PL FRE EA E ~ SE ON TAK E E
Volunteering Opportunities Winter / Spring 2011 - 2012 Volunteering Kirklees 15 Lord Street Huddersfield HD1 1QB 01484 226608 Email: vk@voluntaryactionkirklees.co.uk Website: www.volunteeringkirklees.org.uk Facebook: facebook.com/volunteering.kirklees Twitter: twitter.com/vckirklees &
www.do-it.org.uk
Volunteering Kirklees 01484 226608 What are you doing today? Are you looking for something to do with your spare time? Are you interested in doing something positive for yourself and the community and being able to have fun and enjoy yourself at the same time?
Build your self-confidence real
skills
Conservation projects Befriending schemes Driving Health projects Fundraising Women‟s issues Charity shops Working with children Office / administration work Sports, arts and media projects Management committee work Giving advice and information Working with the elderly Youth work
Volunteering has got lots to offer …
Gain some experience
Some of the things you could try include:
and
Improve your career prospects
Some questions you may be asking yourself:
Update your references
What’s in it for me?
Get involved in a cause or issue that concerns you
Volunteering is a two-way thing - you give some of your time and energy and in return you should be getting something out of it. Whatever your reasons for volunteering, you are more likely to enjoy yourself if you know what you want to achieve.
Share your interests and hobbies with other people Meet new people and have some fun Gain a sense of satisfaction Become a part of something that really makes a difference
What could you be doing today …? Voluntary work is extremely varied and flexible; there is usually something to suit everyone‟s interests. In Kirklees there is a wide variety of voluntary work available, with small community groups, local and national charities, social services and education.
What have I got to offer? Everyone has got skills to offer even though you may not realise it. As a new volunteer some of the important things you can offer are your enthusiasm, a regular commitment of your time and energy and your desire to get involved and make a difference. It is also useful to think about what new skills you might want to learn.
How much time can I give?
How old do I have to be?
It‟s entirely up to you whatever fits in your lifestyle. It may be just a few hours once a month or more regularly a few times a week. Voluntary work opportunities are available in the day, during the evenings or at weekends. You could give a regular commitment of your time or get involved in one off events and activities that happen just once a year.
Most volunteering opportunities are open to anyone over 18. For Under 18‟s volunteering, see the Duke Of Edinburgh scheme at the back of this booklet.
Will it cost me anything to volunteer? Nobody should be out of pocket as a result of volunteering. Many organisations will refund your out of pocket expenses including travel to and from the place of voluntary work. Remember to ask the organisation about this.
What about my benefits? Individuals claiming all types of benefits should be able to volunteer without it affecting their claim. You will need to let the Job Centre Plus know that you are volunteering. If you have any questions or concerns about this then please contact Volunteering Kirklees for an information leaflet.
Would I get any training as a volunteer? Most organisations do provide some sort of training or preparation to take sure that you are able to do the tasks involved. They should also offer you ongoing support to help you carry on volunteering. Some organisations also offer accredited training for volunteers in specific areas of activity.
How can Volunteering Kirklees help you to get started? We can … Give you information on the wide variety of voluntary work available Give you details (names, addresses, phone numbers) of organisations looking for volunteers and explain more about their work Help you decide on the kind of voluntary work you may want to try Outline what you should expect as a volunteer / what is expected of you
What do I do now? If you would like more details or have any questions about volunteering you can: - Visit www.do-it.org.uk where you can search all our local volunteering opportunities - Drop into the Volunteer Centre in Huddersfield, Tues-Weds, 10am - 3pm Or Dewsbury Library on Thursdays from 10am -1pm - Give us a call at the Volunteer Centre on 01484 226608 - Visit our website: www.volunteeringkirklees.org.uk/ - Find us on Facebook facebook.com/volunteering.kirklees - Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/vckirklees - or email us on vk@voluntaryactionkirklees.co.uk
OPPORTUNITIES BY AREA OF INTEREST
