Shopper Service Support Bus Buddies

Bus Buddy Responsibilities

• Supporting the Volunteer Driver as and when requested. 
• Providing practical & logistical support for shopping trips for the elderly. 
• Escorts will be required to either meet shoppers at the local supermarket or join them on the minibus collection. 
• If supporting shoppers on the minibus then they will be assisting passengers on and off of the minibus using the step access and possibly assisting the driver with the tail lift for any passengers using wheelchairs.
• Supporting shoppers around the supermarket if they require assistance. This could be assisting with shopping in the store, carrying bags, obtaining/pushing a shopping trolley, supporting a wheelchair user or partially sighted/hearing impaired shopper.
• Assist the shoppers to take their shopping to their front door / or occasionally into their home if formally agreed beforehand
• Ensuring the shopping trip is enjoyable and sociable, providing friendly conversation.
• You will also be required to complete Moving and Handling Training to carry out certain tasks associated with this role.

Practical Considerations

• No formal qualifications or prior experience are required to volunteer with us.
• This opportunity is suitable for those people who would like to get out and about, providing practical sociable support to shoppers who are less able bodied
• We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities.
• A full charity induction will be given before the volunteer starts with us and ongoing training is offered depending on what you are working on.
• This role is based in your local community at various shopping locations.

Who are we looking for

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less able
• You will need to have good interpersonal skills 
• You must be committed to having a friendly caring nature towards our passengers. 
• An ability to speak confidently with a wide variety of people. You will need to follow our equality and diversity guidelines
• Organised, proactive and capable of offering practical assistance with shopping tasks.
• Good time-management skills
• Team player
• Ability to work in partnership with our driver as well as on your own initiative
• Commit to at least 1 day per month

If you think any of the above sounds like you then why not sign up for our volunteer bus buddy service?

Volunteer Benefits

• Once a number of sessions have been completed we will be happy to provide a reference.
• Gain practical and interpersonal skills, with an opportunity to progress into more varied roles. 
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed.
• Satisfaction of helping people. 
• Positive work environment, part of the friendly Communities 1st team. 
• Training in Equality & Diversity and Customer Service.