Summer Vac by University of Sussex Students' Union

CONTENTS PAGE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES:

1) Watchdog Health Researcher with Brighton & Hove Link

2) Community Gardener with Moulsecoomb Forest Garden & Wildlife Project

3) B&H Independent Mediation Services

4) Accessible City Guide Volunteer with Fed Centre for Independent Living

6) Delivery and Collections Volunteer Fed Centre for Independent Living

7) Shopmobility Reception Volunteer with Fed Centre for Independent Living

8) Administrator Volunteer with Fed Centre for Independent Living

9) Reception Volunteer with Fed Centre for Independent Living

10) Clinic Assistant with Pathways to Health

11) Social Group Assistant with East Sussex Association for the Blind

12) Home Visiting Volunteer Assistant with East Sussex Association for the Blind 13 13) People’s Day Volunteer with B&H City Council

14) Memory Walk Event Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society

15) Creative Art Volunteer with Art in Mind

16) Inclusive Holiday Playscheme Volunteer with Extratime

(VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

PAGE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED:

17) Project Assistant with Grassroots Training

18) Charity Shop Volunteer with Save the Children

19) Stock Generator Volunteer with Save the Children

20) City Reads Event Volunteer

21) LGBT Youth Campaigns & Events Co-ordinators with Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voice at Allsorts

22) Garden Volunteer with B&H Food Partnership

23) Activity Volunteer with the Trust for Developing Communities

VOLUNTEERING BEYOND THE SUMMER

SUSSEX PLUS

B&H Link (Local Involvement Network) is the independent health and adult social care watchdog for Brighton and Hove. They are an independent network of people and groups who want to help make social and health care better in the local area, and are based in central Brighton. The Link helps people to have their say and ensure that the patient or service user’s voice is listened to and aims to involve them in local decision making. The organisation is a statutory body with legal powers under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Volunteer Role: Watchdog Health Researcher (ID Ref: 576): As a volunteer you will assist the organisation in researching "real" health issues in Brighton and Hove so that B&H Link can use their legal powers to help improve health services. Tasks include designing surveys and other research methodology, undertaking desktop research and primary research, analysing data. This is your chance to boost your CV and really make a difference to people in Brighton and Hove. A full volunteer role description is available in this organisation's 'Further Info' folder (Activities Centre Drop-In area) Volunteer Requirements: You need to have easy access to Brighton & Hove and an understanding of research methodology and health issues. Training Details: A basic induction about the Link. Once an established volunteer, the organisation aim to offer you any training that will help you in your role.

Recruitment Schedule: All year round, there is no application deadline. Volunteer Time Commitment: The group meets every other Monday for half an hour in the morning to discuss their progress in the work set. However, the majority of work will be completed at home. Roughly an hour a week of work will be expected, for a minimum of 3 months. Recruitment Process: Brief informal interview.

Other Info: More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 3

Moulsecoomb Forest Garden & Wildlife Project is a community allotment scheme where they practice organic, forest and wildlife vegetable gardening. They have regular workdays where everyone is welcome, a 'no gardening experience necessary' ethos, and also work with local schools and the youth offending service. Volunteer Role: Community Gardener (463) You will assist with various aspects of general gardening work and help to engage visiting groups and individuals in the gardening project. You will learn to garden, grow and harvest organic fruit and vegetables. Volunteer Requirements: You do not need to have any previous gardening experience. You need to wear old clothes, gardening gloves and sturdy footwear. Training Details: Induction and training on the basics of gardening and growing food. Recruitment Schedule: All year round, there is no application deadline. Volunteer Time Commitment: No minimum time commitment in terms of hours per week or length of time that you volunteer for. Volunteering takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am3pm. Recruitment Process: No recruitment procedure, Project V staff will make the necessary referral to the project and then you just need to turn up on one of the project's regular workday. Other Info: The project's award winning community gardens are a great way to meet a whole range of people in a beautiful, relaxing setting; from refugees to people with learning difficulties, to school pupils and local residents. Summer is also the best time to volunteer as the project organises lots of cooking sessions and it’s the time when most of the fruit and vegetables are ready to pick and eat! More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

