Bulletin of Volunteering Vacancies Spring 2012

From Carmarthenshire Volunteer Centre 

Victim Support

• Victim Support will shortly be recruiting volunteers to conduct fire safety checks.
• We will be working in partnership with Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service.
• One full day training will be provided by the Fire Service.
• Work will involve, visiting vulnerable people’s homes & installing fire alarms.
• We will need to recruit throughout Carmarthenshire.

Whizz-Kidz

• Whizz-Kidz is a small charity with a big heart & a local focus where community fundraising is a new venture within Wales to meet the growing demand for our services.
• We support disabled children & young people by providing mobility equipment, fun & friendship through Ambassador Clubs. We support learning & growth via training & camps. We have children waiting in Carmarthen & the rest of Wales for their wheelchair right now; you can help them become more independent by fundraising for us.
• We are in vital need of volunteers who can spare just a few hours to either: Visit a local school or youth group to run an assembly/presentation & request a non-uniform day or other fundraiser
• Visit a local 6th form with our new Welsh Baccalaureate Pack to present Whizz-Kidz & request student support within their Community Work module
• Organise & run a fundraising stand in a local store or organise a fundraising event within the community or for friends & family
• Distribute collection cans or leaflets & posters within a chosen section of the community
• All volunteers who register & apply will receive an introductory meeting with the Regional Fundraiser, followed by support & advice via telephone/email & training if required. All roles have supportive materials.

RSVP – Reading Volunteers

• Can you spare a couple of hours a week to listen to children read in a local primary school? It will help enormously with their confidence & reading ability… & its great fun & satisfying as well!!
• RSVP welcomes volunteers any age to be part of the National Programme of Reading Volunteers. There’s an initial 1/2 day’s training session to give you hints & tips for your volunteering & you will have the support of a named member of staff in school as well as someone from RSVP.
• We take care of Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks & as a volunteer you have the benefit of our insurance cover as well as being part of the wider network of RSVP volunteers across Carmarthenshire.

Pontyberem First Responders

YOU CAN HELP US BY

• Volunteering as a Community First Responder, volunteering as a fundraiser, taking part in or organising a fundraising event, becoming a first responder.
• Do you feel that you could make a difference to someone that’s faced with a life-threatening emergency? There are many ways that you can help us!
• The purpose of the team is to provide a rapid response to medical emergencies in & around Pontyberem. We are always looking for volunteers to join our team. A first responder needs to be extremely reliable & trustworthy, good under pressure, able to remain calm in emergency situations, be caring when dealing with patients & have a reasonable level of fitness. You do not need to have any medical qualifications or have first aid experience. You will receive all the training you need. Volunteers must be 18 years & over & you must hold a driving license & have access to a car.

Action on Hearing Loss Cymru

• Hear to Meet Volunteer
• Could you make a real difference to older people in your community? Do you want to meet new people over a friendly cup of coffee?
• Hear to Meet is launching new social get-togethers for older people (50+) with hearing loss to share their experiences over a friendly cup of coffee.
• Volunteers needed for 2-3 hours, one weekday per month to help organise & support their local Hear to Meet group (set up/clear venue & refreshments, greet guests & engage them in conversation, activities & group trips). Full training provided & travel expenses reimbursed.

Mencap

• Mentors are needed to support & guide volunteers in their tasks by working alongside them. The role of the mentor is to offer assistance when needed, & enable the volunteers to work independently. Activities are mostly centered on horticulture, but can include DIY & construction work. A volunteer would need to be physically fit, prepared to work in all weathers & have some interest in gardening. This opportunity gives mentors the chance to work in beautiful gardens alongside hardworking & enthusiastic volunteers, as well as learning about gardening & construction & meeting new people.
• The projects are based in some of the most beautiful places in Carmarthenshire including the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Dinefwr Park (National Trust), Llyn Llech Owain (County Council Country Park)

Llanelli Centre Project

• We provide a safe environment for young people aged 10-25 years old, to socialise & gain new skills & qualifications.
• We have several positions that we are trying to fill:
• Essential Skills Project Volunteer – role includes: supporting the young people to learn to cook; supporting the staff to organise the sessions,
• Support Project Volunteer – role includes: support young people to take part in sporting activities, supporting the staff to organise the sessions
• ICT Project Volunteer – role includes: support young people to take part in computing activities; supporting the staff to organise the sessions,
• Art & Craft Project Volunteer – role includes: support young people to take part in art & craft activities supporting the staff to organise the sessions. We would like at least two volunteers per project.

