Make 2022 the year you volunteer!

 Gain skills & experience

 Make a difference in your
community
 Help others
 Meet new people & have fun!

www.sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk
What is the Volunteer Centre?
We are part of Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS) and we help people wanting to volunteer
and organisations offering voluntary roles to find one another.

You can find out more about volunteering by contacting us:

 Web: www.sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk. Click on ‘Start volunteering’ and you

will be able to search through all the volunteer roles currently advertised with us and
register/apply online.
 Email: vc@vas.org.uk
 Telephone: 0114 253 6649 (Mon – Thurs)
 Facebook: @SheffieldVolunteerCentre
 Twitter: @VolunteerSheff

Want to volunteer but not sure where to start?

Book a 30-minute appointment with an advisor who can help you find a suitable role and
can answer any questions you might have about volunteering. Our advisors are friendly,
knowledgeable and experienced in helping people to find volunteer opportunities

To book an appointment with an advisor, please see following webpage:

www.sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk/start-volunteering or call (0114) 253 6649.
Appointments take place on Tuesdays at the Volunteer Centre, The Circle, 33 Rockingham
Lane, Sheffield, S1 4FW.

The Circle has a number of Covid-19 infection control measures in place. We ask that masks
are worn at all times whilst using communal spaces and that social distancing is followed.
Hand sanitizer is available and an enhanced cleaning regime is in place. Appointments at
the Volunteer Centre take place in a socially distanced, well-ventilated area.

Our volunteer advisors can also help by phone or email, identifying roles that might suit you
and answering any questions you have about volunteering. To request phone or email
support, please see the following webpage: www.sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk/start-
volunteering
Spotlight on…
Independent Visitors
Male volunteers needed!
Have you got time once a month to do an activity?
Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person’s life?

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers

to be long term friends and role models for children in care
and care leavers.

Independent Visitors are matched with a child or young

person and they meet with them once a month, for a
minimum of two years, to do a fun activity together.
Activities could include going to the cinema, bowling,
playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike or a
walk in the park etc. Independent Visitors are positive adult
role models who through their consistent friendship help
their child or young person to build self-esteem,
confidence, and resilience.

Male volunteers needed…

Our volunteer role is open to all genders, however we
currently in need of male volunteers. We have lots of boys
on our waiting list aged between 10-25 years, who would like to be matched with a male volunteer. The
boys have interests in sports, gaming, music, films, outdoor activities and much, much more.

Unaccompanied asylum seeking young people…

We have four male unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people aged 15 and 21 on our waiting list, who
would really like to be matched with a male volunteer. They would particularly like their Independent
Visitor to help them to settle into living in the UK and Sheffield by spending time with them, showing them
places and activities around Sheffield, learning about British and Yorkshire culture and traditions, having
fun and improving their English along the way.

Young person aged 18: “I never thought I would be so comfortable with my Independent Visitor. It’s
amazing. We talk and joke around with each other. He is a best friend to talk to and do things with. He was
one of the first English people to be good to me and so now I trust them more because of him. I can be more
open with English people now, trust them and talk to them. My time with my IV couldn’t be any better.”

Experience and the recruitment process

Some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people would be
helpful. However, no formal qualifications are needed and full training is given. We are mainly looking for
volunteers who can commit and have a passion for making a real difference. As part of the recruitment
process, applicants will be expected to complete an application form, enhanced DBS check, provide two
references and undergo a short interview. Activity and travel expenses are covered and support is provided
throughout by your assigned Independent Visitor Co-ordinator.