B&H Independent Mediation Service trains volunteers on accredited community and workplace mediation courses to deliver mediation to neighbours, community members, young people and their families, and people in the workplace, to resolve conflict and disputes they are experiencing. Their work reduces anti-social behaviour in neighbourhoods, which reduces stress levels of those affected by conflict, and in turn improves the health and well being of people and communities. Mediation is a very effective early intervention, empowering people to resolve their disputes informally, working to reduce local conflict, and the strain on other services, including the police, housing and environmental health. Community mediation is impartial, independent, confidential and free. BHIMS work with people from all sections of the community, resolving issues related to e.g. noise, harassment, racial harassment, homophobia, anti-social and abusive behaviour, boundary issues, young peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behaviour, lifestyle differences and communication breakdown. Volunteer Role: Communications, PR & Marketing Volunteer (ID Ref: 678) You will volunteer with the BHIMS Workplace Mediation Group (consisting of paid staff and volunteers) evaluators, assist in the review and re-development of the organisation's publicity, promotion & marketing strategy; take an active role in the implementation of the emerging plan; create publicity materials which raises awareness of the compound benefits of resolving conflict positively through the mediation process; seek to create and utilise opportunities which positively raise the profile of BHIMS and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work within the City and beyond, including through social media; and through the strategy seek to identify and highlight fundraising opportunities. Volunteer Requirements: You need to have knowledge and skills in marketing & promotion; creative design skills; a working knowledge of IT and websites; an understanding/interest in mediation & conflict resolution and excellent interpersonal skills. Training Details: Organisation induction covering policies and procedures, best practice, etc. Recruitment Schedule: From May 2012 onwards Volunteer Time Commitment: A minimum of 1 day a week for 3 months, but ideally longer if the project takes longer. Hours can be undertaken with some flexibility. Recruitment Process: Application form, informal interview, follow-up on references and then completion of induction. Other Info: For more information on this organisation, see their 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 5

The Federation of Disabled People is a user led organisation that promotes independent living for all. The Federation works towards equality by inspiring disabled people to identify barriers and define solutions. It has a number of volunteer roles for which it is recruiting: Volunteer Role: Accessible City Guide Volunteer (439) As a representative of the Federation you will visit local venues to conduct informal reviews on services and facilities around accessibility. You do this at a time convenient to you and can undertake the visit alone, or with another team member. You write short reviews and submit your reviews to the Project Leader via e-mail, and your reviews will then be posted on the project’s website. This is an opportunity to have fun getting out and about, find out about accessibility in the City and let others know about this by publishing it in the project’s Accessible City Guide. Volunteer Requirements: You need to have a wish to inform others about accessibility in Brighton & Hove; a willingness to travel across Brighton and Hove to conduct reviews; good communication skills as you will be representing the Federation to venue managers; a willingness to work independently; a commitment to promoting equality for disabled people; and an interest in local facilities and events. Training Details: Training for the role involves an induction with the Project Leader and a meeting with some of the project’s current volunteers to learn about the ethos of the Federation, and what they are trying to achieve through the Accessible City Guide, and what sort of things to look for in a review. You will then be accompanied by one of the existing team on your first review, and feedback will be provided. Also, the project hold occasional team meetings and get-togethers to keep up-to-date with what everyone is up to; and you can access support via phone, e-mail or attending the project’s regular drop-in mornings. Recruitment Schedule: All year round, no application deadline. Volunteer Time Commitment: Very flexible, to be agreed at your induction. Ideally, a minimum of 1-2 reviews a month over the summer months. Recruitment Process: Application form (available from Project V), informal interview, induction Other Info: “We’re a friendly team and are looking forward to having more volunteers to share the work and the fun!” More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 6

Volunteer Role: Delivery and Collections Volunteer (604) You will assist on the Federation’s Shopmobility scheme which hires out wheelchairs and mobility scooters to people with mobility issues to help them get out and about anywhere in Brighton & Hove. A full volunteer role description is available from Project V.

Volunteer Requirements: You need to be able and confident to drive mobility scooters; have excellent communication skills; able to show commitment to the service and be reliable; be conscientious and emphatic to the needs of the customer without prejudice.

Training Details: Specific training on the mobility equipment.

Recruitment Schedule: Volunteers are needed all year round but the project has an increased need for volunteers over the busy summer months (Apr – Oct).

Volunteer Time Commitment: Ideally, you will be able to commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for 2 months. Volunteering hours are from Monday to Friday, between 10am-5pm.

Recruitment Process: Application form (available from Project V), informal interview, induction and training on mobility equipment.

Other Info: “Volunteers always work with a member of staff and are always made to feel welcome into the Shopmobility team.” More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

Volunteer Role: Shopmobility Reception Volunteer (ID Ref: 138) Assisting on the Federation’s Shopmobility service, you will provide a front-line reception service to customers by answering the telephone and dealing with customers face to face who use this service. Shopmobility provides manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters to members of the public with mobility issues, (not just blue badge holders), to enable them to have the freedom to travel anywhere within the Brighton & Hove area. Volunteer Requirements: You need a knowledge of computer programmes and the ability to type with confidence; a commitment to the provision of quality services and support for disabled people; the ability to retrieve and analyse information and then convey this in a clear, methodical fashion to service users; a preparedness to make a regular time commitment; a commitment to the principles of equal opportunities for all service users; a friendly and supportive telephone manner; an ability to use one’s own initiative; experience of working with the public (in a broad sense); and knowledge and understanding of disability and disablement issues. Training Details: Induction and ongoing support.