Dyslexia Cymru/Wales Dyslexia

• Do you you have a few hours to spare each month? We are looking for volunteers to support our work with dyslexic individuals in Wales.
• We are currently recruiting volunteers for our free phone helpline, which offers advice & signposting to all those concerned about dyslexia – whether it be at school, college, or in employment.
• You can be a Helpline Volunteer from the comfort of your own home! You do not need to travel to a central venue to participate! All we ask is that you have access to a telephone & are willing to commit to a minimum of two evenings per month (between 5pm & 8pm). We will train you on dyslexia awareness & telephone skills.

Purple Routes Play Project

• The Purple Routes is a BIG lottery funded project to support children’s play in the community. The project recognises the child’s right to play, the impact it has on life & the importance of play for everyone. The Team facilitate free of charge, open access play sessions in 8 areas across Carmarthenshire for children aged 5-15yrs.
• Carmarthen, Felinfoel, Burry Port, Pantyffynnon, Bigyn, Glanymor/Tyisha, Llandovery & Newcastle Emlyn.
• To Support open access play opportuni
  ties to children & young people age 5-15yrs within the target areas.
• Build relationships with children, young people & their families within the play environment.
• Contribute to health, safety, security & welfare of children & young people within the play environment, ensuring compliance to risk assessment/ benefit, policies & procedures.
• To ensure the policies & procedures are adhered to & communicated to children, young people & their families
• To work in all weather conditions.

The Wallich

• We help tackle the causes & issues surrounding homelessness & help people live safer, happier & more independent lives.
• We have two positions that we are trying to fill at the moment.
• Music Group Volunteer, the role includes: coaching a group of singers to form a choir/glee club. Organising regular practice sessions. Inspiring people & helping them to develop their skills & confidence through music & performing. Working alongside the PR & Events Coordinator to organise when/where the group will be performing.
• Peer Mentor Volunteer, role includes: to assist Peer Mentor Worker in actively engaging with colleagues & clients in order to develop & deliver Peer Mentor programme. To assist Peer Mentor Worker to identify resources & networking opportunities for learning, education or employment opportunities relevant to the Peer Mentors individual learning plan & accredited outcomes. To assist in providing support & guidance to Mentors engaging with the learning department.
• Internal Design Volunteer – We are looking for a volunteer:-To help the charity to design the internal lay out of a shop we are opening in Llanelli.
• We are opening a shop as a social enterprise in Llanelli next to one of our projects. All the work on it so far has been done by volunteers & we are now looking for someone who would be able to help us design the internal lay out of the shop.

Dyfed Powys Police

We are looking for a Volunteer coordinator – Provide support to the volunteer program force wide. Linking with the Head of Corporate Development, line managers & volunteers. The role will involve:

• Communicating & engaging regularly with all volunteers.
• Organising briefings & formal gatherings.
• Co ordinate recruitment & retention of volunteers
• Provide a point of contact for volunteers

Public Health Team, Public Health Wales

• Do you enjoy walking?
• Are you? Interested in becoming a volunteer & have an hour free a week?
• Interested in supporting walking groups in your local community?
• Interested in meeting new people? Willing to have ago
• If you answered YES to any of the above we would like your help
• Carmarthenshire Local Public Health Team is looking to recruit volunteers to help support local walking groups in Carmarthen, as part of Carmarthenshire’s Am Dro & Glonc Sir Gâr (Walk & Talk Carmarthenshire) Walking Programme. FREE training provided.

