Volunteering at This New Ground
Creative Arts Workshop Assistant Volunteer
Role Title: Creative Arts Workshop Assistant
Location: Hammersmith, London
Time Commitment: Tuesday daytime (3 hours)
Reporting To: Lead Facilitator/Workshop Coordinator
Role Overview: We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate volunteer to assist in delivering creative arts workshops for people with learning disabilities. This role offers a wonderful opportunity to contribute to an inclusive environment where participants can express themselves, develop new skills, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of creative arts. The volunteer will work closely with workshop facilitators and participants, helping to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with Workshop Facilitation: Support the lead facilitator in setting up, preparing, and delivering various art activities (painting, drawing, mixed media, etc.).
Support Participants: Offer individual or small group support to participants, assisting with tasks, encouraging creativity, and helping with any specific needs they may have during activities.
Encourage Expression: Foster a positive and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging participants to express themselves freely through art.
Provide Emotional Support: Be attentive and patient with participants, offering reassurance and positive reinforcement when needed.
Adapt Activities: Assist in adapting the workshops and art materials to suit the abilities and preferences of each participant.
Assist with Documentation: Help with recording participants’ progress, capturing photos (with consent), or providing feedback to the facilitator on how participants are engaging with the activities.
Maintain a Safe Environment: Ensure the art space is safe, organized, and inclusive for all participants. Follow safeguarding and health and safety guidelines.
Promote Social Interaction: Encourage socialisation and group participation, ensuring a fun, collaborative, and inclusive atmosphere.
Provide Feedback: Share insights on how workshops can be improved to better meet the needs of participants.
Skills and Qualities We Are Looking For:
A genuine interest in working with people with learning disabilities and promoting their creative expression.
Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.
Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from workshop facilitators.
Good communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with participants of all abilities.
Creativity and a passion for the arts (previous experience in art is helpful but not essential).
Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the varied needs of participants.
A sense of fun and enthusiasm for working in a creative, inclusive environment.
What You Will Gain:
Experience working with a diverse group of people, including those with learning disabilities.
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals in expressing themselves through art.
Personal growth and the development of skills such as communication, teamwork, and creative facilitation.
Training and support in delivering arts-based activities to people with learning disabilities.
A rewarding experience of being part of a welcoming, supportive community.
How to Apply: Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your interest in this role and relevant experience (if any) to lucy@thisnewground.com. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Volunteer Role Description: History of Learning Disabilities Project Assistant
Location: Portsmouth and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: 2hrs a week
Reporting To: Project Coordinator, Groundwork
Role Overview:
Would you like to help uncover and share the untold stories of people with learning disabilities in Portsmouth? Groundwork, is a unique project to record and preserve the oral histories of 50 individuals with learning disabilities in the city. These important stories will be archived locally and nationally and shared on an accessible online platform. The project aims to give people with learning disabilities a voice, making their experiences visible and ensuring their contributions to history are recognised.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers based in and around Portsmouth to support us in uncovering the local history of people with learning disabilities. You’ll be involved in exploring local archives and piecing together narratives that have long been overlooked. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a project that will have a lasting impact on how local history is documented and shared.
Research and Archive Exploration: Assist in researching the local history of people with learning disabilities by exploring archives, documents, and other historical sources. Volunteers may also be asked to follow up on specific references made in the oral history recordings, such as researching photos, events, or additional information mentioned by interviewees.
Sharing Findings: Occasionally, you may be asked to share your research findings with project participants, offering them the opportunity to see the materials, photos, or information you've uncovered, as well as with project coordinators to inform the ongoing development of the project
Skills and Qualities We Are Looking For:
Interest in Heritage Research: Enthusiastic about learning, uncovering, and preserving local history, with a particular interest in the history of people with learning disabilities.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of 18.
Sensitivity and Respect: Ability to approach all aspects of the project with empathy, sensitivity, and respect for the people involved.
What You Will Gain:
Hands-on experience in heritage research, oral history collection, and community engagement.
The opportunity to be involved in a project that has a meaningful impact on the visibility of people with learning disabilities in local and national history.
A chance to learn new skills in archive research.
The satisfaction of helping to share and preserve the untold stories of people with learning disabilities, ensuring their history is heard and appreciated.
Training and support throughout the project to help you feel confident and capable in your volunteer role.
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about history and want to help make a lasting difference in how the stories of people with learning disabilities are told, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience (if any) to nathalie@thisnewground.com
