Could you be a Volunteer?

Why be a volunteer?

Volunteering has a lot to offer people, and people volunteer for many different reasons.

They may choose to volunteer because they want to:

• Make us of their special interests, experience or talent,

• Develop their skills

• Learn a new skill

• Do something they really enjoy

• Meet new people with similar interests to make new friends

• Find out more about supporting the disabled or elderly people, which you may be considering as a career

• Have a chance to take some responsibility and make decisions

• Gain valuable training experience which may help you gain a career

Volunteer Opportunities with Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre

Do you have a few hours each week that you could spare to assist the Centre in providing services to carers, such as:

Befriending / Sitting Service - Could you sit with a person in their own home or accompany them on an activity of their own choice, allowing the full-time carer an opportunity to have a short break from their daily caring responsibilities?

Driving Service - We also run a Volunteer Driving Service for carers who are experiencing difficulties in finding transport to meet their needs.  Have you got transport?  Would you like to help someone retain their independence?  We are looking for committed volunteers that can provide transport of accompany people to attend appointments.

We also need people to help us with the following:

• Sending out information / newsletters

• Organising Events

• Fundraising

• Helping with training courses

You can be a volunteer even if you are unemployed as being a volunteer will not affect your benefits

Volunteer Rights

Volunteers with Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre have the following rights:

• Role description

• Induction training

• Ongoing support & supervision

• Out of pocket expenses

• Insurance cover

• Equal opportunities

• Appraisal of their work

• To refuse a task they are not happy with

• Accountability to a member of staff

• To be a valued member of the Carers Centre team

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers should:

• Be reliable

• Be committed to their volunteering duties and policies

• Be honest

• Respect confidentiality

• Treat all people with dignity and respect

• Be prepared to undertake training appropriate to tasks they are performing

• Meet time and duty commitments

If you feel that you can help as a Volunteer, then please contact the Centre on 01325 313123