Royal National Lifeboat Institute RNLI

• Our role is to save lives at sea. Simply stated but a very important role. We run events to raise funds & are looking for volunteers to help at the events
• Ironman Wales 16th September
• ‘The ultimate event, from the Ironman series’ – taking place in Tenby, over 1500 participants will complete a grueling 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride & a full marathon to earn an Ironman title. We are looking for volunteers on the day, to help at cheering stations, water stations, to help on our charity exhibition stands & generally soak in the atmosphere.
• Long Course Weekend 7th-10th June
• ‘The training event for Ironman Wales’ – also taking part in Tenby & around our most iconic Lifeboat Station, we are looking for people to help on water stations, cheering stations & to help on our charity stands.

Wales Air Ambulance

We are looking for volunteers for the following roles:-

• Collection buckets -E.g. at supermarkets, Events, collecting coin.
• Events attending shows, PR meeting the public, selling tickets, organizing events.
• Cheque presentations Groups/individuals, photos Press coverage, saying thank you in public
• Collecting Boxes, Finding locations, Collecting full boxes, Counting coin
• Talks/Presentations Speaking in public Large or small groups 15 to 30 minutes prepared talk with slides / photos
• Selling of Merchandise At Events with Trailer Small gatherings with Marquee or table top priced items

C S V Gap Year

Full Time Volunteers needed for various social & health care related projects across the UK. Accommodation & subsistence provided. Ideal for those taking a gap year or career break.

• Social Care Volunteers
• Want to learn new skills? Want to improve your job prospects, have some fun & most importantly help others? Then maybe full time volunteering with CSV is the answer…
• We are looking for people aged 18-35 to fill hundreds of challenging & exciting volunteer roles, helping a wide range of people across the UK. You might be helping children with special needs in a school, providing support to a disabled student at a university, or helping someone with a disability live independently in their own home.
• Alternatively you might find yourself helping in a homeless hostel or in a mentoring role, helping & supporting young people. You’ll live away from home & be provided with free accommodation, £35 per week towards day to day expenses plus food (or up to £40 per week to buy food). Opportunities are available for between 6-12 months. You’ll also be part of a big team of volunteers across the UK, who along with staff can support you.
• There will also be plenty of opportunity to get together & have some fun. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop skills, meet new people & help to make a real difference to people’s lives. No specific qualifications or experience are required.

Multiple Sclerosis Society Cymru

• To enable everyone affected by MS to live life to their full potential & secure the care & support they need until we find a cure.
• Our branches are passionate about supporting people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the local community. The team offers support & information to all those affected by MS, their families & carers along with arranging regular meetings & social events for the whole family. MS Support Teams aim to empower people affected by MS through giving information about MS, emotional support & facilitating access to available services
• Support Team Volunteer; The team is co-ordinated by the Lead Support Volunteer. We are developing support teams to enable them to offer a wider range of support & information to local people affected by MS.
• Support volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by MS. The support team aims to empower people with MS by providing information about the condition, lending a friendly ear, helping people access available services & developing support services.
• It is an extremely rewarding role so, whatever your available time, we would love to hear from you.

Hafan Dementia Care

• We offer support, advice & information to clients
  who are carers of Dementia sufferers. We run a day club, monthly lunches for carers, plus outings & other social events. We are a new group which is community based in Ammanford. We are also lobbying for more respite & daycare facilities.
• We run a respite home for clients with Dementia to relieve the stress of caring. We cover the whole of Carmarthenshire.
• Volunteers are needed by Hafan Dementia Care for the following roles:-
• Helping with teas & lunches. Helping with general activities
• Escorts on the mini bus; Painting & decorating; Gardening; Admin work.
• We are looking for volunteers with I.T skills to help with posters etc
• We are also looking for someone to take on the post of responsible individual which involves checking on the running of Hafan Croeso /Hafan Gobath. The responsible individual has to be approved by C.S.S.I.W

Home Start Carmarthen Llanelli – Home Start Extra

• Home-Start Carmarthen-Llanelli support families with children from 0-11 who are going through difficult times & need a helping hand. Our volunteers visit families in their homes once a week for a couple of hours & offer emotional & practical support until they are able to cope again. Due to a high demand for our service we always need more volunteers.
• All our volunteers are required to attend our volunteer preparation course which is designed to fully prepare them for their volunteering experience. The course is accredited by the NOCN & is worth 3 credits. Some of the core units include safeguarding & confidentiality. The skills & knowledge gained are transferable to other areas of our volunteer’s lives. They are also required to complete an application form & undergo a CRB check & provide 2 references. In return our volunteers receive regular support & supervision, reimbursement of out of pocket expenses, ongoing training opportunities, the opportunity to meet new friends & a worthwhile volunteering experience.
• We regularly run preparation courses in the county so if you are interested & want more information please let us know.

