The Scottish peer educator programme works with volunteers of different faiths from the South Asian community based in either Edinburgh or Glasgow.
The peer educators work together to educate, discuss and answer questions on kidney health, disease, organ donation (deceased and living) and educating audiences on the new organ and tissue donation legislation which came into effect in March 2021 in Scotland.
We are looking for patients, family members of patients or just those passionate about helping us to reach and educate different communities.
Full training will be provided (leading to a qualification) and we will give you all of the support and resources needed.
Purpose of the role:
- Help us to raise awareness and educate the community on kidney health, the risks of kidney disease and the need for Organ and Tissue donors within the South Asian communities of Glasgow and Edinburgh and surrounding areas - predominately Sikh, Hindu and Muslim faith communities
- To advise South Asian communities about their choices on deceased organ and tissue donation and provide them with information to help them make an informed donation decision.
- Encourage people to discuss their decision on organ and tissue donation with their families, and friends and record this on the Organ donor register (ODR).
- To promote the work of the charity Kidney Research UK and encourage people to get involved.
Main tasks:
- Raise awareness and educate Scottish residents on the opt out system of organ and tissue donation and the choices they have.
- Raise awareness of Living donation (where a living person can donate a kidney to another person)
- Explore and seek out opportunities in your community to raise awareness and hold stalls to discuss kidney health, disease and making a choice and understanding the change of law on organ donation.
- Actively promoting kidney health issues and organ and tissue donation at community events to raise awareness, including at places of worship, melas, cultural, faith and social events
- Give talks on our work to local colleges, community, faith & cultural groups, and businesses
- Represent the charity at any local presentations requested by community fundraising team
- Network and pass on any potential funding or partnership leads to your staff contact
General:
- Attend and complete all training provided by the charity
- To operate within all relevant policies and guidelines, including health and safety, equal opportunities, data protection, confidentiality and financial procedures and regulations (guidance will be given)
Person specification:
Essential
- A belief and understanding of the importance of organ and tissue donation, both living and deceased issues (or a willingness learn)
- Be a member of the target local communities
- Ability to commit to an average of 12-15 hours of work per month (mutually flexible)
- Knowledge of your local community
- Willingness to explore your local community for more opportunities to promote the charity and the cause we are addressing
- Ability to talk to a variety of people
- Presentation skills, with an ability to reach on a one-to-one basis or a wider informal small audience
- Comfortable in accepting and processing any charitable donations
- Responsible and reliable
- Professional manner
Desirable
- Ability to speak at least another language, relevant to your community
Selection procedure:
All individuals will be invited to participate in a selection meeting or discussion to discuss further their skills, interests and experience.
Induction and training:
The volunteer will be required to undertake training relating to the role, which will include an overview of the opt out legislation. Information will also be provided detailing further information about Kidney Research UK helping familiarise them with the work of the charity.
Support and supervision:
The volunteer will be fully supported by their staff contact and/or the Volunteer Programme Manager in their initial activities. Regular meetings and updates will be held either face to face or by telephone
How to apply
If you are interested in the role email our volunteer programme manager. we will ring you for an informal chat to discuss your experience and which parts of the role you are interested in, so that we are able to tailor the opportunities we send you. You will then be asked to provide one reference. We cannot wait to chat to you!