Recruitment Schedule: Volunteers are needed all year round but the project has an increased need for volunteers over the busy summer months (Apr – Oct).

Volunteer Time Commitment: A minimum of 3.5 hrs per week. Days are split into shifts 10:00-1:30 &1:30- 5pm or 10:30-1:30 &1:30- 4:30pm. A minimum of one shift per week would be expected for at least weeks. Volunteering takes place from Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm. Recruitment Process: Application form (available from Project V), informal interview, references and Criminal Record Check. Please be aware that the latter can take up to 2 months to process. Other Info: More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

Volunteer Role: Administrator Volunteer (ID Ref: 681) As an administrator you will provide support to the team of advisors in their work. Specifically, you will provide a welcoming and accessible service which is flexible and independent; assist in opening and disseminating the incoming post and ensuring that the outgoing post is despatched on time; deal with telephone, e-mail and face to face enquiries from members of the public and staff referring more complex issues to the advisors; answer DP & job vacancy enquiries & send out information packs, recruitment packs, application forms liaising with the PA Noticeboard when applicable; file both electronic and paper-based material and keep database up to date; sign post to other services where necessary; work within the DPSS team; maintain stocks of stationery and forms and place orders for supplies and services as required; assist with evaluation of projects by gathering, collating and producing information as advised; assist in the preparation of Events; assist in the production of promotional and publicity material as appropriate and keep publicised material and contact details up to date; assist the project lead with the upkeep of the service webpage; maintain confidentially on all enquiries received and all information regarding any clients; attend internal and external training identified in conjunction with role and aspirations; and maintain and practice the Federations commitment to equal opportunity for all service users. Volunteer Requirements: You need to demonstrate excellent communication skills, show commitment to the service and be reliable. You need to be efficient, organised and empathetic to the needs of the clients without prejudice. Discretion and confidentially are of paramount importance with all enquiries. Training Details: Full induction is given to all volunteers and there is also a training budget available for all volunteers to source appropriate training.

Recruitment Schedule: All year round. Volunteer Time Commitment: 7-8 hrs a week for a minimum of 3 months. Support is required between Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm. A commitment to regular slots each week is essential - these slots can be 10am-1pm or 1-4pm. Recruitment Process: Application form (available from Project V), informal interview, criminal records bureau check, induction/taster session. Other Info: More information about this project can be found in this projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Further Infoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 9

Volunteer Role: Reception Volunteer (ID Ref: 622) You will provide reception cover for the Federation and its services. Specifically, you will provide a welcoming and accessible service which is flexible and independent; assist in opening and distributing the incoming post and ensuring that the outgoing post is despatched on time; deal with telephone, e-mail and face to face enquiries from members of the public and staff, referring more complex issues to the relevant department; answer general enquiries & send out information packs, recruitment packs, application forms liaising with the PA Noticeboard when applicable; file both electronic and paper-based material and keep the database up to date; signpost to other services where necessary; assist in the preparation and organisation of events; keep publicised material and contact details up to date; maintain confidentiality on all enquiries received and all information regarding any clients; attend internal and external training identified in conjunction with role and aspirations; maintain and practise the Federation’s commitment to equal opportunity for all service users. Volunteer Requirements: You need to have a confident telephone manner; a positive and enthusiastic demeanour; competent computer skills; good organisational skills; a calm and supportive temperament; an ability to listen and relay information with precision; a preparedness to make a regular time commitment; a commitment to the provision of quality services and support for disabled people; a commitment to the principles of equal opportunities for all service users.

Training Details: You will receive a full induction and ongoing support. Recruitment Schedule: All year round. Volunteer Time Commitment: The project requires support between Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm. They can be flexible with days and times but a commitment to regular slots each week is essential. These slots can be 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm. You need to be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 3 months. Recruitment Process: Application form (available from Project V), informal interview, references and Criminal Record Check. Please be aware that the latter can take up to 2 months to process. Other Info: More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

