Why this role is important
As a Stories and Voices Volunteer, you’ll help Bromley Experts by Experience collect and share the experiences, stories, and views of Disabled people in Bromley. By collecting these stories you’ll help us to show the barriers facing Disabled people in their local day to day life. Bromley Experts by Experience will use these stories to inform and press for change, using social media, our newsletter, funding bids, at events, and through meetings with service providers.
By collecting real examples, you’ll help Bromley Experts by Experience to tell real stories and press for the right changes to support local Disabled people.
What is involved
- Chatting with local Disabled people and carers either at Bromley Experts by Experience events, over email, using video calls or telephone calls.
- You’ll ask them about their experiences, using our ‘Your Story Form’.
- You’ll record notes of what they say, into a ‘Your Story Form’ in a way that’s accessible to you (we will chat about this as we welcome you into the role).
- Sometimes we’ll ask if you’ll collect stories at some of our events, these are in accessible venues, and you’ll have lots of notice.
- When collecting stories using email, video call or phone, we’ll ask that you do this from home. We’ll give you a secure login, but we’ll ask you to use your own devices. (We can pay some expenses, chat to Kathryn, Volunteering Coordinator). If this will be a barrier, let us know.
- Making sure that all the notes you’ve taken for each story are saved online and any written notes are given in to be shredded.
IMPORTANT: Ideally, you’ll have access to your own internet-enabled device (e.g. a laptop or phone that can use Microsoft Office). If this will be a barrier, let us know.
When / Where / How often?
- This role is flexible; you can collect the stories via phone/video call at a time that works for you and the person who is sharing their story.
- You only need to spend about an hour every two weeks collecting stories via phone/video call.
- When collecting stories at a Bromley Experts by Experience event, these happen around every 6-8 weeks.
- Each month, you’ll have a check-in chat with the Volunteer Coordinator.
What you will get out of it
- You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome and ongoing support from X by X.
- Meet new people and be part of a team.
- Experience of inclusive and accessible events.
- Practice interpersonal and communication skills in small groups and 1:1.
- Develop your writing skills, especially articles and reports.
- Guidance and support on inclusive, light-touch, interviewing skills
- Out of pocket travel expenses and free refreshments during events.
- Know that you are helping Disabled people to get their voice heard.
What we ask of you
- To read and follow the guidance for the role that the Volunteer Coordinator will share with you before you start.
- Only collect stories from people Bromley Experts by Experience asks you to.
- Treat everyone with respect and in an inclusive way.
- Collect and record at least one story a month while you are actively volunteering.
- To use the IT programmes we ask you to, to let us know if these are a barrier.
- To not keep any paper records or notes of stories, please give them in to be shredded.
Key skills and qualities
- A belief that Disabled People can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
- Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
- An inclusive, non-judgemental attitude.
- Able to make people feel included and relaxed.
- Comfortable with people and communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
I want to volunteer – What now?
Who you can go to for questions and support:
Name: Kathryn Palmer-Skillings
Role: Volunteering Coordinator
Email: kathryn@xbyxbromley.org.uk
Mobile: 07979 150203
To express interest in this role:
Complete our volunteering enrolment form