Administration / IT Communities United Project Denby Dale Centre Forget Me Not Trust Lifeline National Society For Epilepsy Paddock Community Forum Refugee Council RSPCA Volunteering Kirklees West Yorkshire Printing Workshop Yorkshire Air Ambulance Advice & Support Auntie Pam‟s Cafe 100 Cruse In Kirklees Kirklees Anti Social Behaviour Unit Lifeline Miscarriage Association Missing People Motor Neurone Disease Association Northorpe Hall Refugee Council Samaritans WomenCentre Kirklees Animals & Wildlife Dial Wood Carriage Driving For The Disabled RSPCA Arts & Culture Jubilee Melody Makers Matrix Society For The Blind West Yorkshire Printing Workshop Befriending & Mentoring Anchor Batley Resource Centre Better Future For The Blind Denby Dale Centre Matrix Mencap In Kirklees Northorpe Hall Playing For Success Study Centres Prince‟s Trust
St Anne‟s Befriending and Community Services Volunteering Kirklees WomenCentre Kirklees WRVS – Kirklees Good Neighbours & Healthy Eating Projects Caring & Elderly Anchor Avalon Freedom Batley Resource Centre Better Future For The Blind Contact The Elderly Huddersfield Deanery Project Society For The Blind Catering Huddersfield Deanery Project Jubilee Melody Makers RSPCA Charity Shops Cancer Research UK DEBRA Forget Me Not Trust Kirkwood Hospice National Children‟s Centre OXFAM Samaritans Scope Children & Youth Cafe 100 Castle Hill School Duke Of Edinburgh Award Greenfields Family Centre Huddersfield Ramsden Division Guides Kirklees Learning Service Matrix Northorpe Hall Playing For Success Study Centres Reading Matters
Conservation, DIY, Gardening & Environment Greenfields Family Centre Heeley City Farm Holme Valley Gardening Network Huddersfield Canal Society Kirklees Council Making Space Mencap In Kirklees Mount Pleasant, Infant & Nursery School Oakwell Hall Country Park Paddock Community Forum Disability Avalon Freedom Better Future For The Blind Castle Hill School Hollybank Trust Driving Contact The Elderly Friend To Friend National Children‟s Centre Education & Literacy British Waterways Playing For Success Study Centres Reading Matters School Governor‟s One Stop Shop
Fundraising Cancer Research UK Dial Wood Carriage Driving For The Disabled Greenfields Family Centre Forget Me Not Trust Friend To Friend Hollybank Trust Home Start Kirklees Huddersfield Canal Society Kidney Research UK Leonard Cheshire Disability Macmillan Cancer Support Miscarriage Association Missing People RSPCA Samaritans Yorkshire Air Ambulance Health, Hospitals & Hospice Auntie Pam‟s Heartstart Dewsbury Kirkwood Hospice Miscarriage Association St John‟s Ambulance Media / PR / Marketing Hand To Mouth (Puppet) Ministries Help From Home Communities United Project
Events & Activities British Waterways Cancer Research Friend To Friend Jubilee Melody Makers Mencap In Kirklees SNAP Club Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Prisoners & Ex Offenders West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project (WYCCP)
Families Home Start Kirklees
Trustee Communities United Project Cruse In Kirklees Home Start Kirklees Northorpe Hall School Governor‟s One Stop Shop
First Aid Heartstart Dewsbury St John‟s Ambulance
Sport & Development Kirklees Council Matrix Pennine School Sport Partnership
Please note, this is just a sample of the many opportunities available. For full, updated listings visit www.do-it.org,uk or come to see us at the Volunteer Centre
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Winter / Spring 2011 - 2012 Outlined below are some of the many opportunities available. Please contact Volunteering Kirklees for details about these and many more. Confidential appointments are always available.
New Opportunity!
New Opportunity! Avalon Freedom Everyone needs a holiday but not everyone gets one. Avalon Freedom help those who need support on holiday to enjoy what most people take for granted. They organise tailor made holidays at affordable prices for older people, people with disabilities, and people with mental health problems. They require Volunteer Holiday Supporters to join their team and learn how to provide companionship, support and oversight to clients. Full training will be provided. Location: Holidays take place in the UK and abroad
Anchor Helping older people get the best out of life, Anchor are looking for Volunteer Befrienders. The role involves participating in activities with older people; from reading a newspaper, to accompanying on shopping trips and / or sharing hobbies, as well as providing general friendship & support. Location: Dalton, Huddersfield
New Opportunity! Auntie Pam’s Based in Dewsbury, Auntie Pam‟s work to help support and assist pregnant women in making positive lifestyle changes. They are looking to recruit a Pregnancy Peer Support Volunteer, whose duties will include providing information, support & encouragement to clients, helping to maintain client records and helping to provide outreach services in the Dewsbury area. Essential that volunteers must have experienced pregnancy themselves and understand the importance of confidentially. Travel expenses are available and full training is provided. Location: Dewsbury area