Pathways to Health is a community health project. They operate a low cost ear acupuncture service for people with and/or affected by drug and alcohol use, mental health issues and hepatitis/HIV infection. Clinics are run in community projects and venues in Brighton and Hove. Volunteer Role: Clinic Assistant (ID Ref: 632) Each clinic is staffed by paid practitioners and volunteer clinic assistants. Most clinics are run on a drop-in, no appointment necessary basis and people can self refer. This means that some clinics can be very busy at times and other clinics quite quiet. As a volunteer, your role is to welcome all clients, offer them de-tox (herbal tea) and assist with filling in forms and keeping client records. You will need to be at the clinic 15 minutes early to set up the room before the opening time and stay to the end and help clear up. Preparing herbal tea and washing up cups is part of the work. Volunteer Requirements: You must be punctual and reliable. It is your responsibility to work as a member of the staff team and cover the sessions that they sign up for. If unable to cover you will need to find a replacement. An open mind, good communication skills and ability to listen are qualities that will help you to make a significant contribution to our service. A non-judgemental approach to people and an openness and willingness to learn are essential to this work. Training Details: Project induction Recruitment Schedule: All year round. Volunteer Time Commitment: A minimum of 50 hours over a 3-6 month period. Clinics run for 2/3 hours at a specific time every week. You need to be available for a 3/4 hour shift. This can be every week or fortnight depending on and negotiated with the staff team for that clinic. You are also required to attend a monthly/ 6 weekly peer group supervision meeting for all practitioners and volunteers. Currently (May 2012), looking to recruit volunteers for Wed mornings and 'back up / occasional cover' for Monday afternoons. Recruitment Process: Initially volunteers are asked to visit a clinic to see if it is the kind of work they are interested in; then to make an appointment with the Project Co-ordinator. After completing an application form (2 references are required) and being accepted the induction is done in the clinic by practitioners and volunteers working there. Other Info: More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 11

East Sussex Association for the Blind and Partially Sighted People aim to enhance the lives of people with a sight loss. It has a resource centre, information helpline and organises skills training to promote independence, social groups and home visits. It has 2 volunteer roles available over the summer vacation:

Volunteer Role: Social Group Assistant (602) You will assist at the project’s social group helping service users from their transport into the building, helping them to get involved in various activities, serving refreshments, socialising with the service users and providing companionship. You will also assist on the trips out by guiding service users. Many service users are elderly people who have age related sight loss and may consequently have experienced a loss of confidence. Volunteer Requirements: You need to have good communication skills as some of the service users are also hard of hearing; good listening skills, a willingness to be part of a team, and be reliable. Training Details: You will have an induction into project. Sighted guiding training can also be provided and, if time is available, a visit to the project’s head office can be arranged to look at equipment available for visually impaired people. Recruitment Schedule: From May onwards, applications need to be in by the end of June 2012. Volunteer Time Commitment: You need to commit to 3 hours per fortnight for a minimum of 2 months. The group meet on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month, from 2-5pm at Portslade Town Hall. Recruitment Process: Submission of application form, two references and interview. Other Info: More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

Home Visiting Volunteer Assistant (ID Ref No: 683): Your role will be office based and will require you to make contact with clients and home visiting volunteers to gather information as to how successful the ESAB service is performing. This information will then be made available to the Brighton & Hove City Council with whom the EASB are contracted.

Volunteer Requirements: You need to have IT skills and good communication skills.

Training Details: Organisation induction and One Day Vision Awareness Training.

Recruitment Schedule: From June 2012 onwards.

Volunteer Time Commitment: 3 hours a week on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday afternoon or mornings, from June to Sept, with the option of continuing volunteering beyond this time should you wish. You will be based at Blatchington Court Trust in Hove.

Recruitment Process: Application form (available from Project V), references checked, interview and Criminal Records Bureau check.

Other Info: More information about this project can be found in this project’s ‘Further Info’ folder located in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

B&H City Council People's Day is a community event which has been designed to increase understanding and to celebrate the diverse communities that make up Brighton & Hove. People's Day 2012 will take place on Saturday 14 July as part of the Olympic Torch relay weekend of festivities.

Brighton & Hove People's Day Volunteer (ID Ref No: 677): You will assist in helping to make Brighton & Hove Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, which takes place on Saturday 14th July, special for everyone in the City. Volunteers are needed to assist in the following Zone areas: Food, Sport, Play, Digital, Eco, Performance, History & Exhibitions, Relaxation, and Craft. Activities may involve meeting and greeting contributors, directing and helping them to set up their tables in the correct marquees, giving information and directing the public etc. The busiest and most crucial time is set up from 8am to assist contributors setting up in marquees and on stands etc across the area. Once this is done the role will be more about providing information to public and directing them to different things happening e.g. in the Pavilion Theatre and Corn Exchange. The event will be officially open for members of the public at 11am and closes at 5pm. There will be free refreshments available for volunteers and those who are able to stay all day will be given a food voucher. People's Day will be held in Pavilion Gardens, New Road, Jubilee Street and Jubilee Square.

Volunteer Requirements: You need to be enthusiastic, reliable and motivated.

