Supporting Volunteers Ruth Bowen

Volunteer Development Manager Bield Housing & Care

Introduction

• Why volunteer?

• Impact on service users

• How do we involve volunteers?

• Challenges for the future

Why volunteer?

Benefits to Volunteers

• Make a difference to the lives of others

• Feel valued and part of a team

• Spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle

• Gain confidence and self-esteem

• Gain new skills, knowledge and experience

• Develop existing skills and knowledge

• Enhance a CV

• Help improve employment prospects

• Gain an accreditation

Benefits to Volunteers

• Meet new people and making new friends

• A chance to socialise

• Get to know the local community

• Increases physical health in older volunteers

Catherine (Bield Volunteer)

have given positive feedback about my volunteering activity sessions. It’s nice to hear the positive things. We’re doing pampering sessions right now. We also play bingo and snakes and ladders”.

“I started volunteering because I live nearby. My kids are small, but I’m not working right now. So, I dropped in and asked them if they needed any help. I find it quite satisfying to volunteer here. It’s nice for me to do something in the community. The tenants enjoy our time together and seem really appreciative. There’s a nice atmosphere here at the Care Home and the staff are really nice. I get lots of support – if I need anything, I just ask and they get it for me. The Manager checks in with me to make sure everything is ok. The staff and tenants

Benefits to Bield

• Give time, energy and talents

• Extend and augment the work of paid staff

• Create a positive image of Bield in the community

• Generate enthusiasm and interest

• Provides transparency

• Knock-on positive effect on the community

Impact volunteers have on Service Users

Social Activity Assistants

“I am the youngest (tenant) and it is great having different ages coming in and mixing with you…”

“I have nothing but admiration for the volunteers. They give a feeling of safety and caring which adds to the personal security of an older person.”

“(The volunteers) have opened up a new world to me personally which I cannot thank them enough for.”

“The volunteers we have are wonderful, very friendly and boost confidence for trying things.”

Silver Surfer Tutors “My family live in America, so I feel it has opened a window for me. I keep in touch daily now, it’s wonderful.”

I have achieved something (new skills) I felt I wasn’t capable of through the help of volunteers.”

Befrienders

“She even visited me in hospital she’s wonderful.”

“For myself something to look forward to each week”

Tenant (Betty) says, “I like to get out and about, I always did. But I lost my limb and I find it hard to get out as much now.

The volunteers help me with my wheelchair, I couldn’t do it on my own.

We’re going to see Jesus Christ Superstar next. When we go to these places, we have a wee glass of wine and it’s just wonderful”.

With Betty’s tinkling laugh still echoing in the air, Manager, (Maureen) says, “Betty was a very active lady, but she never let it (losing her limb) stop her. She loved to dance and has lots of friends. But when she lost her limb, she couldn’t get out very much. This programme means that Betty can continue to get out and enjoy the things she loves doing”.

Helen aged 81yrs says, “I could not believe the size of the football pitch. I have watched football on TV for 50+ years. I was totally surprised, and also the amount of very young children that watch the football. I cannot wait to visit a football ground in the near future.”

Depute Manager Lynn says, “Watching the faces of service users enjoyment whilst telling us stories of going to matches and their experiences over the years makes the project worthwhile.”

Three Detectives Agency – Part 1

• Radio Play

• Written by a Volunteer

• Casted, rehearsed, performed and edited by Castlebank Gardens Service Users

How do we involve volunteers?

Volunteer Manager Roles

Line

Management

Structure

Housing

Operations

Manager

↑

Housing Officer

↑

Housing

Manager

↑

Bield Registered

Volunteer

Volunteer

Section supports

this process

All work

together

↔

Volunteer Manager Support

Volunteer Development Team supports managers:

• Volunteer recruitment

• Provide HR function for volunteer managers

• Promote volunteering in Bield

• Develop Framework of Good Practice

Where we are now

• Established volunteer procedures & guidance

• Volunteer learning & development

• Experienced and enthusiastic volunteer managers

• Experienced and enthusiastic volunteers

Challenges for the future • Grow our volunteers

• Engage with more managers

• Develop a volunteering culture across Bield

• Develop links with local voluntary organisations

• Seek funding for volunteer programme