Volunteers
Volunteers at the project Many users of the project become actively involved in the day to day running of the project as volunteers. Volunteering can have a therapeutic effect for those who wish to feel connected with their community and may otherwise feel isolated and unneeded. It can also be a way of obtaining new skills and abilities that many people find helpful.
The age range of the volunteers at the project is between 55yrs to 85yrs. Without the support of our volunteers many who have offered their time and commitment for many years, the project would not be able to maintain the level of service it currently offers. The project presently has 60 volunteers who carry out the following tasks:
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Driving
the minibus
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Escort
on minibus
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Reception
duties
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Running
our shop
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Fund
Raising
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Help with Newsletter
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Home-Visitors
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What does it mean when you become a Volunteer at the Furzedown Project?
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-You
can expect help and support in your work
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-You
will be part of the organisation
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-Your
contribution will be valued
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-You
will have the opportunity to meet with other workers and volunteers
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-You will have access to relevant information and advice |
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-You
will have the opportunity to influence the development of the Furzedown
Project's work
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-You
are now a representative of the Furzedown Project
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-You
have to commit yourself to working at certain tasks at certain times
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-The
organisation will need to know that you are reliable and trustworthy
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-There
may be information which you are given which must remain confidential
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-You
will need to keep in touch with the Volunteer Co-ordinator about the work
that you do
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-You
may be invited to attend meetings or training sessions relating to your
work
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It is always important to remember that older people have the same needs as other age groups and should not be dealt with as if they come from a different planet.
Some assumptions can be made that a Day Centre is just a cure for loneliness in older people. Often it is never considered the other possibilities like joining an Art Group or volunteering for the management Committee or attending regular Adult Education Classes such as Yoga, Relaxation or Music and Reminiscence. Day Centres offer much more than relief from isolation but also promote health, encourage and maintain independence, offer friendship and support, and give confidence to enable people to use their very valuable life skills.
Although some older people do have special needs, the majority are quite capable of taking an active part in society on equal terms with others. Sometimes extra support or encouragement may be needed to build up the confidence of someone who has had a set back through ill health or bereavement. There may also be occasions when specialised transport or aids such as walking frame may be needed to assist someone who is having difficulty walking. The aim should be to help older people to lead as full a life as possible on equal terms with others.
We hope that you will find working with the Furzedown Project both an interesting and rewarding experience. Hopefully this information will help you to 'Start Out' in that direction.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please get in touch.