Training Details: Event briefing session in the week prior to the event.

Recruitment Schedule: From May onwards until end of June 2012. Up to 10 student volunteers are being recruited.

Volunteer Time Commitment: You can choose to volunteer from 8am-6pm all day, or 8am-12.30pm, or 12pm-6pm.

Recruitment Process: Expression of interest via Project V.

Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk Event Volunteer (ID Ref: 679) The Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Society works to improve the lives of people living with dementia. It is a membership organisation and many of its members have personal experience of dementia, as carers, health professionals or people with dementia themselves, and their experiences help to inform the work of the organisation. Volunteer Role: Memory Walk is the organisation's yearly flagship awareness and fundraising event held in September around World Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. This is an inclusive event for people with dementia, their families and supporters taking the form of a sponsored walk from Hove Lagoon along Brighton Seafront to the Pier. All money raised is used to support services for people with dementia in the local area. Memory Walk Event Volunteers are essential to support the planning and on-the-day delivery of the Brighton & Hove Memory Walk. This is a varied role involving promoting the walk, registering walkers, helping with mailouts, distributing posters, marshalling on the day, co-ordinating registration and/or information points etc. Volunteer Requirements: No particular qualifications or experience needed for this role. This role would suit you if you are enthusiastic about the local community, charity fundraising and enjoy volunteering as part of a team. You will need to be prepared to follow directions from the Event Organiser or Community Fundraiser. Training Details: Organisation induction. Recruitment Schedule: From June 2012 until 31st July 2012. Up to 10 volunteers are being recruited. Volunteer Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week for a minimum of one month, plus availability on the event day: 22nd September from 10am at Hove Lagoon.

Recruitment Process: Application form and informal interview.

Other Info: For more information on the organisation and this role, see this organisation's 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

Creative Arts Volunteer with Art In Mind (ID Ref: 192) Art in Mind is an art project where volunteers raise awareness about mental health issues through various art forms, such as painting, music, poetry, filming, photography, animation, puppetry and much more.

Volunteer Role: You will participate in mental health focused art workshops, using art to campaign and raise awareness around mental health issues. You will be involved in decision making on how the project should be run - what art projects the group should follow etc. You will help to create resources and materials, which can be used to explore and help develop understanding of mental health issues. You will assist in the running of mental health art workshops to other volunteer groups.

Volunteer Requirements: You need to be aged between 16-25 years old and have some experience of mental health issues either personally, through family or through a friend. Volunteers do not have to be skilled artists. Qualities that are needed are enthusiasm, a nonjudgemental attitude and a willingness to participate in art activities.

Training Details: You will undertake Equal Opportunity Training when you start volunteering and Workshop Skills training when needed in photography, film making and music.

Recruitment Schedule: All year round.

Volunteer Time Commitment: You need to be able to commit to volunteering 3 hours per week on a Monday evening and occasional workshops at the weekend for at least 6 weeks, but ideally 3 months.

Recruitment Process: Referral to the organisation via Project V and then you will meet with the Contact Development worker to talk about your suitability to volunteer and for you to ask questions and then go through the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s induction.

Holiday Projects Volunteer with Extratime (ID Ref: 462) Extratime provides inclusive play and leisure opportunities for children and young people aged 5-19 years with disabilities living in Brighton and Hove. The charity operates three after-school clubs and play schemes as well as two youth schemes. Volunteer Role: You will be volunteering on the organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer holiday projects. You will be part of a team of inclusive play and youth workers operating in various settings across Brighton and Hove, supporting children and young people, with and without disabilities, to access particular activities and trips out e.g. sports activities, Butlins, swimming, climbing wall, drama and dance workshops, visits to allotments and much, much more. Volunteer Requirements: You need to be prepared to dedicate some of your time, from as little as 1 day, to support children and young people to access activities that they might not otherwise be able to access. You need to be motivated, energetic, with a willingness to learn and be able to work well within a team. You may have a particular interest in sports or drama and want to devise a project or activity to trial at one of our projects this summer, or an interest in working with children and young people with a disability. Training Details: Full Induction and pre-project training will be given covering various aspects of a volunteer role such as communication techniques. Recruitment Schedule: Application deadline: ongoing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; apply as soon as possible to volunteer this summer 2012. Volunteer Time Commitment: Minimum of 1 day! Maximum of 20 days over the duration of the holiday playscheme. The holiday projects take place between 30th July and 24th August 2012, 8.15am - 6.30pm (hours can vary).

Recruitment Process: Application form, visit to the placement, informal interview, criminal records bureau check and completion of training.

