriending  Service.\n\nJoin  us,  find  out  more  about  our  indoor  and  outdoor  range  of  Volunteer  involvement,  make  new  friends,  learn  new  skills,  build  confidence,  add  to  your  work  experience  and  CV.  Perhaps  even  follow  up  one  of  our  Apprenticeship  opportunities  for  all  ages  or  find  out  for  yourself  why  we  are  regularly  in  the  top  few  of  the  UK’s  Best  Workplaces.\n',
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                    name:  'Befriending  Volunteer  supporting  people  in  the  community',
                    shortDescription:
                      'The  purpose  of  the  role  is  to  provide  one  to  one  befriending  in  the  Community,  to  improve  emotional  health,  wellbeing  and  reduce  social  isolation.  You  may  work  collaboratively  with  other  Agencies  that  support  our  Customers.  Our  Customers  are  from  many  different  backgrounds,  they  have  a  range  skill  sets  and  interests,  varying  levels  of  need  and  a  wealth  of  life  experience  in  so  many  different  ways.  The  role  is  designed  to  support  and  befriend  persons  with  low  level  mental  health  needs  to  enjoy  their  environment,  reduce  social  isolation  and  safely  feel  part  of  their  community.',
                    created:  2022-09-09T10:41:30.116Z,
                    orgId:  '1509',
                    locations:
                      [  {  _id:  '5ad6f3ab-1b0a-44ff-b970-e6f85ea9819c',
                              name:  'Sedgefield'  },
                          {  _id:  '710b0919-db89-45b2-9090-119f234de243',  name:  'Seaham'  },
                          {  _id:  '82253aa4-1b3f-4ebb-84f9-03e9636d7d7e',  name:  'Consett'  },
                          {  _id:  'f7b8988a-2b62-4bce-b14b-537c98426724',
                              name:  'Volunteering  from  Home  '  },
                          {  _id:  'fb8f49ef-9a3a-40d6-bdac-f63a2590e544',
                              name:  'Durham  City'  },
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                    jobTypes:
                      [  {  _id:  '00387814-94c3-4bd3-8067-fb9e5dc3d9f6',
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                              backgroundImage:  '',
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                          {  _id:  '6430a58e-3260-47c4-80ff-67fbaac48501',
                              name:  'Mental  Health',
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                          {  _id:  'be9ba9af-568b-4721-953d-a0c28346c3a9',
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                    active:  true,
                    contactPerson:  'Elizabeth  Mullen',
                    contactEmail:  'elizabeth.mullen@homegroup.org.uk',
                    contactTelephone:  '07778  609375',
                    address:  'Mercury  House,  Belmont  Industrial  Estate,  DH1  1TW',
                    hours:  'Minimum  2  hours  per  week',
                    websiteLink:  'https://www.homegroup.org.uk/',
                    startDate:  2023-07-18T00:00:00.000Z,
                    endDate:  2024-07-19T00:00:00.000Z,
                    whatYouWillBeDoing:
                      'You\'ll  be  supporting  a  mixed  group  of  individuals,  from  those  with  no  mental  health  issues  or  learning  disabilities  to  those  with  low  level  mental  health  needs  or  learning  disabilities  requiring  a  little  more  support.  You  will  be  matched  1:1  with  a  person  in  the  community  who  requires  a  Befriender  to  support  their  day  to  day  activities.  These  activities  could  range  from  simply  coffee  and  a  chat,  to  walking  or  enjoying  the  outdoors,  to  support  with  learning  new  skills,  perhaps  using  public  transport,  supporting  hobbies  and  interests,  creating  or  rebuilding  networks  for  work/friends/family,  dealing  with  other  Agencies  or  attending  appointments.\nYou\'ll  spend  a  minimum  of  2  hours  per  week  with    someone  who  requires  support  accessing  the  community.  \n',
                    skillsExperienceAndQualitiesNeeded:
                      'You  will  need  to  be  patient  and  understanding,  friendly  and  capable  of  dealing  with  any  issues  which  may  arise  -  basic  First  Aid  training  would  be  a  bonus  but  training  can  be  arranged  if  necessary.  Preferably  outgoing  and  able  to  communicate  well  with  persons  of  all  ages  and  ability.  You  must  be  over  18  and  if  you  have  a  driving  licence  then  that  would  be  a  bonus.  You  must  be  reliable  and  have  a  genuine  interest  in  making  a  difference  in  the  lives  of  people  who  are  socially  isolated.  Communication  skills  are  essential,  together  with  a  basic  understanding  of  low  level  mental  health  needs.',