Batley Resource Centre Batley Resource Centre is a charitable organisation with a community focus. Working with older people they aim to reduce social isolation and involve people in a variety of activities and hobbies to improve physical and mental well-being, helping members to remain independent and active for as long as possible. Numerous opportunities available including: - „On The Doorstep‟ delivers activities and support for older people by encouraging more people into volunteering. Volunteers share their hobbies, skills and time with clients through arts and crafts or lunch clubs. Volunteers can do a number of things from helping someone on a computer to washing, to becoming a volunteer befriender. Location: Batley
Better Future for the Blind
Café 100
Better Future for the Blind is a befriending service for the visually impaired in South Kirklees. The service aims to reduce loneliness and isolation by matching up volunteer befrienders and clients. All is needed is a once a week visit to a visually impaired person to provide companionship and friendship. Swimming Assistants are also required, to aid visually impaired members getting to and from the sports centre, and getting in & out of the pool. Some members also may require assistance in the pool. Ideal for gaining experience in caring. Location: Huddersfield
This cyber cafe / drop-in centre in Holmfirth meets Monday and Thursday, 7pm to 9pm and Saturday, 11am to 4pm and is run by young people for young people. Volunteers are required to assist the youth leaders and young people's team in running the cafe and offering guidance, support and leadership. Location: Holmfirth
British Waterways The Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre sits on the banks of the historic Huddersfield Narrow Canal, attracting around 35,000 visitors to the canal and Pennines each year. Volunteers helped restore the canal and now help keep it alive.They are looking for new volunteers to fulfil a variety of roles that include Events Assistants and Events Co-ordinators, Retail and Catering Assistants, Visitor Centre Guides, as well WOW Education volunteers; who visit schools to lead water safety activities. All the roles are in aid of encouraging people to take an interest in their local waterways through fun activities and will provide plenty of opportunities to meet new people and improve communication skills. Location: Huddersfield
Cancer Research As the world‟s largest volunteer supported organisation dedicated to cancer research, it comes as no surprise they constantly require new volunteers to fulfil a variety of roles. They require Breast Cancer Awareness Ambassadors to help distribute information in their local area and contact local business asking for support in their „Join The Fight‟ campaign. Fundraising Group Leaders and Fundraising Campaign Volunteers are required to help plan, organise and run fundraising activities. For those with less time to volunteer, Kirklees Action Team Members are needed to provide assistance at one off fundraising and raising awareness events, on an occasional basis. Volunteers Speakers and Community Representatives are also needed to help represent Cancer Research in your local community. In addition, Shop Workers are required to help staff the charity‟s fundraising shops, as well as Relay For Life Committee Chair Volunteers – to co-ordinate Relay For Life – an overnight community led non athletic event in which teams raise money by competing in a relay race for up to 24 hours. Location: Across Kirklees
Castle Hill School
Cruse in Kirklees
Castle Hill School is a purpose built facility for students with severe learning difficulties. Support Assistants are required to support staff and pupils in the classroom and help out on organised trips. Location: Newsome, Huddersfield
Cruse in Kirklees exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone suffering a bereavement caused by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. They are looking for volunteers to help out in a variety of way including serving on their management committee, administration support, first point of contact telephone referral secretary and also, after training, volunteers to offer direct support to bereaved people, either on the telephone or via face-to-face contact. Location: Kirklees.
Communities United Project Working with under resourced communities, helping them to set up & run sports and creative activities for young people, CUP is looking for volunteers for a variety of different roles including help training staff and volunteers, administration and marketing support, and help running activities. Also looking for Trustees. Location: Throughout Kirklees
Contact the Elderly Contact the Elderly is a national charity founded 40 years ago to alleviate the loneliness experienced by elderly people who live alone without much family support. Volunteer Hosts are required to host afternoon tea in your own home for a group of old people. Volunteer Drivers are also required to collect elderly members and take them to the gathering. Group Co-ordinators also required to help out at meetings, and ensure both members and drivers are organised. Location: Throughout Kirklees.
