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What: Community Links supports adults with learning disabilities to access a range of leisure, social and educational opportunities in their community. Volunteers support people in a range of settings including Day Services, User Lead Enterprises, Adult Education and out in the community on a 1:1 basis. We provide volunteers with ongoing support, the opportunity to join training sessions and reimburse agreed travel expenses

Volunteer Roles:

1. Gardening - Support adults with learning disabilities with general gardening tasks (weeding, planting, tidying/ clearing garden rubbish, pruning). The location is an allotment (a User Lead Enterprise) in Kibblesworth, Gateshead, and the day would be, ideally, a Monday but this could be flexible. We have opportunities any time Monday – Friday between 9.30am and 2.30pm. We would welcome the offer of group support on pre-arranged days.

2. Befriending - Support adults with learning disabilities to access community activities (leisure centres, community centres, adult education, cafes and shops). Various areas of Gateshead. We have opportunities, on various days and times, Monday – Friday 9.30am – 3.00pm

3. Group Support - Supporting adults with learning disabilities in group sessions (day services, adult education, community group sessions etc). We have opportunities, on various days and times, Monday – Friday 9.30am – 3.00pm. Various areas of Gateshead.

Skills/benefits/experience:
We offer training in Learning Disability Awareness, Pedestrian Safety (for adults with learning disabilities), Total Communication (understanding the different ways people with learning disabilities may communicate) and Basic First Aid. Volunteers will have the opportunity to support adults with learning disabilities build their social networks, develop friendships and live a fulfilling live in their local community. There may be opportunities to train as a Health Walk Leader.