For more information, please contact the Independent Visitor team at iv@sheffield.gov.uk or 0114
2288522. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Spotlight on…
SCCCC
Do you enjoy a good chat? Could you spare just an hour a week or a fortnight?
Would you like to make a connection to an older person who is feeling isolated and
make a real difference to their quality of their life? Then come and volunteer with us!
Our organisation (Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care) was set up more than 50 years ago to
support older people (65+) across Sheffield. We work alongside Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Teaching
Hospitals and other care agencies to achieve our mission of improving wellbeing, through reducing
isolation and loneliness in the city’s older community.
Good Neighbours Scheme (GNS) – Telephone Supporter/Friendly Visitor:
Our flagship GNS is looking for volunteers to befriend older people either over the phone or face to face in
their homes (with PPE Covid guidance in place). Just a short call or visit for a chat and a cup of tea will
make such a difference to an older person who is in desperate need of social contact. We will aim to match
you with someone who lives local to you and who shares the same interests and hobbies.
We have a waiting list of older people who need help across the city and so if you live in/are able to travel
to S2, S5, S6, S12, S20 and S35 we would particularly love to hear from you!

Inclusive Community Care Scheme (ICCS) – Telephone Supporter/Friendly Visitor:

Are you of a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background? Can you speak a community language? Our
ICCS builds on our GNS scheme but is adapted so that it is culturally sensitive and catered towards the
needs of older people and volunteers who are from BAME backgrounds.

Just a short call or visit for a chat and a cup of tea will make such a difference to an older person who, due
to language and cultural barriers, may be experiencing additional social isolation. We will aim to match you
with someone who lives local to you and who shares the same language or cultural background – helping
you to relate to each other and perhaps give you the opportunity to converse in your mother tongue.
We have a waiting list of older people who need this specialist support. If you are of African or Caribbean
background or can speak Urdu, Hindi and/or Punjabi we would particularly love to hear from you!

Who we’re looking for:

If you have a caring attitude, a patient and friendly disposition and good listening and communication skills,
we would love to hear from you. We’re looking for volunteers who are reliable and trustworthy and you
must be culturally competent/sensitive. You should be able to work unsupervised (in people’s homes/over
the phone). Ideally, you’d be able to commit to a minimum of 12 months (you develop a relationship with
your older person) and it would be helpful if you can be flexible with your availability. An enhanced DBS is
required – we will cover costs and help you with the process.

What’s in it for you?

By volunteering with us, you’ll gain an understanding of the issues that affect older people, improved social
and communication skills and experience and skills in befriending and buddying. You’ll also experience
the ‘feel good’ satisfaction factor – and will improve your wellbeing and self-esteem by making a real
difference to someone’s life and gaining a ‘friend’. We can provide references to aid future
employment and will provide a full induction, ongoing support, training and expenses.

To find out more or request an application pack for either scheme, contact Lynn Smith (Volunteer
Coordinator) via volunteers@scccc.co.uk or phone 0114 2505293.
For additional ICCS enquiries, contact Rehneesa Inez (BAME Community Engagement
Officer) via rehneesa@scccc.co.uk or 0114 2505293.
 Other Current Opportunities…
Action Tutoring
Volunteer Tutors - English or Maths
Support disadvantaged young people to achieve by volunteering to tutor them English or Maths for an hour a
week. No previous tutoring experience required. Online and face to face opportunities available.
Ilina Ghosh, volunteer@actiontutoring.org.uk

After School Study Support Partnership

English Teacher - Secondary Pupils (Years 7-11) S3 8JD
Do you have a good command of written & spoken English? You'll support pupils to develop their English
language skills. You'll work with them & provide support with their homework & help to raise the aspiration of
the children within KS3 (age 12-16).

Maths Teacher - Secondary Pupils (Years 7-11) S3 8JD

If you're interested in teaching Maths this role could be for you. You'll support pupils to develop their skills in
maths. You'll work with them, provide support with their homework & help to raise their aspirations within KS3
(age 12-16).

Science Teacher - Secondary Pupils (Years 7-11) S3 8JD

Do you have a good understanding of science? You'll support pupils to develop their grasp of all things scientific.
You'll work with them & provide support with their homework & help to raise the aspiration of the children
within KS3 (age 12-16).

Special Needs Teacher / Teaching Assistant S3 8JD

Build skills & experience in education while making a difference to our learners! You'll work 1:1 in a Study
Support Group (Homework Club) Monday 5-7pm. You'll need to be patient, firm when needed, & able to help
with children's personal needs.
Janet Angel, 07818 224758, janet1976.angel@gmail.com

Beards & Books

Business Developer S1 2WY
This role involves creating business development strategies, working closely with our marketing and community
liaison officers.

