Become a Welfare Assessor

If you have time on your hands, enjoy meeting people and have a car and full driving licence then you could consider becoming one of our welfare assessors. We now have 44 trained Welfare Assessors nationwide and 98 per cent of our beneficiaries have an assessor allocated to them, the remainder being covered by a telephone assessor.

The Role Of An Assessor

The role of volunteer Welfare Assessors working for Caravan, is to provide a visiting service to our beneficiaries, and to ensure their welfare is maintained in accordance with our Beneficiaries' Charter.

The majority of our Welfare Assessors have either worked in the grocery industry themselves, or have come to us through an organisation such as REACH (Retired Executives Action Clearing House). Assessors are given a thorough training, so they are aware of the benefits and government grants available and can ensure that all our beneficiaries are in possession of the 'basics', ie cookers, washing machines, televisions, telephones, fridges and beds. Assessors are also able to recommend Caravan supply beneficiaries with mobility items and telephone response systems where they meet our criteria.

The Welfare Assessors are our 'front line' who, by their visits are able to ensure the continued welfare of our beneficiaries is sufficiently met. Every single report is studied and acted upon where necessary, and without their input we would be unaware of the real needs of our members.

Qualities Required To Be An Assessor

There are currently 44 Welfare Assessors around the country, and it is vital they possess tact, an open and friendly disposition, and a sympathetic nature. They must enjoy meeting people, be a good listener and a communicator, with an ability to recognise needs and apply solutions. The use of a car and current driving licence are also essential requirements.

"It's very humbling going to see our beneficiaries," said Alan Leaver, who has been a welfare assessor for over four years, and until recently was the chairman of Caravan's Welfare Committee. "I feel that I'm helping someone and really doing some good - it is very satisfying. You get a real sense of achievement - not all of our beneficiaries have close relatives or friends, and they are so appreciative of our visits and the support we provide, be it practical or just someone to listen to them."