Volunteering

Category Archives

Do you need volunteers to support your COVID-19 response?

March 30, 2020by Stuart Ashmore in Blog, Safer, Stronger Communities, Volunteering tagged

We’re here to help.

SCVO’s call-out for volunteers to support their local communities during the COVID-19 crisis has had a wonderful response; we are very proud to say we have a small army of reserves ready to help.

People from all walks of life have offered their services, from drivers to hands-on carers, from telephone befrienders to local shoppers.

So if you’re a voluntary organisation or community group in Sandwell, tell us where you need volunteers to step in.

We will aim to match your organisation’s need with volunteers signed up to our database. We have a note of their particular skills, whether they have their own transport and if they have current DBS clearance (which many do).

If you have identified a need (maybe something new, or a change to what you already do, in response to COVID-19), but maybe it is the first time you have thought about engaging volunteers in your delivery, why not get in contact with us to see how we might be able to support you.

If you would like to discuss opportunities you have, please email liz@scvo.info cc. kim@scvo.info

Solving the Top 5 Challenges of Onboarding and Motivating the Volunteer Workforce

March 26, 2020by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Volunteering tagged , ,

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many UK charities and not-for-profits. According to the Community Life Survey, volunteers donate over 2 billion hours of their time each year – equivalent to 1.25 full-time employees.

However, research suggests that volunteer engagement is harder to build, and loyalty harder to retain. That presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to find new and better ways to onboard and engage your volunteers – the opportunity is to break down the barriers that are getting in the way so your whole organisation can be more effective.

1. Paperwork

For most not-for-profits, taking on volunteers has more than its fair share of associated – and often essential – paperwork. It’s critical that this doesn’t bog down either yourselves or your volunteers. Everyone hates being asked to provide the same information in triplicate, or wasting hours chasing down missing forms – or turning up on the first day to be told you can’t actually do anything because an essential check has not been completed.

Mapping out your new joiner process can help minimise the risk. What information do you need to collect for each volunteer, how do you get it and who needs to be involved? Once you’ve got to grips with the process, finding onboarding tools that can help you streamline the collection of the relevant documents and data are worth their weight in gold.

To read the full Charity Today news story click here.

Source: Charity Today

Key Members Sought

February 18, 2020by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Did you know...?, Volunteering tagged , ,

Dealing with isolation, depression and the effects of bullying is what brings together members of the Sandwell Asian Mental Health Support Group.

They get together informally on a Wednesday afternoon at Oldbury Library for a cuppa and a chat, and rely on each other’s support to bring positivity and companionship into their lives.

They are now considering constituting as a charity, and are looking to recruit a Treasurer and Secretary.

Leader Bally said: “We would like to expand and support more people but do that need to have a more formal constitution. A couple of people to take on committee roles would help us a great deal.”

If you’re interested to know more, call 0121 569 4955 and leave a message for Bally, or go to twitter @samhsg18

Let’s Talk Autism

February 11, 2020by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Volunteering tagged ,

Getting together for a chat, socialising and creating memories is something we all cherish. But some people need a bit of support to do that. Autism West Midlands is looking for someone to help facilitate group discussions between adults who need that support.

The volunteer opportunity is for someone with understanding and patience but also the confidence to steer a group discussion and facilitate everyone’s needs.

The discussion group runs once a month on a Tuesday afternoon near West Bromwich town centre.

All volunteers receive training in autism awareness, safeguarding, equality and health and safety, and have their DBS check paid for by the organisation. Many volunteers find the transferable skills really useful when they’re looking for either paid work or other volunteering opportunities.

For more information or to express an interest email aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk with the reference ‘Sandwell Group Volunteer’.

Free Financial Capability Training for Volunteers

February 10, 2020by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Training Support and Resources, Volunteering tagged ,

Managing your money is crucial whatever your income. And not managing your money can have devastating effects.

Skills Rich is offering free training to volunteers already doing good work in the community, to help them further support people who are struggling to manage financially.

Workshops are designed to help volunteers be more aware of how they may be able to help customers who are in debt or are struggling financially, so are at risk of getting into more debt and potentially left with the choice of visiting a food bank or going without food.

They cover the obvious things like budgeting and priority bills but also discuss areas where customers can save money like on shopping and services. For example, if a customer is in receipt of less than £16,108 per year, they could qualify for up to 60% reduction on their water bill.

Training can either be in-house or at group sessions taking place on April 23, 2020.

For further information please contact Chris Cole on 07969 559098 or 0121 561 7935 or by email christina.cole@bchg.co.uk.

