Background

This role provides a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a truly groundbreaking project and the people who make use of it to help transport them from the reality of their circumstances through stories
Streetreads volunteers give away free books to readers experiencing homelessness. But Streetreads is more than books. We’re sharing stories that offer a great way to escape the realities of trauma and tough times, a chance for people to lose themselves in another world, to find solace, adventure, new horizons. They also help us start conversations and build the connections that are vital to recovery from homelessness.
Stories connect us all.

Role Purpose

Our Library Assistant Volunteers will be part of running our drop in sessions held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Volunteers have a great opportunity in The Library environment to interact with readers – this could be having a chat about books and reading, playing chess or board games, or allowing readers to relax in one of our reading nooks, collect any book requests and assisting with any upcoming events or workshops - from Edinburgh Book Festival to puppet workshops. 

Specific Tasks

• Open and close the Library in line with the Nicolson Square guidance document
  Ensure the Library space is set up in the ‘Library’ formation and stocked with tea/coffee/milk and biscuits
• Catalogue any new books that have been brought in
  Organise new books on the bookshelves in line with the Streetreads system  
• Put together any book requests for outreach venues or readers
• Welcome people we support into the space
• Get involved in assisting with any upcoming events or workshops
• Assisting on an ad-hoc basis with events and/or groups that Streetreads is running
• Act as an ambassador for the Streetreads project and Simon Community Scotland as a whole

Skills and Qualities Required

Successful Streetreads Library Assistant Volunteers will:

• Have the ability to work with people in a way that takes into consideration their individual and cultural beliefs without expressing personal opinion
• Be able to approach your volunteering role and tasks with a flexible and non judgemental attitude
• Be empathetic towards our client group
  Have good communication and people skills
• Enjoy meeting and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds
• Have a genuine interest in books
• Some of our readers do not have English as their first language and therefore applications are sought from a culturally diverse audience.

Commitment

We welcome volunteers to stay with us and continue to help us make a difference in people’s lives. 12 months would be the ideal minimum but we respect your time and commitment’s elsewhere.
For this role we ask for a weekly commitment to our drop in sessions on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoon.
Our recruitment follows the Safer Recruitment process, which means giving consideration to safeguarding arrangements at every step. We will ask you to attend an informal interview, provide us with two references and attend our Mini IMPACT training – a shortened version of our dynamic 5-day staff programme. 

Support and Training

• A full and comprehensive induction is provided for this role
• In-role training is available – we value our volunteers and want to ensure you are equipped with the skills you need to fulfil your role
• Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Policy
• Simon Community Scotland together with Volunteer Scotland and Disclosure Scotland will support you with the required PVG process

What’s in it for me?

For as little as two hours a week you have the chance to meet new people and be part of an amazing team who are passionate about what they do.
Everything we do is about and for people: the people we support, our staff, our partners and everyone affected by homelessness. Each person involved brings their individual skills and creativity to the work we do. This is a chance for you to make a real difference to the most vulnerable people within your community and pick up essential skills that are valuable to employers. 

Our expectations

We would like people who care about people who receive our support and who are enthusiastic and able to respond flexibly to a role that can sometimes be challenging, but brings great rewards and satisfaction.
We need you to be fully committed to Simon Community Scotland’s Mission and Core Values and adhere to our policies/procedures and Code of Practice.

If you need any help completing this form please contact us: volunteering@simonscotland.