Eight Bells Community Strength - Community Navigator Volunteer

Eight Bells Community Strength is a community-based service introduced to prevent and reduce social isolation and improve mental health and well-being for residents throughout West Berkshire.

We will help and support residents to become part of their local community through community activities, by making new friends and support networks.  We want the person to feel confident doing things for themselves and we will encourage them to do things and take part in activities that help them to feel better and stay active for longer. We will encourage them to live independently, look after themselves, and have a good quality of life. 

We accept referrals from anyone aged 18 or over and 

• are at risk of loneliness and isolation,
• have a long term medical condition,
• are experiencing mental ill health
• have a physical or learning disability

We will provide this service and support through Community Navigator Volunteers who are fully trained and DBS checked with good local knowledge of what is going on in the community.  

Community Navigators will help people to connect with their local community, signposting them to services and activities which will support them to make new friends and networks. This will help people to reduce feelings of loneliness or social isolation that they may be experiencing and help to support them in keeping safe and well.

To become a community navigator, you need to have the right attitude and qualities.  You must have a friendly nature and good listening skills and be able to connect with a wide range of people.  You will need to take the time to understand the needs and interests of the person you are helping.  You will build their confidence to make good choices and grow their support networks.  

Tasks and activities of a Community Navigator include:

Visiting people in their homes, getting to know them and what is important to them.
Providing personalised information, advice, and support to people using the service and signposting or referring them to appropriate activities, services, and support that will help to meet their needs.
Provide support to people to give them the confidence to develop skills to find solutions and access the information themselves online.
Attend services and support sessions with the people you support when necessary.
Develop, build and maintain relationships and knowledge of what is going on in the local area including community based groups and services.
Keep an up-to-date record of the progress and referrals you have made on behalf of the people you are supporting.
Work with the Community Strength Coordinator to ensure the success of the service and flag any concerns or issues regarding individuals that you consider to be outside the parameters of the project.
Undertake and engage in any appropriate training that will support you in the role.

Time Commitment: - as little or as much time as you can give. Flexible and part-time. Estimated 3 to 5 hours per week.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Navigator you can sign up through our website or contact the Community Strength Coordinator.