DEBRA DEBRA helps people affected by EB Epidermolysis Bullosa - a genetic skin disorder where the skin blisters and does not repair.It aims to promote research into the cause, nature, treatment of EB and to relieve physical and mental illness amongst people suffering from the condition. Volunteers are needed to help at the three charity shops in the Kirklees area. This is an opportunity to gain retail experience and also to help benefit children and adults suffering from EB. Location: Holmfirth, Netherton, Salendine Nook
Denby Dale Centre Working with the Denby Dale local community, the centre helps to reduce poverty and feelings of isolation to those most vulnerable. Numerous opportunities available, including working as a Receptionist / Cashier at the drop in centre and charity shop. One-to-One Befrienders / Activity Club Support Workers are also required to befriend and engage with members. Friendliness is a must for both opportunities, as well as flexibility. Location: Denby Dale / Huddersfield
Dial Wood Carriage Driving For the Disabled Enabling people with disabilities to carriage drive and spend time with ponies, Dial Wood Carriage for the Disabled provides benefits to their clients‟ health and wellbeing, as well as helping them to achieve their goals. They have numerous opportunities available including Carriage Driving and Stable Yard Helpers; both ideally suited for anyone who enjoys working with animals, as well as more traditional roles such as Volunteer Coordinators and Fundraisers to help with organisation, income and promotion. Location: Flockton
New Opportunity! The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice The Forget Me Not Children‟s Hospice supports life-limited children and young people and their families. The Hospice at Home service provides nursing care, practical help and emotional support to families in their own homes. The new, purpose-built hospice at Brackenhall will give a wide range of care, therapies and play activities for children and young people. Volunteering opportunities include: Retail – to sort donated stock, serve customers and to help to keep the sales area clean and tidy in shops across Kirklees, Event Volunteers – to help at fundraising events throughout
the year, and Administration Support – volunteers needed with office and finance skills. Anyone with a particular interest or skill should get in touch to arrange an informal chat about volunteering opportunities. Location: Throughout Kirklees
New Opportunity! Friend To Friend A local Charity that offers a range of social activities for older people. Activity Group Leaders and Group Helpers are needed to help run the charity‟s numerous activity sessions; such as crafts, quizzes and guest speakers. A Transport Organiser Volunteer is also required to plan and co-ordinate transport (mini bus & taxis) for the Charity‟s members, to and from events. They also are looking for Volunteer Drivers, Helpers and Fundraisers. Location: Holmfirth and Netherton
Greenfields Family Centre This family centre in Dalton urgently needs volunteer drivers and gardeners. Volunteer playworkers are also welcomed in the creche. If you‟re not quite so hands-on the centre also needs fundraisers and mangement committee members. Location: Dalton, Huddersfield
Hand to Mouth (Puppet) Ministries This Christian puppet theatre goes into primary schools to lead assemblies and lessons in RE, PHSE and Design and Technology through the use of puppets and involving pupils. They require a marketing volunteer to help market a DVD and book produced by Hand to Mouth Ministries. The ability to sell, and be sympathic towards the Christian faith are key requirements. Location: Across Kirklees
New Opportunity! Heartstart Dewsbury A Life Support volunteer is required to learn and then teach basic life support skills to members of the public at community centres across North Kirklees – travel expenses will be paid. Full training is provided – an initial 2 hour taster session, followed by a full day training course if interested. Mannequin also provided for use in training. Location: North Kirklees
New Opportunity! Heeley City Farm Based in the heart of Sheffield, Heeley City Farm houses animals small and large. They require a Brickwall Volunteer to help with conservation of the over 200 year old brick work of the walled garden at Wortley Hall. Gardening Volunteers are also required to carry out a wide range of food growing tasks also at Wortley Hall, and suitable for different abilities. Both roles will be supervised and include training. Travel expenses will be paid. Location: Wortley Hall, Sheffield
Hollybank Trust Aiming to improve the quality of life, for the life of their members, the Hollybank Trust helps relieve sickness by providing accommodation and care for both children and adults with severe disabilities. They require Volunteer Fundraisers to help in numerous ways, including; event organisation and participation, bucket collections, distribution of promotional content, and recruitment of other volunteers. Location: Kirklees
New Opportunity! Holme Valley Gardening Network A community gardening project offering various practical opportunities in learning how to grow food locally, compost home waste and support individuals developing a deeper understanding of nature. Numerous roles available, including; Horticulture Volunteers – to learn basic soil management, propagation, sowing and planting techniques, Gardening Arts & Crafts Volunteers – to run activities such as willow weaving, printing and ceramics, and Gardening / Cooking Volunteers – to help with harvesting and cooking, including planning menus in relation to seasonal cycles. A willingness to work outdoors and to learn is crucial for all roles. Location: Holme Valley
Home-Start Kirklees Home-Start offers support, friendship and practical help to families with at least one child under the age of 5. They need dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who are preferably parents themselves and know how valuable support can be. All volunteers attend a 6-week preparation course, covering a wide range of topics to help offer good support to families.They are then linked up with a family who they visit every week. Volunteers are also needed to assist with either the “New2-U” nursery goods recycling project, or for the “Friends of Home-Start” who help raise funds for the charity. Trustees are also needed. Full training is provided. Location: Dalton and across Kirklees
Huddersfield Canal Society
