Epilepsy Berkshire exists to give support to those living with epilepsy:  to educate the community and organisations about epilepsy, to facilitate a sense of community ensuring that people do not feel isolated, to bring those together in a social environment where they can feel safe and supported giving support to the newly diagnosed, with help where necessary, such as guidance to organisations that can help them.

Epilepsy Berkshire is looking to recruit a volunteer, for two to four hours a week, to help work alongside other volunteers of a recently-formed charity, using their IT and communication skills. We are looking for an enthusiastic person who has the aptitude and approach required for this.

The charity has taken steps to set up support group sessions in the Greater Reading area. These have provided the opportunity to meet with others in a safe environment. It was face to face; however, it iscurrently via Zoom due to Covid 19. Our ethos is to encourage all members to adopt an inclusive, friendly approach. As soon as we can post Covid, social activities are planned to take place.

We use Facebook and plan to increase our use, in order to publicise ourselves more. We have had a WordPress website designed and published; however, we have no one with the skills to develop it, in order to promote ourselves effectively and provide the necessary up to date information.

The charity has been successful in carrying out fundraising and is discussing plans to use the funds raised for activities to benefit its clients. A volunteer with the appropriate aptitude and approach would be an asset in providing support and help in achieving the charity’s goals, with the existing officers.

What Qualifications and Skills are needed?

• IT and web skills with access to a PC and the internet
• Team-working and social skills, e.g. having empathy with those who are living with a disability such
  as epilepsy

The volunteer would benefit from having contact with other volunteers and those who are living with epilepsy and have the knowledge that there is a challenge to be met. As a volunteer, you could contribute to providing a significant improvement in community-based resources for this group. The volunteer would be self-motivated though guidance will be provided. This role could suit a student or a person just starting a new career path or new direction or an established individual looking to maintain their skills.