Shelter Cymru – Cyngor 50 Plus Advice

• Exciting new project, funded by Big Lottery Fund’s AdvantAGE programme, to improve housing conditions for people aged 50+ in Carmarthenshire.
• Volunteers sought to run housing information sessions in local venues
• Housing issues facing older people include: poorly-maintained homes, low incomes, and fuel poverty, maintaining independence & landlord issues.
• Volunteers to signpost &/or referring people in housing need to more specialist services
• Accredited training, continuing development, technical support & regular supervision provided. Min 2 hours/week commitment. Jobseekers remain entitled to JSA
• Opportunity for development to advise & advocate for & give practical support to more vulnerable clients. Admin only opportunities also.

Volunteering For Health Project

• The Volunteering For Health Project is looking for Volunteers for the following Roles:-
• The Clinical Decision Unit at West Wales General Hospital is a ward where people are admitted for both assessment & treatment.
• The purpose is to enhance the patient experience by:
• Assisting the multi –disciplinary team to promote effective communication & emotional support to vulnerable people throughout their attendance
• Supporting the team to provide a clean & tidy patient environment; Display a helpful, friendly & courteous attitude to everyone.
• Provide information regarding public transport, local amenities etc
• Assist patients & visitors/family with the booking of taxis where necessary.
• Liaison with patients & family members regarding non medical issues.
• Provide a befriending service to patients for reassurance & moral support.
• Taking prescriptions to pharmacy alongside delivering specimens to pathology.
• Can take form to CT & x ray if requested to do so by ward Clark.
• Answer telephones & direct all queries/concerns to the appropriate personnel; Photocopying paperwork in relation with admission packs.
• Distributing meals/refreshments, for identified patients & family members.
• Help with general stocking of patient advice cards & assist with restocking of general items.
• Help with making up beds for patients’; Preparation of patient tables prior to meal times.

Age Cymru Sir Gar’s Befriending Links project

• BEFRIENDING LINKS – Carmarthenshire
• Project co-ordinators will undertake volunteer group training & information sessions. We will develop teams of volunteers to support the work of the project. These teams will be: Group Coordinators; Drivers; Risk Assessors; Client greeters; Activity Co-ordinators; Fundraisers etc. with the aim of supporting older people to remain involved in their communities & break the cycle of isolation, help make new friendships & socialise within their communities.

Age Cymru Sir Gâr (formerly Age Concern Sir Gâr) – RAP project

• We are looking for recyclers. We support older people to recycle glass & understand the blue & black bag system & food waste bins system.
• We are looking for volunteers to collect glass from housebound older people who cannot recycle glass themselves because they have no transport, have poor mobility or have little or no family or other support. You would also help aid understanding of what goes into a blue & black bag & brown/green food waste bin.
• If you recycle your glass or have a general interest in recycling, could you help others to do so as well? Only basic training is needed & equipment is provided to transport the glass.
• Support & mileage is paid & there are visits to both recycling centers in Carmarthenshire.
• You can volunteer as often or as little as you want.
• The service we provide for the vulnerable housebound older person is in partnership with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth & Carmarthenshire County Council’s Waste Department.

Coleg Elidyr

• Coleg Elidyr, Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery is a specialist college for further education & training for young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities. Our aim is to provide education & training for young people within a community context.
• Anyone who is interested in doing some light gardening around our residential houses on site here at Coleg Elidyr would be very welcome.
• We are also looking to increase the skill set of our Trustee body with a member who has experience in Special Educational Needs.