HR Administrator S1 2WY
Beards and Books offers educational services for disadvantaged children and aims to increase the
representation of BAME cultures in education. In this role you will be working closely with the administration
team to ensure the smooth running of our growing organisation. You’ll get involved with all aspects of HR
administration.

Storyteller S1 2WY
This role involves reading stories for primary school children.
John Kamara, volunteer@beardsandbooks.org
Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice
Events and Fundraising volunteer
We have so many exciting events coming up! You're going to want to be involved. Haven't got lots of free time
but fancy getting involved for one-off volunteering for a brilliant cause?! Want to make wonderful memories,
whilst supporting us to raise funds for our children's hospice? Looking for something to boost your CV? If that's
a yes, events and fundraising volunteering is for you!

Garden Supervisor S25 4AJ

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to help supervise groups of corporate volunteers
(through their Employer-Supported Volunteering Scheme (ESV)) in our 6.5 acres of grounds at Bluebell Wood.
This is a rewarding opportunity to be part of the Bluebell Wood team, supporting numerous companies that
come together to dedicate their time to the charity. Together, you will play a key role in helping to maintain the
grounds to a high quality as an attractive haven for our families.

Garden volunteer S25 4AJ

Are you green-fingered with a love for plants?! We are looking for garden volunteers. This is a very special role
to support us to keep our hospice gardens a special haven for our families.

Housekeeping Volunteer S25 4AJ

Would you like to play a key part in your local children's hospice? We are looking for housekeeping volunteers!

Reception volunteer S25 4AJ

Would you like the chance to help greet visitors to the hospice? Do you have a confident telephone manner?

If that's a yes, we have a fantastic opportunity for you! We are looking for volunteers to join our reception team
at the hospice, acting as a first contact for all telephone and drop-in enquiries and carrying out some basic
administration tasks.
Volunteer Co-ordinators, 01909 517 360, volunteering@bluebellwood.org

British Red Cross

Customer Service Volunteer, Sheffield S9 4LR
If you enjoy being in an office environment, are compassionate and like meeting people then this could be the
role for you. Thanks to volunteers like you we can provide people in your local community with wheelchairs and
other mobility equipment to help them through a crisis. This vital service enables people to maintain their
independence and quality of life after an illness or injury.

Volunteer Driver, Sheffield S9 4LR

The main element of the role is to deliver or collect wheelchairs to/from people’s homes supporting them to
maintain their independence, or you could choose to support members of the public from varying locations
around the hub area (e.g. often using partner supermarket car parks) to enable them to obtain a wheelchair or
other mobility aids equipment. You could also be driving between hub and spoke locations to transfer stock.

Warehouse Volunteer, Sheffield S9 4LR

This is a very rewarding role providing much-needed support to our service by literally keeping the wheels
rolling. Based in one of our warehouses, the main element of the role is to clean and maintain our stock of
wheelchairs and other mobility aids equipment. It also involves some inputting of data into our stock
management system This is the ideal role for someone who is practical, enjoys fixing things and likes the
satisfaction of providing a clean, safe piece of equipment.
Julie White, 03000 040 309, wheelchairvolunteer@redcross.org.uk
City of Sanctuary Sheffield
Treasurer S1 2PD
We are looking for a new trustee to join our amazing team who will take up the role of treasurer. As well as
playing an active role in our trustee team, the treasurer-trustee will also:

Be responsible for preparing the annual accounts.

Work with the finance and premises sub-committee on financial policies and procedures.

Have some experience in bookkeeping or accounting.

