"Helping People to Help Themselves". Alexandra Community Advice Network (ACAN) provide a free, confidential referral information and advice service, at Alexandra Community House. ACAN is a champion of people’s rights, and their aim is to ensure that everyone in their community has access to information and services they are entitled to and find solutions to issues that are affecting them.
Open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, the team respond to phone, email and face-to-face enquiries. They maintain a comprehensive local directory database of local services as well as a wide range of information leaflets and resources including Welcome Packs for newcomers. ACAN also provide a Volunteer Driver Service, Meals-on-Wheels driver coordination, free legal appointments and Justice of the Peace service clinics.
As a Community Advice volunteer you will:
- Respond to face-to-face, email or phone enquiries in a friendly, helpful and constructive manner.
- Utilise ACAN’s information database and resources to access information to help answer enquiries.
- Contribute to the continual update of ACANs information resources.
- Arrange Volunteer Driver Service rides with clients and drivers.
- Arrange appointments for legal clinics.
- Support the co-ordination of the Meals-on-Wheels driver volunteers.
- Record enquiries.
- Attend to general tasks that contribute to the smooth operation of the office and services.
- Have the opportunity to share your specific skills/interests towards the operation of ACAN.
Community Advice volunteers:
- Work in pairs, usually for a 3-hour session either 9am-12noon or 12-3pm.
- Are supported by well organised systems.
- Have access to an experienced part-time Co-ordinator and Management Committee.
- Receive training from the Co-ordinator.
- Work alongside other experienced volunteers.
Benefits of volunteering at ACAN:
- Interesting and rewarding work in an environment of friendliness and companionship.
- Satisfaction from being able to help others and giving something back to the community.
- Opportunity to use your skills and develop new skills.
- Learn a lot about your community.
- Be part of a friendly team with social and training opportunities.
Requirements
This role suit would suit someone who:
- Has an interest in their local community as well as finding and providing information.
- Has a friendly and approachable manner.
- Has respect for and is able to relate well to people from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Can maintain confidentiality.
- Has basic computer skills (emails, database and internet searches, data input).
Time commitment
- A minimum of a 3-hour session once a fortnight.
- Two volunteers rostered for each session 9am-12noon and 12-3pm Monday-Friday.
- Flexibility with roster allows you to choose sessions you can cover each month.
- All volunteers are asked to attend at least 6 of the 10 training sessions held throughout the year.
(held 10-11am on 2nd Monday of the month)
Getting started
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Ref: 1733
Information & Advice
Volunteer South's office is closed from Friday 20th December until Monday January 6th. Many organisations listing roles online will also be taking a break. During this time your requests to connect will go through, however there may be some delay in you hearing from the organisations you select. Please be patient and if you have not heard back from them by mid January email them directly and give them a nudge. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season and summer.
Enquire about this role:
Dunedin