As the demands on the Charity grow and the range of activities and events organised for carers expand, volunteers are playing an increasingly important role in helping us maintain services and achieve our aims and objectives. We would have difficulty coping without the highly valued contribution they are making to the organisation and we encourage carers, former carers and those who simply wish to help the Charity in some way, to come and join our enthusiastic bank of volunteers.
Some of our volunteers are young and others are in the veteran stages of life; they come from different backgrounds; have different life experiences, skills, knowledge and interests. They are motivated to volunteer for a variety of reasons. A number wish to gain work experience to enhance their future employment prospects, others are or have been carers and wish to help support others in similar situations, but most are local people who wish to use the time they have to make a positive difference to the community in which they live. In return, they expect to feel their contribution is valued; gain a sense of personal fulfilment and satisfaction; as well as undertake work that is interesting, sociable and enjoyable.
The Charity has utilised the services of volunteers for administrative and clerical support tasks within the Carers Centre and in helping with various activities and events. Whilst not intended to be exhaustive, the following list gives an indication of the range of tasks that volunteers might be asked to undertake:
- reception tasks in the Carers Centre, meeting visitors, arranging tea/coffee, making appointments;
- helping to organise and run events and activities;
- assisting with transport for carers;
- secretarial, administrative and clerical tasks;
- answering the telephone, assisting with updating computers and website;
- assisting with preparation and distribution of our Newsletter;
- contacting carers by telephone to provide or seek information;
- visiting people;
- befriending; and
- other practical help.
We aim to offer creative and innovative projects for volunteers to provide an opportunity for them to use and develop their experience and abilities and they will be provided with the appropriate support. Because of the nature of the work we do, volunteers require to be registered with the Charity and there is a selection process involved, but this can be administered very quickly and sensitively and should not put anyone off from making enquiries about becoming one of our volunteers.
If you do, you will make many new friends and acquaintances through your volunteering activities and you will quickly learn how appreciative carers are of the services available and the support extended to them by staff and volunteers. You will help us solve problems and improve the quality of life of some of our carers and we hope you will also learn new skills and experience something completely removed from your usual routine. Your enthusiasm and dedication will make a huge difference to the work we do in Helensburgh and Lomond.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Charity and would like some further information, please see our Volunteer’s Handbook or contact the Carers Centre at 01436 673444 to arrange to drop in for a chat with the Manager and some of the volunteers you are likely to meet there.