Other Info: For more information on Extratime, see their 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

Project Assistant with Grassroots Training (ID Ref No: 680) This organisation has a vision that one day every community will have people with the skills and confidence to help someone choose to stay alive. To this end, they teach suicide alertness and intervention skills to community members and professionals. Volunteer Role: You will be contributing to the launch of a groundbreaking new project called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Suicide Safer Brighton.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The project aims to designate Brighton and Hove a suicide-safer community i.e. one that is working to reduce its very high suicide rate. You will be supported to carry out the following tasks: identify potential Suicide Safer organisations in the city e.g. organisations already training staff in suicide prevention; identify new targets for gatekeeper training e.g. community members wanting to be trained in suicide alertness skills; map current suicide bereavement local provision e.g. support groups, helplines, and highlight gaps. The work will involve phone calls, emails and online research. You may be asked to visit some local mental health services to discuss their suicide prevention activities and training needs.

Volunteer Requirements: You need to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; excellent organisational skills; research skills, including recording information and reportwriting; an interest in mental health, suicide prevention or public health; and ideally, access to a laptop though the organisation will provide you with one if necessary. Training Details: You will need to take part in a 3.5 hour mental health awareness course, a 3.5 hour suicide alertness course and a 2-day suicide intervention skills course. These courses will provide a deeper understanding of Grassroot's training activities. The courses are scheduled to take place over the summer months.

Recruitment Schedule: The organisation will consider late applications but would prefer to receive them by June 31st 2012. They are looking to recruit 2 volunteers for the summer months.

Volunteer Time Commitment: A maximum of 8 hours per week for 3 months, although the organisation could be flexible if a student were particularly committed.

Recruitment Process: Interview, references taken up and then completion of induction.

Save the Children Since 1919, STC have been working in more than 120 countries, particularly in the poorest and most dangerous places around the world, and helping children in poverty in the UK. They also respond to some 20 emergencies at any one time. STC are recruiting for 2 volunteer positions: 1) STC Charity Shop Volunteer (ID Ref No 222): Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help to make the STC shops located in Hove & Portslade stand out from high street chains by making them friendly, welcoming and attractive places, stocking an excellent range of unique and well-priced stock. Your role will be varied and interesting and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll work with a team of dedicated and professional volunteers to help raise money to change the lives of children worldwide. Tasks include: building the reputation of the shop in the local area; sorting, sizing, and pricing donations for sale on the shop floor; displaying items in shop in attractive, customer friendly way; helping to create eye-catching window displays; interacting with customers; operating the till and packaging purchases; working with other team members to think of creative ways to maximise sales. Volunteer Requirements: You need to be passionate about helping children and making a difference through giving your time; enjoy interacting with people; like working as part of a team; be able to take responsibility for the tasks you undertake; have good organisational skills; have a good sense of business, experience of working in a shop and/or creativity to think of ways to increase profits. Training Details: Induction to the shop and thereafter you will gain the necessary skills in terms of donation pricing, tagging, till use and shop management. Recruitment Schedule: All year round. Volunteer Time Commitment: 3.5 hours a week for 3 months, however, someone who can work a full day even once a week would be desirable. Recruitment Process: Completion of a volunteer registration form (available from Project V) to be sent to the Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator or brought to the shop where you will be volunteering; informal interview to match the needs of the local shops and the demands of you the volunteer; when both sides agree on the time and type of volunteering, you will start taking the training and volunteering in either the Hove or Portslade shop. Other Info: For more information on STC, see their 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 19

2) STC Stock Generator Volunteer (ID Ref No: 675): STC's shops help raise funds for STC's work but they face a challenge of bringing in enough quality donated items to keep their shops fully stocked. Their team of ‘Stock Generators’ do this through different creative approaches: organising collection events; organising an in-house donation drive within workplaces; building relationships with local businesses, community groups, universities, local schools, hospitals, restaurants, etc; organising publicity to encourage individuals to donate to our Charity Shops; arranging a bag drop and collection in your street; helping to proactively develop new generation strategies; maintaining a diary of talks and contacts within organisations helping to build lasting relationships and generating further donations; organising transport to different shops and eventually stock exchange between different shops. Volunteer Requirements: This role would suit someone who is outgoing, with strong interpersonal skills and who enjoys working with a variety of different group of people. You will need to be organised, a team player and have a flexible attitude and good attention to detail. Ideally you will hold a car or a driver’s license. You need to be creative and confident to help generate quality donations to keep the organisation's shops fully stocked. Working closely with the Shop Leader, this role presents a rewarding challenge to the right person. Links to local employers, businesses or clubs would be beneficial, as would previous planning and marketing experience. Training Details: Induction to a shop to understand the local shop function and the shop volunteers’ daily work; thereafter, you will receive the necessary training in terms of shop management, finance and the elements of induction for new volunteers, as well as the induction to the volunteer recruitment systems in place. Recruitment Schedule: All year round. Volunteer Time Commitment: 4 days a month for 3 months. Recruitment Process: Volunteer registration form (available from Project V) and informal interview.

