Clients: Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a SBADC client?

By becoming a SBADC client you are asking for support services we provide, that are not available through the NHS or other agencies. For example befriending, light gardening, shopping and D.I.Y. This means one of our friendly volunteers will help support you with whatever you need.

What happens once I submit a referral form?

Once your referral form has been submitted, the Charity Care Coordinator will review your needs and inform you if we can fulfill your request. If we can, a volunteer will be selected and a meeting will be arranged with you so you can meet them with the Charity Care Coordinator. If we cannot, then we will try and find alternative help for you.

How frequently will my volunteer see me?

You will have an initial visit which will be arranged with you via the Charity Care Coordinator, however any subsequent visits will be decided between you and your volunteer depending on what suits your needs. For example those who seek a befriending service often have more visits in a month than those who just need someone to do some gardening.

How long will my volunteer visit me for?

Your initial visit may only be 30 minutes just to assess that you are both happy with the pairing. Any visits after this can be to suit your needs. One day you might have a 2 hour visit and another day it might only be 20 minutes. It’s based on a mutual agreement between you and your volunteer to suit you both.

What happens if I am away or have visitors?

If you know in advance that you are going to be away or having visitors, just let your volunteer know on your next visit and arrange with them when another visit is going to be possible. This happens all the time and your volunteer will be more than understanding, and knows the importance of spending time with family and friends. However, if you do not know in advance please contact us on 01364 700282 and we can inform your volunteer on your behalf.

Do I have to pay?

No, you do not have to pay for the services you receive from SBADC. However if you would like to make a donation you can do this by handing it in or posting it to us at the Old School Community Centre, or you can donate online by following the links for ‘Get Involved’. Please do not offer money to your volunteer as all donations to the charity must be recorded and officially acknowledged.

How do I contact my volunteer?

If you need to contact your volunteer, please phone the office and we can liaise with your volunteer on your behalf. If you are happy for us to give your contact number to the volunteer, they can contact you directly. We cannot provide you with the volunteer’s contact information due to confidentiality.

What happens if I’m not compatible with my volunteer?

If you feel that you and your volunteer are not compatible, please do not hesitate to contact our Charity Care Coordinator, Jane Sullivan. You can have a private discussion and re-evaluate your needs with the aim of finding you a more suitable volunteer.

What happens if I move and no longer live in South Brent or the surrounding area? Can you still support me?

South Brent & District Caring can continue to support you if you live in the surrounding area: North Huish, Aish, Avonwick, Diptford and Rattery Parishes. Unfortunately we cannot offer services to anyone outside of this area due to our limited resources, however this does not mean we will abandon you! We have connections with other agencies and will do our best to make sure there is a support network set up wherever you are.

Can I become a member?

Yes – being a client does not stop you from enjoying the benefits of becoming a member. For a one-off £10 a year you will be entered into a prize draw and your contribution will help toward the charity’s running costs.

Can I become a volunteer?

Yes, we have had several clients who have received support from us who then wish to do the same for others in similar circumstances as their own. If this is something you are interested in, contact our office and we can arrange to meet with you to discuss it further.

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Registered Charity No. 1150875