Engage West Somerset
Volunteer Centre Volunteering Opportunities 24th edition 2010 (last updated March 2010)
Can we help you fit in somewhere?
AGE CONCERN SOMERSET need Advocacy volunteers who can help if support is needed to tackle a problem, or someone is needed to act or speak on behalf of a vulnerable adult so that opinions are heard. Volunteers help with the completion of forms, to check entitlements to welfare benefits. You need to have good communications skills, both written and verbal and the patience to deal with older people. Full training and induction provided, plus ongoing support, and all expenses paid. 18+ AGE CONCERN SOMERSET require volunteers for their Befriending Service, where they will visit older people either in their homes or nursing homes once a week for app. 1 hour, to establish friendships and alleviate feelings of isolation and offer a lifeline to a vulnerable person. 18+ AGE CONCERN want older volunteers to become peer mentors and train to become Flexercise Leaders. This is a chair based activity session and further training may be available. The project is called Fit as a Fiddle and is aimed at improving physical and mental health and nutrition in older people, enhancing their well-being. No age limit AGE CONCERN SOMERSET are in need of Safe and Secure Technician volunteers who are able to do basic DIY skills, and are happy to meet people in their own home and make them safe and secure and less vulnerable. All expenses paid, support & training given. Very rewarding. 18+ AGE CONCERN SOMERSET need people to offer a toe nail 2
cutting service for the elderly, either in their own homes or a clinic, and to help them feel at ease with their feet. Full training will be given and all expenses paid. 18+ BARNARDOS want Children Centre volunteers to help set up the rooms where sessions are held, tidy toys up after, play with the children, give support to the parents and make refreshments. Situated in Norton Fitzwarren. 16+ BARNARDOS want Volunteer Drivers who will drive families and young children to local projects/children centres from the families home address and return them later. You will be enabling them to access local projects/children centres and having fun, which they would otherwise be unable to do. Very rewarding role. 18+ BARNARDOS need Play Ranger/Adult Volunteers Monday to Fridays between 4-6 pm in 11 different locations, to run activities for children 5 and above. You will play a key role with the team, provide support and advice to children, young people and families outside play ranger sessions. This is an exciting opportunity. Training given. 16+ BARNARDOS require Outreach Project volunteers, who aim to reach families who have difficulty in accessing some services, or who may need help in coping with a crisis. Volunteers will befriend them, give support with the day to day running of the family. This could involve helping out, doing some shopping or driving them to the centre. Very rewarding role. Full training & support given. 18+ 3
BLUE VENTURES are in search for marine conservation volunteers who can travel to Madagascar for a minimum of 3 weeks. Blue ventures aim to manage and conserve local marine resources for the future. You will stay in beach cabins close to the village, learn to fish, scuba dive, join in village life, sail and much more. You will need to pay for your travel and stay, but experience the trip of a life time. You will gain marine science and dive training in return. 18+ BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION SHOP want Stock preparation volunteers for the mornings, to sort donated items, prepare them for sale, tagging and steaming. Be part of a great team and gain experience, training & support given. Also calling on all book lovers to sort out their book department. Somebody with book knowledge. 16+ BRITISH RED CROSS also want volunteers to help out in their Medical Loan depot in Minehead for an hour a day, where they provide equipment on short term loan to enable people to lead a more independent life after an illness or hospital stay. 16+ BRITISH RED CROSS require help in their Retail shop in Minehead. This involves sorting, pricing, displaying goods, cash transactions and assisting customers. 15 + BRITISH RED CROSS offer a friendly door to door assistance for people who cannot get about easily. Will involve driving people to an appointment or visit, or even accompanying them on a public transport journey. 17+ 4
BRITISH RED CROSS want enthusiastic and committed people to recruit and induct new volunteers, by organising and running recruitment days across the county. All expenses paid. 17+ BRITISH RED CROSS is looking for volunteers to offer a Home from Hospital service, helping people in their own home following an illness or hospital stay. May include hospital pick-ups, shopping, prescription collection and keeping them company for a couple of hours. 18+ CANCER RESEARCH SHOP are looking for people to join their happy group of volunteers, to process goods and assist the public with their purchases, raising money for cancer research and having fun and making new friends. 16+ CATS PROTECTION MINEHEAD BRANCH require various people to join their group. Volunteers are now needed to deliver and put up posters, help in the kitchen at coffee mornings and sales, help behind stalls, doing raffles, etc. They also need an experienced handler to join their welfare team and people outgoing enough to approach local shops etc for raffle prizes. Some age limits apply CINNAMON TRUST need volunteers to help elderly or terminally ill people and their pets, by helping with the day to day care of the pets, dog walking, fostering or transportation to vets. You can help to keep the pets and owners together. Give as little or as much time as you wish. Very rewarding opportunity. 16+ 5
CONQUEST CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED require volunteers to help with the horses, leading and assisting riders. No experience is needed as full training will be given. Runs during term time only. No age restrictions. DULVERTON’S CHILDREN CENTRE are looking for friendly volunteers who love to read stories and enjoy playing games and interacting with children aged 0-5 years. Or you might have a skill like painting, that you could teach the children. No age limit DULVERTON’S Guildhall Heritage and Art Centre want friendly volunteers who can spare as little or as much time to keep their visitor centre open through the season. You could help with one of the exhibition, the upkeep of the centre and/or behind the till of their small but lovely gift shop area. No experience or special skills needed, training and support where needed. Come and join our friendly team. No age restrictions DUNSTER CASTLE seek friendly and enthusiastic Gardeners/Garden Guides who enjoy the beautiful gardens and help visitors to do so too. Be part of a team that creates a new project and finishes it for all to enjoy. 15+ DUNSTER CASTLE (National Trust) want to attract volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to help with a variety of opportunities. Why not see what they need, for example you can help as a room steward (full training given) or with selling vital raffle tickets, help in the shop or why not see 6
