Welfare Volunteer Training
Uniquely, the RAF Association’s welfare volunteer training for Befrienders and Caseworkers is accredited through AIM Awards, a national and international Awarding Organisation.
The Befriender or Caseworker courses are both accredited though the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), the same body that accredits A levels and vocational qualifications such as NVQs.
Additionally, all of our Continuous Professional Development modules for Caseworkers are quality marked by AIM.
Befriending
Befrienders help ensure that anyone in the RAF family, who needs us, feels part of the community. They provide social visits to clients’ homes, offering friendship and alleviating loneliness by supporting them to integrate into their local community, form social contacts and make new friends.
Befriender Training
The Befriending training is a full day course; lunch and refreshments are provided and your travel expenses are paid. During the day you will learn about the role of a Befriender within the Association.
Upon successful completion of the training you will gain a Befriending qualification at Level 1.
Throughout the training we aim to provide you with the knowledge to confidently begin your role as a Befriender with the Association. Designed to be varied, fun and interactive with group work and discussions, you will:
- Learn about the RAF Association and the wide-ranging services it provides to the RAF Family
- Understand how befriending can alleviate loneliness and isolation
- Learn more about the role of a Befriender
- Meet and network with other befrienders
In 2016 the Association ran 31 Befriender courses at 21 different locations across England, Scotland and Wales as far afield as Elgin in Scotland, Colwyn Bay in Wales, Kings Lynn and Plymouth in England; so there should always be a course near to you.
Previous volunteers who have attended the training have said…
‘Really useful and informative’
‘A very good course’
‘I found the course very beneficial to understand the role’
‘Great setting and very worthwhile learning experience’
‘Enjoyable course. Taught a lot – which will assist me in the role’
Casework
Caseworker volunteers deliver welfare support to members of the RAF family through visiting the individual to see what help is needed, signposting to sources of help and supporting them to obtain financial assistance, where required. It could be to support an injured person fighting to get back on their feet or an elderly veteran who doesn’t know where to turn.
Caseworker Training
The 2 ½ day course is designed to help you understand and prepare for your role as a Caseworker with RAFA.
Upon successful completion of the training you will gain a Welfare Support: Information and Advice qualification at Level 2.
The training will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to confidently begin your role as a Caseworker with the Association. The course includes taught sessions, guest presentations, group work, discussions and case studies. You will:
- Learn about the RAF Association and the services it provides to the RAF Family
- Understand the role of a Caseworker
- Learn the skills and knowledge required for casework
- Complete a portfolio of evidence for your qualification
- Meet and network with other caseworkers from across the UK
Eight caseworker courses are held each year in Leicester. All food, refreshments and accommodation are provided and travel expenses paid.
Previous volunteers who have attended the last training course said…
‘It has been a fantastic course / days with great people. Thank you for this.’
‘Great support, friendly people and well organised’
‘Excellent course. Tutors were extremely knowledgeable and used great examples’.
You can search for Befriender or Caseworker vacancies near to where you live. We’d love to hear from you.
If you are an organisation that would like to enquire about the delivery of this training to your volunteers or employees, then please contact Alyson Hunter, Director of HR and Volunteering, on either 0116 268 8775 or by email at alyson.hunter@rafa.org.uk