Trying to find a part-time helper in Newham and getting nowhere

[AnnieOH]

I’m trying to help a relative in the Newham area find someone for a few hours a week and I’m honestly surprised how difficult it’s proving.

He’s very active in community life but needs a bit of practical help getting to local events, appointments, and things like that. Nothing medical or complicated, just someone reliable who can accompany him out and about occasionally. I'm worried that the ads I'm posting might sound like I'm soliciting on his behalf at this point. I've had 2 responses, and only 1 actual application.

Hours are flexible, could be evenings or weekends, and job share would be absolutely fine. It would probably suit someone local who wants a few extra hours rather than a full job.

I’ve tried the usual places but haven’t had much luck so far. Does anyone know the best places locally to advertise something like this? University boards, local groups, community pages, anywhere like that?

Any suggestions really appreciated.

Can you try a charity like Age UK? I would be wary of advertising to random members of the public, even if it’s not medical related he would still be considered a vulnerable person.

They might have vetted volunteers who would like paid work.

edit: I’m assuming elderly sorry. There are other sorts of befriending groups locally too.

I wouldnt mind a job like that once Im retired.

Have you tried rthe job centre?

https://www.renewalprogramme.org.uk/connect-newham/

Says they aren’t taking on new clients but if you tell them you want to pay someone they might be able to put you in touch.

Not thought of Age UK to be honest because he's only in his 50's.

I hadn't considered the job centre because I'm not doing this from the viewpoint of being a formal job offer you know? Just a bit of light cash in hand type work (rightly or wrongly on that part I guess)

Contact the local Carers Hub (or whatever they're called locally). They may be able to point you at good places to advertise or look.

See if there's a micro carers project locally too as this is exactly what they're set up to do.

Where have you asked so far? Local FB groups could be a good start if you haven't tried that already.

That's what I've been trying local Facebook and Reddit groups, and why I'm so surprised.

I'll take a look and see if there's a carer's hub local to him, thank you

You could try this:
https://www.renewalprogramme.org.uk/connect-newham/

Unfortunately (having worked in this field) the type of support you're looking for is hard to recruit for, as most people want or job or they don't - it's not appealing to enough people to do occasionally support or a small number of hours a week.

The cash in hand bit might be putting people off - how many other rules may be broken? And what are flexible hours? Because it kind of sounds like the hours will be all over the place, only a few a week and unlikely to be decently paid. If you could guarantee x hours on y days that may help get interest.

Agree you should put the number of hours per week. I have recently done this for a babysitter.. 10 hours per week, £15 per hour.
I got many more applicants when I stated that both children were fully independent with toilet matters, so might be worth noting that!
You’ll get more interest if there’s no hygiene help required and no cooking or cleaning.

Have you considered contacting a local taxi firm to set up an account? We have used similar for an elderly relative. Drivers were vetted because they do school runs. We had an account with a monthly bill and paid a slightly higher rate. There were a couple of regular drivers so she got to know them, but the cab office would alert her if it would be a different driver. They were happy to park up, take her in somewhere and wait around - saved them fuel.

Cash in hand for a support worker for a vulnerable person? Risky. Use a vetted agency .