                    whenAndWhere:
                      'Across  County  Durham,  normally  within  the  hours  of  Monday  -  Friday  09.00  -  17.00  but  arrangements  for  safe  working  outside  these  hours  can  be  made.',
                    supportOfferedExpenses:
                      'You  will  receive  a  full  induction  and  introduction  to  the  Befriending  Service.  Specific  training  on  Befriending  will  be  available,  together  with  oversight  and  support  from  the  Volunteer  Manager.  All  Volunteers  also  go  through  our  Home  Achievement  Programme  (HAP)  training  to  support  your  Volunteering  in  3  straightforward  bite  size  training  modules.  You\'ll  have  a  designated  HAP  Lead  who  can  advise  or  support  you  as  required,  there  is  no  time  limit    for  the  HAP  modules  but  we  do  prefer  that  the  training  is  done  as  soon  as  possible  as  part  of  your  Volunteer  support  package.  Out  of  pocket  expenses  are  payable  and  how  these  are  reimbursed  and  for  what  purpose  will  be  discussed  on  application.  You  will  meet  regularly  with  your  Volunteer  Manager  and  be  expected  to  complete  some  basic  paperwork  on  your  interactions  with  the  Befriending  Customer,  this  process  will  be  supported.',
                    otherInfo:
                      'Due  to  the  vulnerable  nature  of  the  people  we  support,  we  will  require  two  references  and  an  enhanced  DBS  check  (paid  for  by  us)  \n\nVolunteer  your  time  as  and  when  you  are  able.  There  is  no  set  start  or  end  date  but  we  do  request  a  preferred  minimum  of  2  hours  per  week.  We  would  ask  that,  if  you  have  advised  us  you  will  be  attending  to  Volunteer  on  any  given  day,  that  you  do  let  us  know  in  advance  if  you  are  unable  to  attend.',
                    volunteerBenefits:
                      'Free  training.  Support  for  your  own  physical  and  mental  wellbeing  if  required.  Out  of  pocket  expenses.  Being  outdoors  in  a  healthy,  friendly  environment.  Support  from  Staff  to  resolve  any  issues  or  facilitate  planning  as  required.  New  skills  and  new  people.  Add  to  your  work  experience,  CV  and  skills.  Opportunities  to  access  Home  Group  Apprenticeship  scheme.',
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                {  _id:  '1490',
                    name:
                      'Volunteer  Gardener  allotments  supporting  vulnerable  and  non  vulnerable  persons',
                    shortDescription:
                      'The  purpose  of  the  role  is  to  work  and  maintain  a  sizeable  allotment  of  3  plots,  both  growing  produce  for  your  own  benefit  and  that  of  our  Home  Group  Customers.  Working  collaboratively  with  other  Agencies  that  support  our  Customers,  and  with  attendees  and  Volunteers  from  many  different  backgrounds  and  levels  of  experience,  the  role  is  designed  to  facilitate  persons  with  low  level  mental  health  needs  to  enjoy  the  environment,  learn  about  gardening  and  growing  your  own  produce,  encouraging  and  protecting  local  wildlife  and  sharing  outdoor  activities  with  a  happy  and  motivated  team.',
                    created:  2023-07-18T14:07:10.536Z,
                    orgId:  '1509',
                    locations:
                      [  {  _id:  '0366e9bc-759a-4a85-b61b-9c1e875fb215',
                              name:  'Ferryhill'  },
                          {  _id:  '5b2b5605-9529-47f4-ac1c-38047bbe19b9',
                              name:  'Peterlee'  },
                          {  _id:  '82253aa4-1b3f-4ebb-84f9-03e9636d7d7e',  name:  'Consett'  },
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                              name:  'Conservation/Environment',
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                    active:  true,
                    contactPerson:  'Elizabeth  Mullen',
                    contactEmail:  'elizabeth.mullen@homegroup,org.uk',
                    contactTelephone:  '07778  609375',
                    address:  'Home  Group',
                    hours:  'Minimum  2  hours  per  week',
                    websiteLink:  'https://www.homegroup.org.uk/',
                    startDate:  2023-07-18T14:07:10.536Z,
                    endDate:  2024-07-18T00:00:00.000Z,
                    whatYouWillBeDoing:
                      'You\'ll  be  supporting  a  mixed  group  of  individuals,  from  those  with  no  mental  health  issues  or  learning  disabilities  to  those  with  low  level  mental  health  needs  or  learning  disabilities  requiring  a  little  more  support.  You  will  take  part  in  all  the  allotment  activities  which  will  include  physical  work,  planting,  sowing,  harvesting,  building  and  maintaining  sheds  and  poly  tunnels,  creating  ponds  and  wildlife  habitats,  flower  beds  etc.  You\'ll  be  using  all  the  tools  required  and  supporting  others  to  use  gardening  tools  safely  and  fully  participate  in  the  gardening  activities.  If  you  love  gardening  ,  wildlife  and  helping  others,  being  outdoors  -  although  there  is  a  covered  are  and  shed  present  already  for  bad  weather  -  then  this  is  the  role  for  you.  You  may  be  working  with  one  person  or  several  on  any  given  day  and  most  often    at  least  one  member  of  Staff  will  be  on  hand.  We  also  have  Volunteer  led  days  which  you  can  be  more  involved  in,  bringing  forward  your  own  suggestions  and  ideas  and  arranging  activities,  although  as  one  of  our  Volunteers  these  are  welcome  at  any  time..',
                    skillsExperienceAndQualitiesNeeded:
                      'You  will  need  to  be  patient  and  understanding,  friendly  and  capable  of  dealing  with  any  issues  which  may  arise  -  basic  First  Aid  training  would  be  a  bonus  but  training  ca  be  arranged  if  necessary.  You  should    have  a  basic  working  knowledge  of  gardening  equipment  but  training  will  be  provided,  there\'s  no  need  to  be  an  expert  gardener,  just  a  willingness  to  muck  in  and  share  the  activities  with  the  Group.  Preferably  outgoing  and  able  to  communicate  well  with  persons  of  all  ages  and  ability.  You  must  be  over  18  and  if  you  have  a  driving  licence  then  that  would  be  a  bonus.',
                    otherInfo:
                      'Volunteer  your  time  as  and  when  you  are  able.  There  is  no  set  start  or  end  date  but  we  do  request  a  preferred  minimum  of  2  hours  per  week.  We  would  ask  that,  if  you  have  advised  us  you  will  be  attending  to  Volunteer  on  any  given  day,  that  you  do  let  us  know  in  advance  if  you  are  unable  to  attend.',
                    supportOfferedExpenses:
                      'You  will  receive  a  full  induction  and  introduction  to  the  site.  Training  in  use  of  tools  and  any  other  training  which  may  be  required  to  operate  safely  on  site  will  be  available  e.g.  basic  manual  handling,  health  &  safety,  COSHH,  First  Aid,  dependent  on  the  role  and  responsibility  level  you  decide  to  take  up.  All  Volunteers  go  through  our  Home  Achievement  Programme  (HAP)  training  to  support  your  Volunteering  in  3  straightforward  bite  size  training  modules.  You\'ll  have  a  designated  HAP  Lead  who  can  advise  or  support  you  as  required,  there  is  no  time  limit    for  the  HAP  modules  but  we  do  prefer  that  the  training  is  done  as  soon  as  possible  as  part  of  your  Volunteer  support  package.  Out  of  pocket  expenses  are  payable  and  how  these  are  reimbursed  and  for  what  purpose  will  be  discussed  on  application.',
                    volunteerBenefits:
                      'Free  training.  Support  for  your  own  physical  and  mental  wellbeing  if  required.  Out  of  pocket  expenses.    Being  outdoors  in  a  healthy,  friendly  environment.  Support  on  site  from  Staff  if  required.  New  skills  and  new  people.  Add  to  your  work  experience,  CV  and  skills.  Opportunities  to  access  Home  Group  Apprenticeship  scheme.',
                    whenAndWhere:
                      'We  have  a  large  allotment  at  Ferryhill,  open  on  Tuesdays  10.30-12.00,  Wednesdays  9.30-12.30  and  Fridays  12-4.00.\n\nWe  have  an  allotment  at  Consett,  open  on  Tuesdays  1.30-3.30,  Fridays  1-3.00\n\nWe  also  have  an  allotment  at  Horden,  open  on  Mondays  10.00-1.00,  Wednesdays  9.30-1.00\n\nThese  hours  can  change  on  occasion,  and  with  additional  Volunteers  we  may  be  able  to  extend  the  available  hours.',
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                          [caller]:  null,
                          [prototype]:  {  [constructor]:  [Circular]  }  }  },
                {  partName:  'AuraDebugRenderer',
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                          [prototype]:  {  [constructor]:  [Circular]  }  }  },
                {  partName:  'ContentLoader',
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          languageCode:  '',
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