Jubilee Melody Makers
If you like water, youâ€&#x;ll love this. Volunteers have the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of maintaining the canal system. There are many practical tasks, including crew member, gardening, joinery and carpentry, and construction work. Location: Marsden and along canal
Helping to strengthen the community by bringing together adults and their pre school children, Jubilee Melody Makers has found much success creating a safe environment for children to play and socially interact with other children via music and movement sessions. Looking for numerous volunteers including: - Organisational Helpers to assist the setting up and packing away of events. - Craft Helpers who are willing to sit alongside parents and children and get involved with the craft activities. - Kitchen Helpers to provide refreshments during the sessions. - Door Welcomers to meet and great parents, collect money, and ensure that all participants sign in. Location: Paddock, Huddersfield
Huddersfield Deanery Project This project works to serve the social, practical and spiritual needs of older people, mainly in the Bradley and Deighton areas, addressing loneliness and isolation by providing activities to increase social contact. Volunteers required to help with catering at the luncheon club, and to get involved with activity clubs and walking groups. Location: Bradley, Deighton, Fartown, Sheepridge and Huddersfield
Huddersfield Ramsden Division Guides There are over 700 members of Girl Guiding UK in this area. Volunteer leaders are required to help out at these groups. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to work within the field of social care, youth work or teaching. Location: Kirklees
Kidney Research UK Kidney Research UK aims to fund lifesaving research into kidney disease, to improve the quality of life of those with kidney disease and to increase public awareness of kidney health. Volunteers are required to help with fundraising in a variety of ways including supermarket collections or helping at events. You can give as much or as little time as you want! Location: Throughout Kirklees
Kirklees Anti Social Behaviour Unit Established in 2003 the Kirklees Anti Social Behaviour Unit has been tackling and eliminating anti social behaviour for nearly seven years. Working with local residents, the unit has improved the lives of numerous communities, making them safer for residents and helping to resolve issues that cause anti social behaviour in some individuals / families. Currently looking for a volunteer to help support victims of anti social behaviour via phone conversations, face to face meetings, and offer advice on dealing with challenging circumstances. Location: Huddersfield
Kirklees Council
Kirklees Faiths Forum
Providing a wide variety of opportunities for the people of Kirklees, Kirklees Council require volunteers across the many different services they offer. Their Culture and Leisure Services team require volunteers to help out with their Parkrun and Shall We Dance events, as well as Sports Coach Assistants and Walk Leaders. Library and Information Services need Community Readers to assist with the recording of information for blind and visually impaired people. For those more suited to outdoor opportunities, the Countryside Unit are looking for Conservation Volunteers to help with tasks such as dry stone walling and tree planting, whilst Oakwell Hall Country Park are also looking for volunteers to help with conservation tasks and events. Children and Young Peopleâ€&#x;s services require Independent Visitors and Young People Volunteers to offer friendship and mentoring to young people. Gateway To Care – who help vulnerable people in Kirklees to remain independent, are looking for Volunteer Buddies, Community Health Champions, Information and Advice Assistants, as well as Volunteers for Care and Dementia Care Homes. Location: Across Kirklees
Celebrating the variety and diversity of our local community, the Kirklees Faiths Forum aims to support and raise awareness to faith and interfaith activities across the area. Volunteers are needed to act as Hosts, at either their own, or at any participating, Faith Centre within Kirklees. Hosts will provide visitors with information about their Faith Centre and help them to get involved with the events taking place. Open to all faiths including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist. Location: Across Kirklees
Kirklees Learning Service
The organisation aims to promote the independence of disabled people and promote their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Volunteers are required for a variety of roles including visiting the home and chatting with the residents, escorting residents on trips and fundraising. Location: Cleckheaton and Huddersfield
Reading Friends are volunteers who have been trained to support children with their reading. The volunteers have training which gives them a greater understanding of how children learn to read and how they can best support them. Each Reading Friend works with 2 children for half an hour a week for 10 weeks. If you love reading, this is an opportunity to share your enthusiasm. Location: Throughout Kirklees
Kirkwood Hospice Supporting both patients and the families of those suffering life threatening illness, Kirkwood Hospice provide specialist care across Kirklees. They require a number of volunteers to help staff their fundraising shops in Almondbury, Batley, Cleckheaton, Dalton, Denby Dale, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Holmfirth, Honley, Huddersfield, Kirkburton, Lindley, Marsden, Meltham, Milnsbridge, Mirfield and Slaithwaite. Duties are based around customer service. Location: Across Kirklees
Leonard Cheshire Disability
Lifeline Lifeline is a diversionary and reintegration project for people with drug and alcohol related problems. There are various roles that volunteers can become involved in but initially a volunteer will receive a monthâ€&#x;s induction to the organisation to the organisation and then Lifeline will look at which area the volunteer is interested in working in; including admin and counselling. Location: Dewsbury & Huddersfield
Macmillan Cancer Support Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. They require a Volunteer Coordinator to help manage volunteers, and also help attract more volunteer fundraisers, Collection box distributors and volunteer speakers also required. Location: West Yorkshire.
