OCD Action : Advocacy Volunteers Needed - The national UK charity providing support and information to anybody affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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Advocacy Volunteers Needed

Joel, March 9, 2010

Could you be an OCD Action Volunteer Advocate?

Due to the success of the Advocacy Service and the demands placed upon it, we are currently recruiting a number of Volunteer Advocates to work in the North West of England and North Wales. These Advocates will receive training and support from the OCD Action Advocacy Manager and will have a small case load of clients near to the area in which they live. They will also provide support to the local OCD Support Groups in their area.

We are looking for people who may, or may not have OCD. All Volunteers however, need to be in a position where they can deal with other people’s issues, without it being a problem to their own mental health. We are also keen to recruit carers or family members of people who have or have had OCD, trainee social workers or mental health workers, students, or anyone who has a desire to help people with OCD.

There are certain attitudes that we look for in potential volunteers which are: patience, understanding, empathy, tact, diplomacy, non judgemental attitude, respect for the views and opinions of others, ability to be assertive (when required) on behalf of clients and ideally, good negotiating skills.

It is desirable to have basic IT and literacy skills and the ability to use the phone. You don’t have to be a car driver but you should be able to access public transport easily as you might need to go out and visit clients.

Ongoing training and supervision will be given and Volunteers will be fully advised about their role and work to protocols and procedures of the organisation.

Volunteers will be able to choose their own hours and the amount of work they wish to take on, though some flexibility may be required around client visits.

There are thousands of people with OCD out there that you could help!

If you are interested in joining our Advocacy service please ring Jude Wynne on 0845 3906234.

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