Craig Barnett (Co-Chair, Board of Trustees), admin@sheffield.cityofsanctuary.org

Darnall Allotment Project

Social Media Officer S9 5JF
Promote Darnall Allotment Project on existing social media platforms with the aim of encouraging volunteers to
our project.
Sarah Emberson, 07414025919, darnallallotmentproj@gmail.com

Darnall Dementia Trust

Chair of Trustee Board S8 8BG
* Chair bi-monthly meetings of the trustee board and senior staff (The Management Committee).
* Line-management of Service Manager
* Lead the organisation in adapting to change to a new contract with SCC
* Support the other officers in carrying out essential tasks
* Ensure compliance with requirements Charity Commission and Companies House
* Respond to the need for development and change as the need arises
* Work to ensure that the profile and good reputation of the organisation is maintained
Lisa Heller, 0114 226 2116, lisa.heller1@googlemail.com

Dimensions UK Ltd
Oral Health Resource Volunteer - virtual, home-based role
Are you studying oral health, or a trainee dental therapist/hygienist keen to share your knowledge with others?

Would you like to help the people we support to improve their oral health?

As a volunteer, you would be sharing your invaluable knowledge with our support colleagues, so they can
encourage and guide the people we support to have good oral hygiene.

This is a virtual, home-based role, so activities WILL NOT involve supporting specific individuals with their oral
health.
Paul Bown, 0300 303 9162, volunteering@dimensions-uk.org

ExtraCare Charitable Trust - Brunswick Gardens

Afternoon Social Volunteer - Once a month S13 7RB
We are looking for volunteers to help assist with our once a month Wednesday afternoon social event 1.30pm -
3.30pm. This role includes helping set up our village hall ready for the event and during the interval to help
serve teas, coffees and cakes to our residents, their families and friends of our village. Volunteers involved
would also have to the option to attend the event as a visitor for their own enjoyment.
Sue Milner, 0114 2940034, sue.milner@extracare.org.uk
ExtraCare Charitable Trust - Brunswick Gardens
Coffee Bar Volunteer - Brunswick Gardens Village
A great opportunity to gain experience working with other volunteers in our villages coffee bar. Engaging
customers and residents taking orders, stock rotation, maintaining cleanliness full training provided including
food safety certificate.

Library Volunteer - 2 hours per week

Library Volunteer at Brunswick Gardens Retirement Village, Woodhouse.
Sue Milner, 0114 2940034, sue.milner@extracare.org.uk

Grow
Volunteer Mentor
We are looking for volunteer mentors to join our youth development programme, Walk and Talk.
Wendy Flemming, 0114 3211810, wendy.flemming@growuk.org

Guide Dogs
Puppy Raisers S1 2PP
Puppy raisers provide the loving homes that help raise our future guide dogs until they go off for their training
to be guide dogs.

Volunteer Fosterers
Help raise a future guide dog and make a difference.
Linda Conway, 0800 781 1444, Linda.Conway@guidedogs.org.uk

Light Peer Support Ltd (prev Light Sheffield)

Dad one to one peer support volunteer
Use your own experience of postnatal depression or anxiety to help local dads. We seek dedicated &
compassionate people to support dads who are struggling. Join our fantastic volunteer team, receive full
training & help us to make a difference.

Dad peer support volunteer S2 3QE

Dads' peer support sessions.
We are looking for dads with a personal experience of perinatal mental health who would like to support other
dads at our informal monthly group, and at one-one sessions.
The sessions are open to any dad who has a pregnant partner or baby up to 2 years old who would like
someone to talk to about their mental health or well-being.

Forum Support
Make a difference helping parents & carers in need of support, from your own home and in your own time. We
seek dedicated people to support our Forum users by providing online information & advice about pre and
postnatal depression & anxiety.

One-to-one peer support

Use your own experience of postnatal depression or anxiety to help local families. We seek dedicated &
compassionate people to support parents who are struggling. Join our fantastic volunteer team, receive full
training & help us to make a difference.
Josanne Ratcliffe, 0114 438 8962, volunteer_coordinator@lightpeersupport.org.uk
Light Peer Support Ltd (prev Light Sheffield)
Virtual Peer Support Group Volunteer
Could you use your own experience of postnatal depression or anxiety to offer much needed support to mums
and their families? We are looking for dedicated and compassionate people to help to run our Virtual Support
Groups.
The role will involve:

* Welcoming mums and babies on-line; helping them to feel comfortable & relaxed
* Actively contributing towards group discussions; encouraging & supporting mums to be involved
* Listening without judgement
Josanne Ratcliffe, 0114 4388962, volunteer_coordinator@lightpeersupport.org.uk

MHA Communities South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw

Social/Group Volunteer S6 1LA
To support the successful running of the group by talking with the older members, helping them join in activities
and helping with the provision of light refreshments.

