LAUNCH OF SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE VOLUNTEER CENTRES

Warwick District Volunteer Centre and Stratford-on-Avon District Volunteer Centre are both accredited to Volunteering England which is the National Organisation for volunteering.

The Launch of the two Volunteer Centres for South Warwickshire which took place on Wednesday, 26th October at Moreton Hall, Morton Morrell at 2.30 pm. was seen by participants as a great success.

The aim of the Volunteer Centres is to make volunteering more accessible, fun and enjoyable for individuals of all ages. Without volunteers no voluntary organisation would be able to serve our Community.

On this special occasion we were fortunate to have Barrie Palmer, a Shakespearean Actor currently with the RSC, and James Collins, a representative from Volunteering England to launch the Volunteer Centres. At the event, representatives of around 80 voluntary and statutory organisations were joined by dignitaries from across South Warwickshire.

Chancellor Gordon Brown has marked 2005 as UK Year of the Volunteer.
There has never been a better time to stand up and make a difference!

Sam's story: How I fill my time

I started to volunteer to fill my time during the summer vacation from University. I wanted to fill my time in a meaningful way. I have gained many skills as I got involved in a local community project and created a website. This enabled me to learn about crime prevention and how the police work with the local community. This has led to other opportunities such s a student forum for Neighbourhood Watch as well as a nomination for Millennium Volunteer of the Year

Why I Volunteer: Rachel's story

I chose to volunteer for the RAMP project in order to support someone with a
disability to help her develop confidence and to gain experience in the workplace. Doing so has raised my awareness of promoting positive attitudes. My colleagues say they have gained too.

Latest volunteering opportunities:

Latest volunteering opportunities:

BEN - The Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent Fund

The organisation: BEN is celebrating its 100th year. The need for continuing support is greater now than at anytime. BEN is the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905, the Fund provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year.

The opportunity: Volunteers are needed in all areas, especially the welfare department, to work as visitors/befrienders - Benfriends - visiting new and existing Beneficiaries.

The friendly small team can offer training, ongoing support, and an opportunity to meet other volunteers at the annual National Conference.

For more details contact the team on 01633 281 891

Young Housing Project - Nightstop Host

The Organisation: Advice centre open 5 days a week. Supported accommodation housing sixteen people. Counselling service available through advice service or telephone enquiry. Nightstop opens Monday- Thursday.
The Opportunity: Volunteer hosts make a basic commitment to provide an evening meal, a bed for a night and breakfast the following morning for the young person referred to them. All volunteer hosts in own homes. We work around your availability. Times you can volunteer - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday nights.

Skills/Qualities required: Friendly, respectful, tolerant, sensible, non-judgemental. Willing to undertake training.

Age Concern Warwickshire, Head Office Leamington - Admin and/or Reception Cover

The Organisation: Age Concern Warwickshire is an independent registered charity working throughtout the county, to enhance the lives of all older people (+50 years old).

The Opportunity: Volunteers are required in many different areas. Here is a list to help you decide if you would like to volunteer in any of the following areas: Reception cover and welcoming visitors. General Administration. Taking bookings for luncheon clubs. Answering the telephone. Taking messages off Voicemail. IT and database work.

Skills/Qualities required: Any of the following - Telephone skills. Database knowledge. Good handwriting. However, you must have a desire to help older people.

Racing To Get There - Driver (minibus)

The Organisation: Racing To Get There provide transport solutions for people deprived by rural isolation or social exclusion.

The Opportunity: Providing transport for people who do not have their own by driving a disabled accessible 16 seat minibus.

Skills/Qualities required: Full driving licence is required. Training and testing to M.I.D.A.S. standard can be provided (and is free to most people)

RAMP Project - Mentor

The Organisation: Maximising potential of disabled people in the employment market.

The Opportunity: Sharing experience and skills. Building up rapport, friendship. Building on personal development.

Skills/Qualities required: Someone with past/current work experience/life experience.

Friendship Project for Children (Warwickshire) - Trustee

The Organisation: Provides befriending scheme for disadvantaged children aged 6-16.

The Opportunity: Trustees attend regular meetings and help to ensure responsible management of staff, finances and the resources of the organisation.

Skills/Qualities Required: A strong commitment to children's welfare issues and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Why not use volunteering to help you get
what you want?

Gain experience to enhance your CV
Use your newly acquired academic qualifications in a practical way
Make an impact in your community
Meet new people

National Focus

If you want to find out nationally what is happening in this year-long celebration of the amazing work volunteers do visit www.yearofthevolunteer.org/