Making Space Dedicated to supporting both people with Mental Health problems and the people who care for them, Making Space provides much needed help and relief. Currently looking for volunteers to work as Allotment Assistants, working with carers in groups of 4 or 5 and helping with planting, growing and harvesting the allotment. Great for developing listening and communication skills, and well suited to outdoor types. Location: Marsh, Huddersfield
New Opportunity! Matrix Helping to meet the needs of young people in Mirfield, Matrix are looking for Volunteer Youth Workers are required to support and supervise activities such as arts & crafts (pencil drawing, canvas, graffiti projects), sports, cooking, dancing, walking and fishing. Volunteers must show an enthusiasm for working with young people and a willingness to learn. Ongoing training is provided Location: Mirfield & District
New Opportunity! Miscarriage Association Providing vital support to those affected by miscarriage. A number of volunteers are required for a variety of roles. Local Support Volunteers are needed to offer support via telephone, for which good communication and listening skills are essential. Group Coordinators are also needed to set up and co-ordinate local support groups. For anyone wishing to volunteer who has previously suffered a miscarriage, Health Liaison Volunteers are also needed to attend committee meetings and provide feedback to Doctors, Hospitals, Clinicians and Midwives from the patientâ€&#x;s perspective. Information Distributors and Fundraising Volunteers also wanted. All roles can be carried out mainly from home and offer flexibility. Ideally suited to anyone who has experienced miscarriage. Location: From Home / Across Kirklees
New Opportunity! Missing People Each year over 250,000 go missing. Missing People provides a lifeline for those left behind. Offering support and helping them search for their loved ones. They are looking for Fundraising and Awareness Volunteers to help organise and run local events, present to local community groups and schools, and help recruit new volunteers. Previous fundraising experience desirable, strong organisational and communication skills also required. Location: Across Kirklees
Motor Neurone Disease Association The Motor Neurone Disease Association ensures that people with Motor Neurone Disease Association can secure the care and support they need. Volunteers needed to visit people in their own home, signposting people to agencies and providing a listening ear. Full training is provided. Location: Kirklees
Mount Pleasant Junior, Infant & Nursery School This school, based not very far from Huddersfield town centre, needs volunteers to help out with their school garden and polytunnel. General duties include weeding, planting, watering and also the opportunity to work with children on a project if interested. Location: Huddersfield
National Children’s Centre The NCC provides practical services aimed at improving the lives of children, young people and families. Volunteers are needed to help with the Uniform Exchange Project – helping sort donated school uniforms for families in need, as well as well as to help with their Pass It On Charity Shops. Available roles include Volunteer Drivers Mate – to help with the collection of furniture and other donations, Shop Assistants – to provide customer service in the Pass It On Shops, and Shop IT Support – to sort and list donated items online. Location: Huddersfield and across Kirklees
National Society for Epilepsy The organisation aims to enhance the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy by promoting research, education and public awareness and by delivering specialist medical care and support services. Clinics take place at Dewsbury Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and at local schools, volunteers are required to provide face to face information to people recently diagnosed with epilepsy, their families and carers. Location: Kirklees
Northorpe Hall Trust The Northorpe Hall Trust works with children and young people on a variety of projects. They are looking for Volunteer Mentors to provide a flexible, practical and informal one to one support service for young people. Mentors spend time with a young person befriending, advising and supporting them. Trustees also needed. Location: Kirklees.
OXFAM OXFAM works with others to overcome poverty and suffering. They currently have a variety of opportunities available across Kirklees, including Product Sorters to help photograph and list donated goods online and Shop Workers for their numerous stores.OXFAM Bookbarn also requires volunteers to help sort, process and sell donated books, cds and dvds online. Location: Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, and Mirfield
Paddock Community Forum Paddock Community Forum is a charity which supports and finds resources (both cash and people) for community projects that will make Paddock Village a better place to live, learn, work and play. Dealing with a variety of projects, they are offering a broad range of volunteering opportunities; from volunteer gardeners to help out on a community allotment project, to Walk Leaders who will lead a group of South East Asian women on weekly walks, and I.T. Buddies; who can offer I.T. support at workshops across Kirklees – including helping clients use popular websites such as Facebook and Skype. Volunteers with advanced Microsoft Office skills are also needed. Location: Huddersfield
‘Playing for Success’ Study Centres There are five study centres in the Kirklees area which are part of a national initiative called „Playing for Success‟ at Dewsbury Rams, Batley Bulldogs, Huddersfield Giants, Huddersfield Town and Thongsbridge Tennis Club grounds. Volunteer Mentors are required to be positive role models and offer children aged 814 practical help with numeracy and literacy using ICT in a fun way whilst giving them encouragement and praise to motivate them and raise selfesteem. Location: Batley, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Thongsbridge.