Volunteer Cook S6 1LA

The aim of the lunch club is to help improve the quality of life older people who are socially isolated and may
only get out to this activity. Many lunch clubs also provide a range of activities, and volunteers help in groups to
provide group members with the support they need to join in the activity. The role will also involve helping
with the preparation and serving of food, setting and clearing tables, and help serve refreshments.
Chermayne Bennett, 07568612067, chermayne.bennett@mha.org.uk

Paces Sheffield
Charity Trustee S35 1QN
We currently have seven Trustees on our Board, and are looking for new Trustees who are local to us to help
continue to guide and support our Management Team to grow our Charity and support many more disabled
children and adults.
Kelly Broughton, kelly.broughton@pacessheffield.org.uk

Sheffield Cathedral
Event Steward S1 1HA
You'll be part of Sheffield Cathedral's wide and varied events programme by stewarding for - Vintage markets;
craft and flea markets; musical concerts to a wide variety of musical genres; art installations; light shows and
community events.

Guide S1 1HA
Are you welcoming & friendly? You could use your knowledge & interest in history to run tours for our visitors.
You'll explain our history, heritage & place in the city, covering areas such as architecture, artifacts &
personalities.

Retail Volunteer S1 1HA

Do you enjoy helping & speaking with people? You'll welcome visitors with a smile, be helpful to them, take
payments (cash & card) using the till, restock goods & create displays.

Welcomer S1 1HA
Use your great people skills to welcome our visitors! You’ll listen to & direct visitors; give info (e.g. on history,
events, meetings), give out leaflets & direct people to the Chaplains or Clergy to discuss faith issues.
Chris Carrington, 0114 275 3434, chris.carrington@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk
Sheffield Hospital Radio
Hospital Radio Volunteer S10 2JF
The activities carried out are visiting patients, presenting radio programmes, publicity and fundraising, radio
station engineering, IT support, administrative support, organising and training.
Barrie Clark, 0114 2712719, info@sheffieldhospitalradio.co.uk

Sheffield Talking News (for the Blind and Visually Impaired)

Diversity Coordinator S1 4DT
We have a narrow spectrum of volunteers/ listeners representing only a limited section of the population.
Visually impaired/ disabled people in other communities would be interested in our recordings or in supporting
us as volunteers. A coordinator would work alongside other volunteers, particularly publicity and recruitment,
to find ways of establishing contact with diverse communities. Besides messaging, the role would involve going
to community events and gatherings, e.g markets, socials.

Reader S1 4DT
Readers operate on a rota basis and are not expected to read more than once a month. Recordings are
generally made in our studio on Monday evenings with a technician but due to Covid restrictions we are still
operating from home, so the timing is more flexible. This means that readers must have the ability to record
their items at home on either a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone. Recordings are then uploaded to a
technician for processing and dispatch.
Val Newbolt, 0114 2780440, mail@sheffieldtalkingnews.org.uk

Sheffield Women's Aid - Haven House Management Committee

Social Media Volunteer/s S8 2JQ
To support and lead the promotion and development of SWA’s social media and website content. Social Media
is critical for SWA to raise awareness of the work we do and ensure survivors know how to access our services.
Currently the social media management is provided by the administrative assistant and the CEO. We are
seeking to dedicate more focus on our social media to ensure SWA has an excellent, accessible digital presence
that amplifies our message for survivors and stakeholders.
Hollie Venn, 07902923170, hollie@sheffieldwomensaid.org.uk

St Luke’s Hospice
Donation Centre Volunteer - St Luke's S4 7SF
This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in a busy warehouse and gain an
understanding of distribution and collection, be a part of you local community and support your local Hospice.
If you want to become part of a new team, make great new friends, support your local community or gain skills
and experience to kick-start a career - apply now!

e-trading Volunteer St Luke's S4 7SF

This would suit an individual who works well as part of a team, but also someone who can work well on lone
projects. This is not a customer facing role and involves researching items to list on eBay, photographing items,
packaging items to send to customers around the world and also scanning barcodes to upload items onto
Amazon. We have mixed roles and specialised roles, perhaps you have knowledge of a particular area, such as
Records, China, Toys for example. Full training will be given.

