Capital Volunteering
Volunteer Centre Havering hosts the Supported Volunteering project as part of Capital Volunteering. Capital Volunteering is a pan-London initiative that tackles issues of mental health, social exclusion and stigma by increasing the number and range of supported volunteering opportunities in London. The project aims to support people with mental health problems to work actively towards their recovery by supporting them to volunteer in a wide range of settings and increase confidence, skills, social networks and employability. It is easy to get involved. You, your key worker or care co-coordinator can request a referral form by giving Debbie Helkin or Sharon Leeson a call on 01708 742881.
We will invite you for an informal advice session where you can ask questions you might have about volunteering and to explore volunteering opportunities open to you in Havering. We can also talk about the support we offer to help you get started. Why Volunteer? Not only can volunteering help people recover, it can help them develop more interesting and rewarding lives. Many mental health service users have volunteered for our projects. They have landscaped gardens, offered peer support, mentored and befriended. Their wealth of experience has proven that volunteering can help people:
- combat feelings of personal isolation
- develop or rediscover self-confidence and self-esteem
- build new friendships and social relationships
- acquire new skills and knowledge
- access education and employment opportunities
- combat stigma and discrimination within organisations, and with professionals and people themselves (so called 'self stigma')
If you want to find out more about volunteering, why not join us at one of our afternoon tea meetings? On the second Tuesday of every month, we meet at the Salvation Army Cafe, Romford between 3.00-4.30pm. Coming along to an afternoon tea meeting is a great opportunity to meet other volunteers, and exchange experiences. If you are thinking of volunteering and would like to meet current volunteers before making a decision you are very welcome to join us for forthcoming dates (2010):
- 13 July
- 10th August
- 14th September
- 12th October
- 9th November
- 14th December
For more information or to book a place at on of our afternoon tea sessions, just give Debbie Helkin or Sharon Leeson a call on Tel: 01708 742881, or e-mail them at debbie.helkin@havco.org.uk or sharon.leeson@havco.org.uk.
Capital Volunteer - Opportunity Update July 2010
Age Concern - Havering
Age Concern have just recruited a new Volunteer Manager and Support Worker and they are seeking up to 30 supported volunteer placements in various roles throughout their centres, offices and to help with activities such as The Pub Club.
We have organised a visit to Hopwa House in Hornchurch for any volunteers who think they might like to take advantage of these opportunities on Monday 2nd August at 4.00 pm.
Queen's Theatre - Hornchurch
5 volunteers are required to help for two weeks as backstage hands. It starts on the 23rd July, 2010, the first week being the rehearsals and there may be some lifting, not too heavy, sometimes maybe just holding the curtain back, and he would like one of the to be able to use the spotlight. You do not need to have a CRB completed to take part in this opportunity.
We have asked for some more information.
The 3H Club (Help the Hospices)
Mike, at the 3H Club, needs only 1 or 2 more regulars for Tuesday evening just so that there are helpers around. They may not have a specific role but he just needs them to be friendly, able to talk to the clients, and to help out with anything else that may be going on that particular evening. What he is urgently after is people with a clean driving licence to become drivers for their minibus. Ideally he wants to have a pool of drivers as they have evenings out and weekend trips and also holidays. He has been wanting to have a driving co-ordinator for quite a while too. He is looking to see if his volunteers and also some clients could do a health and hygiene course.
The Club is based in Albert Road Romford, but may be moving to new premises.
The Thursday Club
Jean, who runs the club, would be very pleased to meet any of our volunteers. She is a music therapist with extensive experience of working with people with learning disabilities and contracts with LBH learning disabilities who has started up as a one person led service running arts and music activities in Havering. We will be arranging a visit there soon - watch this space! Just to confirm that the Drop-In Club has moved to The Ingrebourne Centre , Gubbins Lane ( opposite St.Peter's Church and NOT the Neighbourhood Centre) and runs from 1.45 to 3.45 on Thursdays. 1 or 2 extra helpers required at either Art Group Tuesday and Wed pm's at The Catholic Church in Petersfield Ave. Harold Hill.
Thames Chase Centre in Cranham
The centre are seeking a minutes secretary for the Trust with IT skills and an internet connection. They are also seeking volunteers to main the receiption area in the Visitor Centre and run the shop. This would involved 3.5hours commitment per week. Weekdays and weekends.
PLEASE CONTACT EITHER DEBBIE OR SHARON IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THE VISITS OR OPPORTUNITIES ABOVE. WE WILL BE ADDING NEW OPPORTUNITES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR SO WATCH THIS SPACE!