Pennine School Sport Partnership Pennine School Sport Partnership aims to raise participation and standards of PE and school sports throughout Kirklees. Coaches/PE Assistants are required to help children participate in a variety of sports Location: Schools across Kirklees
Prince’s Trust Around one in five young people in the UK are not in work, education or training. The Prince‟s Trust aims to address the by giving practical and financial support to the young people who need it most.The Trust is looking for people who can share their skills & experience with young people setting up in business as Business Mentors and Development Assessors to gather information to assess a young persons eligibiltiy for an award. Location: Throughout Kirklees.
Reading matters
Samaritans
Reading Matters helps young people aged 11-16 reach their potential by improving their reading skills & confidence. Volunteers are required to work one-to-one with selected children in local secondary schools for one hour, twice a week. Location: Kirklees
Are you a good listener? Do you feel you could offer your time to be there when someone in despair, or in distress needs someone to listen? Each year more than 11,000 calls are made to the Huddersfield Samaritans. Volunteers are needed to help staff the telephone lines (5hr sessions every 2 weeks and 8 night duty slots (11pm4am) over the year). There are up to 3 intakes per year when volunteers undertake 6 months (12 sessions) of training but start taking calls - with support – after approx 3 months. There is also the opportunity to become involved with fundraising or shop work. Location: Central Huddersfield
New Opportunity! Refugee Council The Refugee Council work to ensure that refugees are given the protection they need, treated with respect and understanding, and that they have the same rights, opportunities and responsibilities as other members of society. Their Wraparound Services Team (WST) is based within the initial accommodation for asylum seekers in Barnsley and Huddersfield. They require Admin and Reception Support Volunteers to offer support, information and guidance living with the accommodation, as well as greeting visiting, taking messages, filing and answering telephone enquiries. They are also looking for Project Work Assistance Volunteers – who will provide assistance to Project Workers in screening the needs of new refugees, helping co-ordinate support and dealing with general enquiries. Location: Huddersfield
New Opportunity! RSPCA With a long history of caring for and finding new homes for unwanted animals, the RSPCA have long been one of the most respected animal charities in the UK. They are looking for Volunteers to assist their Fundraising and Administration work. Location: Huddersfield
School Governors' One Stop Shop Would you like to help support school staff to provide the best possible standards of education, plan for the school's long term future, set it‟s aims and values, appoint staff and control the school budget? Then you may like to become a School Governor. Location: Throughout Kirklees
Scope Volunteers are required to help out at Scope, which is a registered charity for adults with a physical or sensory disability enabling people to lead an independent lifestyle of their choice. Volunteers are needed for the charity shop in Batley helping on the tills or in the stockroom. Location: Batley
SNAP Club
St Johns Ambulance
The SNAP Club aims to support young people who have a learning and/or physical disability through leisure activities. The group needs volunteers to assist with activities held at a weekly club, e.g. games in gym, craft, dancing etc. The people who attend range from 15-30 years old and have variable special needs, although siblings without special needs are welcome. Group sizes range from 1530 people at any one time. Location: Holmfirth
If you would like to receive first class training to become a First Aider or Community First Responder then volunteering with St John‟s is for you. Volunteers are required to perform First Aid services at a variety of public events throughout the County. Also to attend to emergency calls on behalf of the ambulance service to care for members of the community whilst the ambulance is on its way. St. Johns‟ Ambulance is now actively recruiting in North Kirklees, and are also looking for ambulance attendants and fundraisers. Location: Throughout Kirklees
Society For The Blind Based in Batley, this local charity (which was formed in 1918) works to enhance the lives of local visually impaired people in North Kirklees. Volunteers are needed who can lead or assist at their craft sessions; which are held at the centre and include activities such as cookery, tai-chi and pottery, or to act as guides on one of their regular outings. They also require Kitchen and Recycling volunteers, as well volunteers to staff their information bus. Location: Batley
St Anne’s Befriending and Community Services Based in the St Matthews Centre in Dewsbury, St. Anne‟s work with people with learning and physical disabilities, mental health problems and people with drug, alcohol and substance abuse issues. Volunteers are needed to act as Befrienders across Kirklees. Location: Throughout Kirklees