Retail Volunteer - Ecclesall Road S11 9NE

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: Till Operator queue buster, promote Gift Aid, steam, hang & display items & restock the store.

Fran Bradshaw / Leah Smith, 0114 235 7548 / 0114 2357639, volunteer@hospicesheffield.co.uk
St Luke’s Hospice
Retail Volunteer - St Luke's Vintage shop S10 5BA
Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: Till Operator, wrap goods, display items & restock the store.

Retail Volunteer - Crookes S10 1TH

Are you looking to meet new people, find employment, do something fun with your spare time, gain skills and
support your local Hospice? Our various volunteering roles might just be for you! We have flexible opportunities
available.

Retail Volunteer - Crookes Furniture Shop S10 1QQ

Are you looking to meet new people, find employment, do something fun with your spare time, gain skills and
support your local Hospice? Our various volunteering roles might just be for you! We have flexible opportunities
available. If you are interested in furniture or have a keen interest in interior design, we could have the role for
you. You will help us to make interesting room displays, serving customers, keeping our displays tidy and there
may be an element of moving & handling involved.

Shop Assistant - Abbeydale Road S7 2BL

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: Till Operator, wrap goods, queue buster, promote Gift Aid, steam, tag, hang & display items & restock
the store.

Shop Assistant - Crystal Peaks S20 7PJ

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks may
include: Till Operator, queue buster, promote Gift Aid, sort, steam, hang & display items & restock the store.
Help to recruit new volunteers

Shop Assistant - Nether Edge S7 1RU

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: wrap goods, handle card payments, promote Gift Aid, steam, hang & display items & restock the store.

Shop Assistant - City Road S2 1GQ

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: Till operator, wrapping goods, queue busting, promoting Gift Aid, sort, steam, hang & display items &
restock the store.

Shop Assistant - Gleadless S12 3GL

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: Till Operator, wrap goods, queue buster, promote Gift Aid, steam, tag, hang & display items & restock
the store.

Shop Volunteer - Firth Park S5 6HJ

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: wrap goods, handle card payments, promote Gift Aid, sort, steam, hang & display items & restock the
store.

Shop Volunteer - Woodseats S8 OSD

Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: Till Operator, queue buster, promote Gift Aid, steam, hang & display items & restock the store.

Fran Bradshaw / Leah Smith, 0114 235 7548 / 0114 2357639, volunteer@hospicesheffield.co.uk
St Luke’s Hospice
Shop Volunteer - Hillsborough S6 4GU
Are you a good communicator, flexible & interested in retail? You'll help promote our work & your tasks
include: Till operator, queue busting, promote Gift Aid, steam, hang & display items & restock the store.
Fran Bradshaw / Leah Smith, 0114 235 7548 / 0114 2357639, volunteer@hospicesheffield.co.uk

Survivors of Depression in Transition

Office support/ Group peer support volunteer s3 8JD
Help out in our office & drop-in centre! Work includes marketing, database entry, promotion, IT support,
lobbying, fundraising, telephone answering, project work & supporting clients. (Drop-in centre roles are women
only, office roles are mixed gender.)