Appointment of Independent Persons For the Ethical Standards and Member Development Committee

February 7, 2020by Leona in Blog, Volunteering tagged

Sandwell Council are looking to appoint two Independent Persons to sit on the Council’s Ethical Standards and Member Development Committee

The role is to assist the Council to promote and maintain high standards of conduct amongst its elected members and co-opted members.

The closing date for submission of applications is 12 noon on 17 February 2020.

Please note this is a voluntary position.  Relevant training will be provided for and out of pocket expenses are payable.

Further information about role can be found here – https://www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/68600/independent-persons-for-the-ethical-standards-and-member-development-committee/

For more information and an application pack telephone Trisha Newton, Democratic Services Unit on 0121 569 3193, e-mail trisha_newton@sandwell.gov.uk

Make a Difference in 2020 – Volunteer!

January 13, 2020by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Volunteering tagged , ,

Do you enjoy visiting Jubilee Park? Then why not join the Friends of Jubilee Park and help them to keep the park looking good.

They are looking to connect with individuals who can spare the time to help them undertake small community activities and events in the park, to help them keep the park tidy by supporting their litter picking events or by becoming a member of their management committee, all needed to help keep the park a beautiful space throughout the year.

They’d also encourage all park users to do their bit by using the bins provided to dispose of litter and cleaning up after their dogs.

Where would Jubilee Park be without its volunteers? Nowhere! People can volunteer during the week and at weekends as well as evenings during the summer.

If you feel that volunteering with the Friends of Jubilee Park would make 2020 richer and more meaningful for you, please contact Eileen Churchill on 0121 5204322 and see if there is a match for you.

#Stronger Sandwell

Volunteer opportunity with Smethwick CAN

January 9, 2020by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Did you know...?, Volunteering tagged ,

Smethwick CAN is a local charity that was set up as a joint response from local churches to tackle poverty, increase aspiration, provide opportunities and support the most vulnerable within the community.

Smethwick CAN have several food projects supporting the local community and providing access to good quality food to people in need.

They currently have a volunteer position available within Smethwick CAN Community Cafe for a kitchen assistant. The role involves assisting other members of the team in preparing and cooking food for a busy lunchtime session which runs every Thursday.

For further information please contact Christina Murray, Food Hub Manager, at foodaction@smethwickcan.org or call 0751 724 1195.

CT Furniture: Volunteer Roles Available – Driver and Retail/Warehouse Assistant

December 11, 2019by Stuart Ashmore in Volunteering tagged

Are you looking to develop and discover new skills, explore a new field, get more life experience?

If so, volunteering your time to CT Furniture will not only look great on your CV, but will increase your:

  • Customer service skills
  • Driver skills and experience
  • Retail experience
  • Personal and professional development

You’ll also gain satisfaction and increase your confidence by:

  • Supporting your community
  • Meeting new people and making new friends

Roles available: Furniture Driver Assistant and Retail/Warehouse Assistant Volunteer

Location: Sandwell

Role Purpose:To collect and deliver donated furniture from customers across the Black Country area and beyond, providing excellent customer service. Collected items are delivered in good condition and therefore sold at affordable but sustainable prices to a diverse customer base.

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To apply: call 0121-773-2858 or email Marieanne.delaney@communitytransport.org

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Community Transport (CT) comprises of the charitable company ‘Community Transport’, and its trading subsidiary ‘Community Minibuses Limited’. We have four brands: CT Furniture, CT Home, CT Passenger Services and CT Training and we help the community by providing accessible transport, low-cost furniture and professional training.

CT Furniture: Volunteer Roles Available – Sales and Customer Service

December 11, 2019by Stuart Ashmore in Volunteering tagged

Are you looking to develop and discover new skills, explore a new field, get more life experience?

If so, volunteering your time to CT Furniture will not only look great on your CV, but will increase your:

  • Sales, social media and customer service skills
  • Sales and customer service experience in a retail environment
  • Personal and professional development

You’ll also gain satisfaction and increase your confidence by:

  • Supporting your community
  • Meeting new people and making new friends

Roles available: Sales and Customer Service Assistant

Location: Sandwell

Role Purpose: To provide an efficient, effective and supportive service of promotions for CT Furniture  store managers; using Facebook, Gumtree and additional promotional platforms as required.

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To apply: call 0121-773-2858 or email Marieanne.delaney@communitytransport.org

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Community Transport (CT) comprises of the charitable company ‘Community Transport’, and its trading subsidiary ‘Community Minibuses Limited’. We have four brands: CT Furniture, CT Home, CT Passenger Services and CT Training and we help the community by providing accessible transport, low-cost furniture and professional training.

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