New Opportunity! Volunteering Kirklees Helping both individuals in Kirklees who wish to volunteer to find suitable opportunities, and Kirklees based charities and community groups to find volunteers. They require Volunteer Buddies / Mentors to provide one to one support to those new to volunteering. Admin & Reception help is also needed, Location: Huddersfield
West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project (WYCCP) The aim of the project is to help offenders resettle into the community: engaging faith communities in this process, but open to all faiths and no faith. Volunteer link workers are required to support ex-offenders in practical skills eg. helping them with housing, employment, training, drug and alcohol issues. Location: Throughout Kirklees
New Opportunity! West Yorkshire Printing Workshop The WYPW was created to support printmaking in all its forms – from traditional fine art printmaking to innovative new techniques, in turn helping support the creative sector in Kirklees & West Yorkshire. They are looking for a Volunteer Office Assistant to help with tasks such as filing, typing, data entry, photocopying and answering the phone. They are looking for a minimum commitment of 3 months, with volunteers helping out in 3-4 hour sessions at a time. An interest in the arts is desirable. Location: Mirfield
WomenCentre Kirklees WomenCentre have one-stop centres in Halifax & Huddersfield and also provide outreach support services to women and children throughout Calderdale & Kirklees. Volunteers are required in a variety of roles including Volunteers Mentors who work with women at risk of offending. Support Development volunteers are needed in the Dewsbury area. In addition, Walk Leaders - to run activities encouraging use of green spaces, as well as Admin Support volunteers in Huddersfield and Halifax, are also required. Location: Around Kirklees
WRVS – Kirklees Good Neighbours & Healthy Eating Projects WRVS is committed to addressing loneliness and isolation in older people. Kirklees Good Neighbours offers accessible transport and befriending services throughout Kirklees. Volunteers are required to visit people in their own homes providing company and friendship and information about local services and activities and to help them get out and about for a variety of activities (this could be in your own vehicle or on public transport).Volunteers are also needed for a new Healthy Eating Project which is aiming to encourage people to get their 5 a day intake of fruit & vegetables. Location: Throughout Kirklees
Yorkshire Air Ambulance This is a charity that provides an air ambulance service for Yorkshire. Volunteers can choose from a range of opportunites such as admin support in the office, fundraising, attending events, distributing collection boxes and public speaking. Location: Kirklees
Volunteering for Young People The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme is dedicated to the personal development of young people. There is a volunteering element in this scheme which is aimed at young people over the age of 14.
Supported Volunteering The Gateway Volunteering Project offers extra support to people wanting to volunteer who have physical or learning disabilities, mental health needs or caring responsibilities. For more information call 01484 416503 / email: gatewayvolunteer@kirklees.gov.uk
Volunteering from Home There are a number of opportunities to volunteer from home such as: - Friend to Friend - Telephone Befriender - Bereavement Trust – Helpline Volunteer - Leukaemia Care - Telephone Contact - SCARD – Helpline Volunteer - Guide Dogs – Puppy Walker - Marie Curie – Newspaper Reader - Help From Home – Offering would-be volunteers the unique opportunity to make a difference from the comfort of their own home. Opportunities include completing online surveys and proof-reading book pages, to becoming an Ementor, or even helping to classify galaxies, as well as more hands on tasks such as knitting clothes and blankets.
Overseas Volunteering There are around 100 agencies in Britain that place volunteers abroad on work placements.If you want to know more, check out the following websites: www.vso.org.uk www.voluntaryworker.co.uk www.globalxperience.com www.volunteering.org.uk
Coming Soon Volunteers Mentors will be available to help begin your journey as volunteer.
One Off Opportunities There are many one off opportunities where you can volunteers on a occassional basis. The latest one off opportunities will be added to the Volunteering Kirklees website: www.volunteeringkirklees.org.uk
Email & Text Updates If you would like to be updated about the latest volunteering opportunities please let Volunteering Kirklees know and you can sign up to receive updates via email or text.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A VOLUNTEER Listed below are some of the areas of activity that volunteers can get involved in
Administration
Education & Literacy
Advice and Support
Elderly
Animals/Wildlife
Families
Arts and Culture
First Aid
Befriending
Fundraising
Caring
Health, Hospitals and Hospice
Catering
Media/PR/Marketing
Charity Shops
Mental Health
Children and Youth
Mentoring
Community Work
Prisoners and Ex Offenders
Conservation/Environment
Practical Work and DIY
Disability
Sport & Development
Driving
Trustee & Community Work