About Volunteering
Volunteers give their time to develop a range of support that could not be provided solely by staff. The relationship between volunteers and the carers they support may be more relaxed as well as more flexible in when and what activities can be done.
Who Can Volunteer?
We welcome volunteers of all ages and with a wide variety of life experiences.
Some of our volunteers are retired people simply looking to do something with their spare time while others are keen to gain work experience to help them get paid employment.
Previous experience working in the community or as a carer can be helpful but the main skills we require are reliability, friendliness and patience.
If you can spare us some of your time then we can find a role to suit your experience and interests.
What Will I Get Out Of Volunteering?
There are many benefits to volunteering. As well as getting to meet new people, you can:
• gain new skills or develop existing ones
• get the chance to try out something new
• feel the achievement of doing something useful
• put something back into the community
• develop your personal skills and confidence
We will also offer you:
• individual and group support
• flexibility in when and where you volunteer
• travel and out of pocket expenses
• insurance to cover your agreed involvement
• induction and relevant training to meet individual needs
What Can I Do At The Carers Centre?
Volunteers can undertake a variety of roles including:
Young Carers' Group Worker
Help us keep young carers safe and entertained at youth clubs, groups and days out.
Adult Carers' Group Worker
Help to facilitate social groups and days out by providing a friendly face, serving refreshments and where appropriate passing on your own skills or hobbies.
Befriender/Carers' Support
Carers often feel isolated and many find it difficult to get out of the house on a day to day basis. Volunteer befrienders may contact them by phone for a chat or make home visits to provide friendship and support. They could also run small errands such as getting bits of shopping or taking post to the post office.
Fundraiser/Promotions Assistant
Activities include helping with street collections, packing bags for shoppers at supermarkets, running raffles and raising awareness at organised events.
Driver
Duties include taking carers to events and providing transport to other volunteers who have difficulty travelling.
General Office/Administration
Volunteers meet and greet carers and visitors to Blackpool Carers Centre, assist in the general administration of the office by answering phones, filing, franking post and undertaking other roles such as gardening and maintenance where appropriate.
Newsletter/Website Contributor
Volunteers help keep our website and newsletter up to date by sourcing information, writing articles or providing photographs and illustrations.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer please don't hesitate to contact us. Just click the 'hand' at the top of the page or call and speak with our
Volunteer Co-ordinator.
