Volunteers are always in demand, but some local organisations have been in touch recently to say they are really quite desperate for Volunteers. Here is a handful of local opportunities available immediately if you, or someone you know are interested.
Beanstalk Reading Helpers
Beanstalk is a national charity and their aim is to build a nation of confident children who are literate for life by training and supporting a team of amazing people who volunteer their time to become reading helpers in a local school. Beanstalk ask that you are able to commit to 3 hours a week (broken down into two one-and-a-half hour sessions, mostly in the afternoon) and that you are able to do this during term time and school hours. Reliability is paramount so you must be able to commit to a minimum of one school year to ensure the children get the consistent support they need.
You would need to undertake a 7 hour pre-placement training course and would receive on-going support from Beanstalk Volunteer Support Worker once placed in a school.
More information can be found on www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk
Switch Mentors
The SWITCH (Supporting Women in the Community and Home) Mentoring Service is run by Nacro. Mentoring is a relaxed way in which individuals from all walks of life can access help and support regarding any issues they are facing. It is not as formal as counselling, the service actively involves the individual dealing with their own issues.
The women who access this service potentially have an offending background, are at risk of offending/re-offending, have possible mental health issues and can be experiencing a variety of complex problems such as a history of domestic and sexual abuse, alcohol and substance misuse, learning difficulties and low educational attainment leading to potential unemployment, difficulty gaining employment, resulting in low confidence, self-esteem and social isolation.
Butterwick Hospice Charity Shop
Butterwick House Children’s Hospice is seeking retail volunteers for its charity shop in Linthorpe Middlesbrough. Previous experience is not necessary as full training will be given. Butterwick has a wonderful team of volunteers who say they enjoy the variety, meeting customers, getting out of the house and generally enjoying being part of a team.
Redcar & Cleveland Mind
Need volunteers to help identify ways of raising funds and to help secure this funding by internet research / email or by talking to businesses on the telephone. You could also be involved in organising fundraising events, which could involve community groups, businesses, local schools and colleges.
Volunteers would be asked to commit to meet with Redcar & Cleveland Mind staff for 2 hours on a regular weekly/fortnightly basis. Previous fundraising experience would be a bonus.
Cleveland Fire Support Network
The Cleveland Fire Support Network works alongside Cleveland Fire Brigade to deliver community safety services including after fire support, as well as promoting health and wellbeing awareness across our communities. They are seeking volunteers with retail experience, and drivers.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in any of these volunteering opportunities please complete this registration form and return to trish@rcvda.org.uk indicating which opportunity you are interested in, or contact Trish on 01642 440571 for further information.