August 2016 There are five evidence-based steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. They are: 1. Get active 2. Connect with others 3. Keep learning 4. Be aware of yourself and the world 5. Give to others The good news is that volunteering can help you do all of those and it needn’t cost you a penny! If you are interested in finding out more about the volunteering opportunities in this newsletter – or the hundreds more we have to offer – please contact Volunteer Centre One Community on 023 8090 2458 or volunteer@1community.org.uk.
Visiting Scheme A million older people in the UK haven’t spoken to anyone for a month, according to Age UK. The One Community Visiting Scheme, which operates across the boroughs of Eastleigh and Fareham, aims to address the issue of loneliness and social isolation among older people and those who find it difficult to get out and about. Volunteers are recruited to visit a client for one or two hours a week – but only need to commit to eight visits at a time. Mileage and phone expenses are refunded and full training and support are provided. We have clients in the Eastleigh area on the waiting list for a visitor. Could you spare an hour or two a week?
Community Sign Poster Chandlers Ford A new volunteering role is being established at St Francis surgery, Chandlers Ford, on a Wednesday afternoon, every other week, starting in September. The volunteer will be a community sign poster for patients and their carers attending a clinic for older people. These are patients who are at risk of going into care or hospital, and are identified as being likely to benefit from services available in the community. The volunteer will explain to patients and carers how to access services such as Dial-A-Ride, local lunch and social clubs, exercise and practical support.
The role can include the opportunity to accompany a patient to a lunch club to offer a warm handover, if required. The volunteer will have the full support of the Community Independence Team and the One Community Information and Support (OCIS) team. Expenses paid. This is a pilot project, initially for six months, but it may be extended.
Young Children Need Volunteers Friends of the Family have two rewarding opportunities available where volunteers can make a real difference to a child’s life. Volunteer Play Workers are needed at the ‘Mums and Under 5s Group’ which meets in Winchester on a Tuesday and Friday morning from 9.30am till 1pm. Volunteers can choose to do one or two mornings a week. Friends of the Family also needs Volunteer Befrienders to offer support and friendship to a child aged between 5 and 13. Befrienders visit their focus child once a week, usually after school, for a two hour period and undertake activities both inside and outside the home. Befrienders receive two day’s training before being carefully matched to a child. They also receive paid travel expenses, regular supervision and the opportunity to attend volunteer gettogethers.
Produced by Volunteer Centre One Community, 16 Romsey Road, Eastleigh SO50 9AL Tel 023 8090 2458