Other Info: For more information on STC, see their 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

Event Assistant Volunteer with City Reads (ID Ref No: 432) City Reads is an annual citywide reading initiative which aims to spread a love of books and ideas to the widest possible audience throughout Brighton & Hove. The project is run by Collected Works: a Reader Development organisation based in Brighton. The concept is simple: selecting one book by one author for the whole community to read, discuss, debate and creatively engage with in a series of special events, workshops and performances. Volunteer Role: You will help the small staff team at City Reads to deliver a range of community focused events between June and October 2012. The main focus of the events are promoting and encouraging reading. The roles for the Event Assistants could include promoting the City Reads scheme and events by: handing out books to members of the public; taking part in read aloud groups; assisting at literary performances, talks and launches. General duties would include: set-up and running of events; looking after audience/guests; assisting with refreshments; helping with surveying audience/guests to gather feedback. Volunteer Requirements: You need to be well presented, a confident communicator, well organised, reliable, have an interest in reading and books and live within a 10-mile radius of Brighton.

Training Details: There will be an induction meeting for volunteers where they will hear about the City Reads project. Specific training for different events will then happen on a job-by-job basis prior to each event.

Recruitment Schedule: June/July each year. Recruiting between 10-15 volunteers. Application deadline: 30th June 2012. Volunteer Time Commitment: Up to a day a week: the volunteer opportunities are for specific events between June and October, so this may vary - some are half-day, some one evening, etc. There is full week of events from 1-7 October that City Reads.

Recruitment Process: Expression of interest e-mail to City Reads (Project V staff will provide details), you will then be sent and application form and successful applicants will be invited for an induction meeting. Application deadline: 30th June 2012.

LGBT Youth Campaigns & Events Co-ordinators with Young People’s Voice @ Allsorts (ID Ref: 684) ‘Young People’s Voice’ (YPV) is a campaigning and volunteering project for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBT) youth aged 16-25yrs. Together, the organisation represent LGBT youth by promoting awareness of LGBT issues and rights in the wider community and engage with LGBT youth on a number of platforms so that they can get their voices and experiences heard. One of the main ways that YPV campaign is through the use of social and digital media. Volunteer Role: 2 volunteer roles available: LGBT Youth Campaigns Co-ordinators and LGBT Youth Events Co-ordinators. The former run annual campaigns around a specific issue e.g. End LGBT Bullying in schools, and link in with national and international campaigns e.g. Stonewall’s ‘It Gets Better’, as well as short campaigns on themed days and events e.g. International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia, World Aids Day, Anti Bullying Week, etc. Two ideas as to how the project might campaign is by making videos for You Tube, the Allsorts website and create Facebook pages for campaigns. LGBT Youth Events Co-ordinators organise and put on events throughout the year e.g. Volunteers Awards Ceremonies, walking group for Brighton Pride. You would work closely with the LGBT Youth Campaigns Volunteers to organise activities and awareness events on short campaigns and themed days/weeks. Volunteer Requirements: You need to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, unsure and/or trans (LGBTU), aged 16-25yrs and live in the Brighton, Hove and Sussex area. There are no other specific requirements/criteria for volunteering with Young People’s Voice. Training Details: Periodically training needs will be identified by the project's Campaigns Action Group Reps and may include campaigns skills, events management, PR and publicity. Recruitment Schedule: All year round. Volunteer Time Commitment: Volunteering with Young People’s Voice is flexible, it can be short or long term. Meetings take place at least once a month with additional meetings required for specific events and projects. Recruitment Process: Referral via Project V staff; induction where you will complete an application form and raise any questions; Criminal Records Bureau check. Other Info: For more information on YPV @ Allsorts, see their 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 22

