Volunteer With Us
Volunteers have always been an important part of Blue Sky Trust. We value their contribution to us and to the HIV community. When we set up in 1992, volunteers came from local churches, attracted by the Christian ethos. More recently, we have developed a Peer Mentor program, where we trained 13 volunteers living with HIV to peer mentor those who are newly diagnosed.
Going forward, we want to create volunteer opportunities, primarily but not exclusively, for people living with HIV to get involved in more aspects of Blue Sky Trust and be at the forefront of improving and developing services that make a real difference.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering at Blue Sky Trust opens up exciting opportunities for you to get involved with:
developing and delivering activities and support at Blue Sky Trust
shaping future services both within Blue Sky Trust and beyond
raising awareness of HIV and challenging stigma
We hope that you will:
Become part of a supportive team
Make a difference to the lives of people living with HIV
Develop your skills and build your confidence
Enhance your CV and increase employment opportunities
Develop and share your knowledge and experience of HIV
Feel empowered to have a ‘voice’ and influence people and services
When you volunteer with us you shouldn’t be left out of pocket, so volunteers are entitled to be out of pocket expenses. In return we ask for your passion, your commitment and a shared desire with us to support people living with HIV to fulfil their potential and to create a society free from stigma and discrimination, so that all might lead full and healthy lives.
Who are we looking for?
Volunteers must be over 18 and we are particularly interesting in applications from people living with HIV. Applicants can be people who have benefitted or been involved in Blue Sky Trust or can be people who are new to us.
What will volunteering look like?
There are various ways you can get involved at Blue Sky Trust. This includes:
Welcoming people at events or groups and putting them at ease
Setting up/down for meetings and events
Planning and helping to run events
Fundraising
Sharing your story of living with HIV (if applicable)to raise awareness
Helping to shape Blue Sky Trust by contributing to focus groups
Encouraging other people to engage and have a voice
Time commitment:
We are looking for people who can commit up to approximately 8 hours a month. You may wish to commit to weekly tasks or to help with one off events or projects. A minimum of 12 months in the role is preferred. We are looking for people with specific skills and abilities, therefore, to qualify you must demonstrate that you:
Are able to work at a professional level and within Blue Sky Trust’s policies, procedures and boundaries
Can accurately and positively represent Blue Sky Trust and promote its work
Enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds
Have excellent listening skills and are open to views and opinions that are different from your own
Have up to date knowledge about HIV and related issues
Are emotionally resilient
Are committed to developing yourself, your skills and your level of knowledge
Are confident with good communication skills
Are reliable, trustworthy and flexible
Are prepared to be open about your status (if applicable) to clients, professionals, supporters and stakeholders
Are able to work well on your own and as part of a team
Recruitment, selection and training
You can apply at any time by completing our volunteer application forms. All applications will be considered and suitability assessed according to the above criteria. You must be prepared to give 2 references and undergo a police check (DBS). If successful, we aim to invite you for an informal interview within 4 weeks of receiving the application. If selected as a volunteer, you must also be prepared to take part in training and supervision throughout your volunteering.