As many of you will already know the Service User Forum meets every two months and is a space where anyone who has used the services of the Sussex Beacon can come along, air their views and become a part of the Forum. The Beacon is always keen to hear the views of people who have used their services.

If you would like to attend any of the Forum meetings then please feel free to come along – it is your Forum and a great opportunity for you all to be involved. If you would prefer to speak to one of the Service User Representatives you can do that and they will happily share your views, comments or concerns. The dates of the next meetings are listed in the latest copy of The Voice newsletter, as are contact details for the representatives.

Service User Representatives needed!

Inpatient and Outpatient Services

The Sussex Beacon is looking for Service User Representatives to provide voluntary support to the organisation and its service users.  The work is designed to foster good communication and strengthen the services we provide to men and women living with or affected by HIV.

Skills and Experience
You will need some understanding of the issues facing people from a range of backgrounds who are living with HIV. You will have the ability to show empathy and understanding and have good communication and interpersonal skills. You will be able to recognise and take appropriate action on issues raised by service users and to ask for support and guidance for yourself when needed.

As a volunteer Service User Rep you will:

• offer support and guidance to service users accessing both our Inpatient Unit and Outpatient Services
• regularly meet with Service Users for approximately 4-6 hours per month – hours flexible
• attend Service User Forum meetings, which happen every two months on a Tuesday or Thursday morning from 11am to 1pm
• listen to concerns raised by service users and report any issues back to the staff team or service user forum as necessary
• act as a team member maintaining good communication with other Service User Reps
• maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

 

Service User Communications Representative

The Sussex Beacon is also looking for a Service User Communications Rep to play a key role in the organisation.  In addition to the above you will:

• promote Sussex Beacon services in a positive way to both internal and external stake-holders
• foster good communications within the organisation between service users and the staff and volunteer team
• co-edit our service user e-newsletter, “The Voice”, in conjunction with the service user administrator
• attend internal and external meetings relevant to the post, e.g. Sussex Beacon Communications Group.

 

In return for your help The Sussex Beacon will:

• offer regular mentoring support and contact with a Sussex Beacon representative
• do our best to help you develop your role as a Service User Representative and provide training where needed
• reimburse reasonable expenses incurred.

 If you are interested in becoming a Sussex Beacon Service User Rep you can self-elect at the next Service User Forum meeting and be co-opted on then and there. For more information come along to the next Service User Forum meeting or contact Kat Williams (CEO) or Mick Sykes (Trustee) on 694222.

The Voice newsletter

		Click here to download The Voice Autumn 2011
		Click here to download The Voice Summer 2011
		Click here to download The Voice Spring 2011
		Click here to download The Voice Winter 2010
		Click here to download The Voice Autumn 2010
		Click here to download The Voice Summer 2010

		The downloadable documents on this site are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. To view them you will need the Acrobat reader available by clicking on the button to the left.