Garden Volunteer with B&H Food Partnership Project (ID Ref No: 458) The B&H Food Partnership is a membership organisation that works towards a sustainable food system for B&H City. They believe that healthy people make a healthy city and that all residents should be able to enjoy food that is nutritious and produced in ways that respect the environment, animals and people. The organisation undertakes lobbying work and provides training and information to achieve: better access to affordable fresh, seasonal food; more locally produced food; more opportunities to learn to cook and grow food; a better understanding of the links between food and health and of where food comes from. Projects include community cookery, healthy weight service, school food work and the Harvest growing project. Volunteer Role: Volunteer gardeners are sought for the Partnership's Harvest project. You will help to build and maintain a community fruit and vegetable plot in Preston Park. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to use and develop their skills in growing their own fruit and vegetables. Tasks include: watering, weeding, maintaining the beds, containers and other materials on site; informing the general public about the demonstration garden; informing the general public about the project; offering advice on growing; occasional opportunities to get involved with other Food Partnership projects e.g. helping to organise or attend events; working with other volunteers and members of the Food Partnership. Volunteer Requirements: Expertise: volunteer gardeners, both experienced and beginners. Experience and knowledge of growing fruit and vegetables is desirable, but beginners can also be paired with more experienced volunteers to learn more. Knowledge: awareness of food-linked health & sustainability issues. All students welcome but this role may be of particular interest to those with a course background in any of the following: food, health, sustainability, land. Training Details: Volunteer induction plus access to any training and events available to Food Partnership staff and relevant to the role. Recruitment Schedule: All year round. Volunteer Time Commitment: Flexible: from one-off visits to participate on a workday for 2-4 hrs to up to 1 day a week. Next workday dates: 4 July 10am-1pm, 18 July 10am-2pm. Recruitment Process: Expression of interest via Project V, informal chat. Other Info: For more information on B&H Food Partnership, see their 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area. 23

Activity Volunteer with the Trust for Developing Communities (ID Ref No: 437) The Trust for Developing Communities seeks to develop relevant services to those communities that it works within. It works alongside local people and voluntary and statutory organisations to expand access to community development training, work and support across Brighton & Hove. One of the communities it works with is that based in Coldean.

Volunteer Role: You will be volunteering on the Trust's 'Coldean Community Participation Project.' This project aims to help older people to mix with others of varying ages and abilities, enjoying indoor & outdoor activities, with the primary objective to improve their self-esteem. You can get involved in assisting on any other activities that include digging & growing on the community allotment, reminiscence work, shortmat bowls, outings, singing, reading aloud and art activities.

Volunteer Requirements: It is essential that you have an empathy with older and vulnerable people in society and have a willingness to show interest in their life stories and are able to contribute to helping to improve to their well-being. You do not need to have experience of the activities that you will involved in.

Training Details: Project induction and regular check-in from the project supervisor who will help you to gain confidence and skills in terms of engaging service users in the various activities.

Recruitment Schedule: All year round.

Volunteer Time Commitment: A minimum of 4 hours a week for 2 months.

Recruitment Process: Interview, application form and volunteer agreement form. Other Info: For more information on TDC, see their 'Further Info' folder in the Activities Centre Drop-In area.

VOLUNTEERING BEYOND THE SUMMER

Whilst we have detailed the organisations that offer specific summer vacation volunteering opportunities, most of the organisations registered with us recruit volunteers all year round. If you would like to consider volunteering beyond the summer vacation or after the summer vacation, go to www.sussexstudent.com/volunteering and check out our volunteering opportunities via the ‘Opportunity Search’ webpage (via ‘Info for Students’ on left-hand menu on our homepage). You can use the ‘Opportunity Search’ page to search for volunteering opportunities according to either the ‘Area’ that interests you e.g. children, health, refugees & asylum seekers, etc; or the ‘Activity that you wish to undertake e.g. computing, mentoring, sporting. With over 200 volunteering opportunities available, there is plenty of choice and we can normally find something for everyone. If you see something that you like the look of, make a note of the name of the Opportunity Name and Reference ID number, and get in touch with us to find out how you can get more information: Tel (01273) 873387 or projectv@sussex.ac.uk

Stand Out From The Crowd With SUSSEX PLUS Sussex Plus is a project run by the Careers and Employability Centre (CEC) for undergraduates where you develop your skills and create a multimedia web folio to showcase who you are and what you can do. A web folio is like an online CV but offers much more than this – you can bring together your academic achievements, part-time work, volunteering and any other extra-curricular activities and life experience to illustrate them all in one place! Your web folio can include blogs, videos, scanned certificates, links, private space, assets, uploaded images, your electronic CV, reflections, thoughts and achievements. So you can see it is a versatile tool that will enable you to keep track of where you are heading as you reflect upon what you are doing but will also provide you with an impressive web folio that you can send to employers or when applying for postgrad courses. “The Sussex Plus initiative at the University of Sussex helped me to interpret and recognize the skills developed across my personal, work and academic life and present them in a coherent way through my Sussex Plus webfolio” Adam, Student. We strongly encourage you to sign up to Sussex Plus. It’s very easy to get started. Go to www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexplus to find out how you can register and/or contact CEC to find out about their next ‘Introduction to Sussex Plus’ session: Careers & Employability Centre Falmer House, University of Sussex Tel: (01273) 678429 careers@sussex.ac.uk