Llanelli Mind

• Llanelli Mind Welcome centre are looking for Volunteers to help promote the well-being & welfare of people with mental health problems using the Drop in service.
• Typical tasks & responsibilities;
• To encourage self-help & promote well-being in order to help people live fulfilled lives.
• Provide a listening ear in a non-judgemental way
• To help people access information relevant to their needs
• To assist in general housekeeping duties (this could include; cooking, cleaning or shopping)
• To accompany people when accessing community services & activities
• To undertake all volunteer work in line with Llanelli Mind quality standards, policies & practices
• To participate in induction, training & development programmes appropriate to the role< /li>
• To treat all information given by service users, staff of the service & other volunteers as confidential
• We are also looking for volunteers who can assist in the running of workshops or activities
• (this could include, Walking, IT, Digital Photography, Arts & Crafts, Board & Card Games, Quizzes, Pool)
• There is also a volunteer post for help with administrative tasks (this could include; typing minutes, designing posters or collecting monitoring data)

Alzheimer’s Society

• Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading support & research charity for people with dementia, their families & carers. Volunteers are vital to our goal of improving the lives of people living with dementia.
• We need volunteers to help with the local services we run such as:
• Befriending – involves helping someone in the early stages of dementia to take part in social & recreational activities, for example playing golf, walking the dog, or playing table tennis.
• Singing for the Brain – an innovative project helping to provide musical stimulation for people with dementia. Your involvement as a volunteer will help improve the well being & reduce isolation so often experienced by people with dementia & their carers.
• Fundraising group volunteer leaders – setting up & recruiting to local fundraising groups in order to expand the work of the Society so that even more people with dementia & their carers can be helped & supported.

Leonard Cheshire Disability

• Ty Cwm provides a 20 bed Residential & Respite care facility for adults living with mental &/or physical disabilities. It is part of Leonard Cheshire Disability, a registered charity that aims to change attitudes towards disability & supports disabled people around the world.
• Here at Ty Cwm, volunteers are needed in the following roles:
• Enthusiastic gardener to advise & help manage our modest garden
• General sewing duties at the Home (mainly labelling clothes)
• Befriending role, as our service user’s benefit from 1-to-1 interactions. This can include anything from sitting down & chatting, reading the newspaper or helping to take service users out into the community.
• One of our service users wishes help to build his new model aeroplane.

Tenovus

• Advice Assistant (volunteer) – Cancer Support Team (CST)
• To provide support to our Cancer Support Advisers through our dedicated support line or in other locations in line with client needs. You will contact both patients & health care professionals to gather vital information to ensure anyone who accesses our services gets the best possible service.
• Listening to concerns or queries that might have arisen following cancer diagnosis with regards to entitlement
• Identifying clients’ needs & signposting where appropriate
• Contacting clients & professionals on a regular basis to gather information
• Working closely with Cancer Support Advisers to share good practice
• Undertaking basic administrative duties, including keeping a record of all calls & updating the online database.
• Community Champion (volunteer)
• To represent Tenovus within your local community & thereby help generate funds & awareness for the charity within your area.
• Giving talks about the charity to local schools, businesses, clubs & associations
• Attending cheque presentations on behalf of the charity
• Promoting Tenovus events by distributing posters, leaflets & displays about our work
• Supporting fundraising staff & local fundraising groups in their work by writing thank you letters & making phone calls to supporters.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW)

• The WTSWW is running regular nature reserve work groups over the spring across Carmarthenshire. They are normally on Fridays, but may occasionally be on other days of the week. Activities include:
• Clearing overhanging vegetation from footpaths
• Replacing steps and other public access features
• Clearing and burning invasive scrub from various protected habitats

CAVS Volunteer Centre

If you are interested in any of the volunteer roles in this bulletin, please contact any of the following:-

Rachel & Bill based at 10 John Street, Llanelli. SA15 1UH, Tel No: 01554 778601 Email: volunteering@cavs.org.uk

Fflur at CAVS Office, the Mount, 18 Queen Street, Carmarthen. SA31 1JT. Tel No: 01267 245555 Email: volunteering@cavs.org.uk