1. Who we serve:
Suicide bereaved adults throughout the 26 counties of Ireland who have experienced the loss of their loved one(s) by suicide.
2.What we do:
HUGG offers several specific support services for bereaved adults and families through our:
1. Peer Support Groups
2. Bereavement Information Events and Webinars
3. Signposting to other organisations
4. Website resources
5. Telephone Support Line
6. Lending Library
7. Remembrance Events
3. How we work:
HUGG is a Volunteer led organisation. Our services are carried out almost entirely by suicide bereaved individuals, supported by a core team of staff. The positive outcomes achieved from our work and the services we provide are largely due to the commitment and dedication of our Volunteers at all levels.
We endeavour to provide a high standard of service by adhering to a set of core values which govern everything we do:
HUGG recognises that volunteers bring energy, perspective, knowledge, and creativity. HUGG will ensure that volunteers are fully inducted and encouraged to contribute and develop their skills, knowledge, and experience.
Volunteers will be assigned to a role without regard to gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability, race or membership of the traveller community, as defined under the Employment Equality Acts, 1998 to 2008.
All volunteers are interviewed, and character reference checks conducted.
4.Volunteer Agreement
Volunteers will be provided with a volunteer agreement, which will include the volunteer role, time commitment and obligations of the volunteer.
5.Role Descriptions
HUGG will define the role and responsibilities for each volunteer prior to the volunteer commencing their position with the organisation. The role description will list the general tasks, duties, and responsibilities for the voluntary position. It will also include any skills, experience or attributes required for the role.
6.Safeguarding
Depending on the specific volunteer role, a volunteer may be asked to disclose any criminal convictions. Any decision on a candidate’s suitability will be based on the nature of the role in the organisation, the nature of the offence and when it was committed.
Volunteers are also required to disclose to HUGG if they receive any convictions during the period of volunteering. Volunteers may be asked to undergo Garda vetting, if necessary for the role. However, it should be noted that HUGG do not deal with minors and therefore currently do not need to be Garda Vetted.
7.Training Support & Development
HUGG is committed to ensuring that volunteers receive appropriate induction. This will be coordinated by the HUGG Groups Manager.
HUGG is committed to providing support and development opportunities to volunteers. The HUGG Groups Manager will be the main point of support.
Volunteers will receive external clinical supervision, ongoing support and feedback. Supervision is designed to discuss concerns or feelings that might arise for the volunteer in carrying out their role.
Volunteers will be given the opportunity to identify training and development opportunities during their placement with HUGG. Volunteers will be encouraged to attend conferences and meetings that are appropriate and relevant to the role, and support personal growth.
IT has now become a core part of volunteering with HUGG. We need to look at how this can be appropriately included in HUGG training, and reconsider the volunteer spec.
8.Time Commitment
Volunteers will be asked to commit to a specific period of time which will be agreed in advance. Volunteers are expected to perform volunteer’s duties within this agreed time. Prior to commencing a volunteer role with HUGG, the details of the time commitment and the hours/days will be agreed with HUGG.
9.Confidentiality
During their role, volunteers will become aware of personal or sensitive matters that are confidential. These matters relate to people and/or organisations. HUGG takes privacy and confidentiality extremely seriously. Disclosure of information gained in the course of your role with HUGG remains confidential during and after your involvement with HUGG.
Failure to respect confidentiality will result in the termination of the volunteer agreement.
All documentation and communications in writing, including emails, remain the property of HUGG. Volunteers must comply with the organisation’s data protection policies and procedures. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the volunteer agreement.
10.Professional Boundaries
When Volunteers are representing HUGG, they are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
11.Volunteer Allowance
There is no payment for volunteering with HUGG. However, HUGG recognises that volunteers should not be out of pocket for their voluntary work and all are given equal opportunity to claim any vouched expenses incurred when volunteering, such as mileage, the cost of travel related to the role and meals, when appropriate. HUGG also respects the wishes of volunteers who do not want to claim expenses incurred while volunteering in their role.
12.Voluntary work and social welfare payments
If you are a recipient of a social welfare payment you may be allowed to volunteer and keep some or all of your payment. Your local social welfare office will advise on this. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to advise social welfare before taking up a volunteering role.
13.Health & Safety
HUGG is committed to providing safe working conditions and environment. The organisation will make every effort to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the safety, health and welfare of all employees and volunteers. Volunteers must ensure they work in accordance with HUGG’s health and safety policy and procedures and comply with instruction of HUGG’s designated health and safety officer.
14. Complaints Procedure
HUGG believes that effective communication, openness, active listening, and cooperation lead to the efficient and effective resolution of grievances. HUGG’s Complaints Policy is the mechanism used to ensure grievances are resolved in a fair and timely manner. A grievance by a volunteer will be taken seriously and will be resolved as soon as possible.
15.Internet and telephone usage
HUGG volunteers must comply with the organisation’s Data Protection Policy. This policy includes guidelines on acceptable usage of internet and telephone and the use of social media.
16.Exit Interviews
Volunteers may be invited to participate in an exit interview at the end of their placement. Participation in exit interviews is voluntary.
17.Volunteer Agreement
HUGG agrees to:
- Provide adequate information and training so you may meet the expectations as described in your volunteer role description.
- Explain what is required of you and to support and provide encouragement to help you achieve the desired results.
- Assign you with a supervisor who will provide you with regular support and supervision meetings and act as a ‘go to’ person.
- Always treat you with respect and courtesy.
- Be receptive to any comments and feedback from you; and
- Value and recognise your role as a volunteer.