Therapeutic holding/Helpline call handler S3 8JD

To support 1-1 therapeutic holding on the phone or zoom and in person and also to help with the support line.
Stephanie de la Haye, 0114 2795970, info@sodit.org

Third Angel
Trustee (3 vacancies)
Do you want to change people’s minds about what theatre can be? Third Angel is looking to recruit three new
trustees who will champion our values and bring different perspectives, skills and life experiences to our Board.
No previous Board experience is necessary, as training and support will be given where needed.
Laura Holmes, 0114 2724974, mail@thirdangel.co.uk

Woodhouse & District Community Forum

Care-Home Wellbeing Friends
Providing a one to one service to support people who are unable to concentrate or read properly due to long-
term conditions and remove from a life in isolation.
- Making conversation and interacting with the person.
- Reminiscing or looking at old family photos
- Having a stroll around the garden
- Gardening help
- Completing jigsaws or crosswords

Dementia Friendly Activity Support Volunteers

Providing support in the Dementia Friendly Cafes helping making teas and coffees.
- Making conversation and interacting with the people
- Reminiscing or looking at old photos
- Helping them with bingo cards, chair aerobics

Volunteer Drivers
Friendly Drivers required to transport service users to local activity groups.
Amanda Frost, 07305192584, amanda@mywoodhouse.co.uk

Yorkshire Netball
Various Volunteer Opportunities on our Management Board and Working Groups
Be instrumental in changing the culture of netball in Yorkshire & the Humber, moving us forward into the future
and making netball an even more amazing sport to be involved in.
Debbie Chandley, yorksandhumber@englandnetball.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I volunteer?
Anyone can volunteer. People already in employment, full-time or part-time, refugees and asylum
seekers, retired, students, unemployed and anyone else not mentioned here. Really, volunteering is
for everyone.

When can I start?

It can take a few weeks for you to go through the application and recruitment process. The one thing
that often takes the most time is the DBS police check (formerly CRB), though not all volunteering
requires a police check.

What about my expenses?

Organisations should pay your travel and out of pocket expenses. To be registered with us we require
this. Please contact us if you have had difficulty securing these expenses.

Do I need particular skills to volunteer?

Sometimes, depending on the voluntary role. But very often no particular skill is required; the
organisation will give you the right training for your role.

How soon might I be able to find a paid job after I volunteer?

There is no guarantee that volunteering will lead to paid employment. But you will get a lot out of
volunteering including new skills, experience and confidence, which can help with job prospects.

Will I get any support as a volunteer?

You should be given an induction when you start, training that is relevant to your role and
catch-ups or supervisions relevant to your role.

I am an asylum seeker - am I allowed to volunteer?

Yes - you can volunteer as many hours as you want. There are no restrictions on asylum seekers
volunteering. You are not allowed to do ‘unpaid work’ but volunteering is different.
You are allowed to volunteer in a charity. Ask us for more information.

I’m on benefits - can I volunteer without losing my benefits?

Yes, you can - plus volunteering is recognised as giving you a better chance of finding paid work. So,
you can volunteer as many hours as you like while you are on benefits, as long as you still meet the
terms for getting them. If you are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, this will mean you still need to
look for paid work and you must be free to start a job with one weeks’ notice.
It might be good to discuss your volunteering with your benefit agency so they are in the picture.

I am under 18 - can I volunteer?

Yes, you can. There are a range of opportunities set up for younger volunteers; you can download a
list of these from our website. If you need help doing this please call us on 0114 253 6649 or e-mail
vc@vas.org.uk

I have a criminal conviction - can I volunteer?

You can, and many people with criminal convictions do. It all depends on the nature of your
conviction, how recent it was, the kind of voluntary role you would like and the organisation where
you wish to volunteer.

Any other questions? Please call us on 0114 253 6649 (Mon – Thurs) or email vc@vas.org.uk
Rights and responsibilities
As a volunteer you have a right to:
 Travel expenses
 Induction and relevant training
 Support and supervision
 Safe working conditions
 Insurance cover
 Being treated in accordance with an organisation’s equal opportunities
policy
 Access to a complaints procedure

Your responsibilities are:

 Working within the organisation’s policies and procedures,
which will be explained to you
 Working within the boundaries of the volunteering task
profile
 Maintaining confidentiality as appropriate
 Informing the Volunteer Manager of any problems.

www.sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk
vc@vas.org.uk
0114 253 6649 (Mon – Thurs)