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Volunteers Newsletter
AUKH are a nominated charity at ASDA Hatfield throughout October, November and
December for their Green Token Giving Scheme and in Waitrose Welwyn Garden City
for their Community Matters Scheme throughout November. If you are shopping in
either store, please remember to put your tokens in the Age UK Hertfordshire section
and let your family and friends know too!
Clothes Aid!
AUKH are proud to be working with Clothes Aid who aim to recycle unwanted clothes and bric-a-brac and make a donation in return. If you are due a clear-out before Winter, please fill your bin bags with donations and bring them into our Head Office or Clitheroe Centre.
If you have 30 bags or more, we can arrange a special collection. For more infor-mation or to arrange a collection, please contact [email protected] or call 01707 497972.
Autumn 2019
Message from The CEO
It’s been such a busy summer at Age UK Hertfordshire, so there’s lots to catch up
on, but as we move through Autumn into Winter we hope that you are enjoying
volunteering, knowing that you are making a huge difference to older people in
Hertfordshire.
In this Newsletter you’ll find some tips on Lone Working, get to see our new
‘look,’ and we explain the need to find community ambassadors to ensure that
older people in Hertfordshire are aware of our services.
We’ve also got an update on our fundraising and information on the ways that you
can get involved and help—although I really appreciate that you all already do so
much!
Thanks a million as always and best wishes
Deb
Fundraising Update!
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Tips for Lone Working
Many of our volunteers work alone, particularly those in our
visiting scheme, Information and Advice Outreach and Hospital
and Community Navigation Service, I asked Mark Hanna our
Director of Operations if he had any good advice for volunteers
when lone working.
Q. When lone working for Age UK Hertfordshire what are the key things
to consider?
The key thing is to read and follow the procedures set out in the Lone Worker Policy. This policy is designed to provide a framework for safe working practice when working alone, which allows us to avoid situations with significant risk and take care of volun-teers own and other people’s safety. Q. Where should volunteers store personal information on their clients?
It is essential that care is taken to protect personal data. Volunteers should ensure that any personal information that is needed in the course of their role is kept with them at all times and not left unattended. If their role involves having personal /sensitive data at home, the same care needs to be taken.
Q.If a volunteer arrives at a clients home and they have other people with them that they have
not met, what should they do?
If during a visit Volunteers feel at risk or uncertain about something, then they should tell the client that they have received a request to return to the office/home immediately and that they will call to reschedule the appointment as soon as possible. Apologise for any inconvenience and leave. Please then let us know. Q.If they arrive at a clients home when they know they are expected, and the client doesn’t
respond what should they do? What if this is outside or normal office hours?
It is important to wait for a response as many people we visit will take some time to get to
the door. If there is still no response after some time, it could mean that there has been
an incident (e.g. unplanned hospital visit, fall etc.) and so they should ring the office or
their Age UK Hertfordshire out of office contact who will advise on next steps which may
include:
Looking for signs of activity in the property i.e. lights on, movements, sounds, are the
curtains open or shut? etc.
Ringing the client’s telephone (main number and any secondary contact number)
Ringing their emergency contact/s to raise alarm
Speaking to neighbours (if appropriate)
Accessing the property via key safe (if applicable)
Ringing 999 if none of the above steps achieve a response and we are concerned for
the welfare of the client
Q. Volunteers may sometimes need some support after seeing a client, but as a lone worker
they are alone – who can they talk to about any issues raised at their visits?
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Tips for Lone Working—continued
The relevant Age UK Hertfordshire contact is the key person to speak to about any
concerns or issues they may have. Volunteers are not alone, they are very much part of
our team.
Q. Where can I find the policies and procedures about lone working that you have mentioned?
These are available in the Volunteer section of our website: www.ageuk.org/hertfordshire
or in the Volunteer handbook, or alternatively you can contact us on 01707 386067
Our New Look & the New Volunteers
Handbook !
We’ve been updating our leaflets and stands over the summer. We now have a
new leaflet that details all our services and a new Volunteers Handbook which
has been created after consultation with a group of Volunteers.
We’re are also looking for Community Ambassadors—Volunteers who will
champion our services to people that they think may need them.
If you’d like some leaflets or a copy of the new Handbook then get in touch
with us on [email protected] or 01707.386067
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Slipper Swap Events
Hertfordshire libraries are holding their very popular Slipper Swap events again throughout October and November. If you know an older person who wants a new
pair of slippers then do encourage them to come along. Age UK Hertfordshire and other organisations will be on hand to help.
Library Date Day of Week Time
Borehamwood 11 November Monday 2-5
Ware 18 November Monday 10-1
Buntingford 19 November Tuesday 10-1
Bushey 20 November Wednesday 1-3
Waltham Cross 21 November Thursday 10-1
Oakmere 26 November Tuesday 12-3
pick up free anti-slip slippers
find out about local social groups and clubs you might enjoy
have a go at our games and jigsaw puzzles
get advice on how to stay well from Age UK Hertfordshire and our other event partners
browse memory boxes from our reminiscence collection
book a Safe and Well visit from the Fire Service.
No need to book, just come along. We'll list upcoming dates and venues here.
To find out more about the events, call 0300 123 4049 or check the information on
display in libraries across Hertfordshire.
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A message from our friends at Small Acts of Kindness…..
‘We are getting ready to pack over 7,000 of our wonderful Warm in Winter Gift Bags, to be distributed to older people in Hertfordshire this winter and we need your help. If you have a few hours to spare, or a whole day, then we would love
for you to join us on one of our packing days. Come along, make new friends and have some fun!
We will be packing our bags and information packs throughout October and November at two sites in Watford.
If you are able to help, or would like more information, please email [email protected] or call 01923 372717.
Thank you.’
Our partners Hertswise work to
support people living with dementia
or memory loss in Hertfordshire.
If you’re interested in finding out
more or volunteering then get in
touch!
Work For Us, Help
Older People
Would you like a rewarding part-time
job that fits around you? We are looking for
someone caring and compassionate to help old-
er people within their home, whilst ensuring
they keep their independence.
To find out more call us today:
North & East Herts—01707 386 068 or South
West Hertfordshire—01923 224 472
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Upcoming First Aid Training
please contact us on 01707 386060 or [email protected] if you’d like to
attend!
Age UK Hertfordshire—Head Office—1 Silver Court, Watchmead, Welwyn Garden City AL7 1LT 10:00 am – 12 noon
Friday 18 October (quite full!)
Monday 18 November
Tuesday 10 December
Next year 2020
Wednesday 15 January
Thursday 13 February
Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre, Clitheroe Gardens, South Oxhey WD19 6RP 10:00 am – 12 noon
Wednesday 30 October
Tuesday 26 November
Next year 2020
Tuesday 21 January
Tuesday 18 February
“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping lift some-
one up.’
― Bernard Meltzer’
AGM! Our Annual General Meeting will be on November 13th from 2pm to 4pm at Hertford
Castle.
We have sent a separate email/letter with all the details.
Please do come along!
Call on 01707.386067
