Role Purpose:
Torfaen County Borough Council (TCBC) Community Services is offering a rewarding volunteering opportunity to bring the joy of reading to those who need it most. As a volunteer, you will visit individuals in their own homes to share stories, read aloud, and spark meaningful conversations that brighten their day. If you love books, enjoy reading aloud, and can engage others in thoughtful discussion, this is a wonderful way to make a real difference. Reading aloud has proven benefits, including boosting wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and creating social connections, while giving access to literature for those who can’t read independently. Your time and enthusiasm can foster a sense of belonging, inspire memories, and create a warm, supportive environment where stories truly matter.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide friendship, conversation and support to elderly, housebound residents through reading to them
- Be able to spend time selecting suitable texts and poems for shared reading sessions and prepare these for discussion
- Be confident in reading aloud to someone and able to discuss the content. with others
- Be a positive advocate for the library service
- Maintain confidentiality and always uphold council values
- To follow and be fully compliant with data protection and safeguarding legislation
- Report any safeguarding or health and safety concerns to line manager
- Collaborate effectively with the library team when visiting the library
Requirements:
- This volunteer role is dependent upon the provision of an enhanced DBS check.
- Possession of a UK driving licence (Desirable)
- A willingness to travel to different locations around the borough as required
Skills & Experience (Desirable/Essential):
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills (Essential)
- Friendly, approachable, and reliable nature (Essential)
- Empathetic, patient and able to communicate and listen (Essential)
- Ability to work proactively and independently (Essential)
- Have a good level of literacy and a wide interest in reading and literature (Essential)
- Able to hold an interesting conversation/discussion on the topics chosen (Essential)
- Awareness of health, safety, and safeguarding principles (Desirable - training can be provided)
Support & Benefits:
- Full induction and relevant training provided
- Ongoing support and supervision
- Travel expenses reimbursed (subject to policy)
- Opportunity to gain experience, confidence, and new skills
- Certificate/reference upon request (after volunteering period)
- Risk Assessment to be performed by Health and Wellbeing officer for each new client/house
Equal Opportunities:
Torfaen Council is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and communities, including those with disabilities or support needs