If you could be the next Volunteer Recruiter or Volunteer Administrator, working with volunteers and castle staff. Varied age limits, come and find out more DUNSTER CASTLE are looking for Tour Guides for a variety of tours throughout the year, including basement and late night Halloween tours. Be part of their active education team. Or why not help as an Event volunteer who are involved in a variety of events, from helping organising to dressing up. 15+ ENGAGE FURNITURE PROJECT want furniture van drivers who are happy to go out with a drivers mate, to collect and deliver 2nd hand furniture all over West Somerset. You must be physically fit, be able to lift small to medium sized items of furniture and have a clean driving licence. You will help to provide a vital and important service to our community and help the environment. Basic paperwork to be completed, must be a team player. 18+ ENGAGE FURNITURE PROJECT also want furniture drivers mates, who will go out on the van and collect and deliver unwanted, good quality furniture to the community. You too must be physically fit and like to be part of a team. 16+ ENGAGE are looking for Trustees who can help set the strategic direction and to guide the work of the paid staff & volunteers who operate the CVS, volunteer centre and furniture project. 18+ 7
ENGAGE want furniture showroom sales person to greet people when they come through the door and show them round the furniture store. They also like you to complete basic paperwork, i.e. receipts, delivery notes, etc. On top of that, they would need you to tidy the store, move small items around, tidy up and polish and generally look after the items. No experience needed as full training can be given. Would suit outgoing and friendly person who loves to meet people and is physically fit. 16+ ENGAGE need social car drivers to join their essential social car scheme, where you will be taking passengers to hospital, doctors appointment, social visits or shopping. You choose the journeys you want to do. Mileage expenses paid. Very rewarding and you choose your trips around your free time. 17+ EXMOOR SEARCH & RESCUE seek Team Members, who after a thorough training programme, will be assisting at the behest of the police in rescuing vulnerable people in any weather, anywhere in Exmoor. Need to be physically fit, a team player and have your own transport. 18+ they also want Team Supporters who help in any way they can, from fundraising, administration, to vehicle maintenance and acting as casualties at exercises, give as much or little time as possible. 18+ EXMOOR CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS need Dunster Countryside Team members (Crown Estate) to help the rangers on the last Thursday of the month, with conserva8
tion work, such as clearing views and invasive plants from woodlands and moorlands. If you are reasonably fit and like the outdoors, come and join them. Training given. No age limit FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL also require weekend centre assistant, who can help with various duties at Nettlecombe Court Field Study Centre, including , shop work, assisting with research work and much more. Help is needed on Saturday and Sundays, lunch and lifts will be provided. Very interesting role that can be shared. 16+ FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL need assistant leaders for their monthly Nature club, which runs on a Saturday once a month, and is for children aged 7-12 yrs old. Help prepare the sessions and assist during the club. Lift provided. 16+ FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL need help to look after young children in a school, giving leaders support and also a chance to help prepare the sessions. They want creature rangers to assist with these sessions in after school clubs, so will run in the afternoon. 16+ GOLDEN GORSE a residential home for 8 residents with special or physical needs in Minehead, want volunteers to develop experience and skills by working with and joining the residents in different activities and/or befriending them on a 1:1 basis or small group environment. You will work as part of a team and have the opportunity to get trained. A car is also available to take residents out if you 9
you can drive. This is a very enjoyable and rewarding opportunity. 18+ HOME-START WEST SOMERSET the UK’s leading family support charity is asking you to volunteer as Trustees, to help guide and oversee their support service. They want people with all kinds of life experiences, finance, the law or business management. Very little time required and so rewarding. 18+ HOME-START WS need volunteers with parenting skills to support families in their own homes offering practical help and friendship to families with young children, for 3 to 4 hours once a week. Full Training and support will be given. You could make a difference to a young family. 18+ HOST UK want volunteer hosts, who can offer international students over 18 years old, visits a British home and therefore further international understanding and friendship. Mainly weekends or holidays. All Expenses paid. Make new friendships and learn about other countries and cultures 18+ JOINT EDUCATION TRUST want BPVC ambassadors to help vulnerable children achieve their potential. You will work from home and with your local authorities, need good interpersonal and communication skills and be part of an exciting project. Full training & support given. 18+ LEUKAEMIA CARE are looking for fundraising volunteers. You can choose your level of commitment, from local fund10
raising, to organising events and taking on adrenalin-filled Challenges or co-ordinate regional fundraising. Bake cakes, distribute Christmas card brochures or sell annual draw tickets. time commitment to suit you. 15+ LEUKAEMIA CARE want charitable collectors who can carry out collections at various locations throughout the year. Time and places of collections are flexible and to suit the individual volunteers. Whilst doing the collections, you can raise awareness of their work and services by communicating with the public. Full training and support given. All expenses paid. 18+ LEUKAEMIA CARE require care volunteers, who provide emotional support to those affected by Leukaemia and similar. You will be a listening ear, and get them through difficult times. Support can be by phone and also face to face at their home or hospital. Care volunteers also raise awareness and provide information to patients, carers and medical professionals. Must have experience of cancer. This is a very rewarding opportunity. Expenses paid and training and induction are provided. 16+ MAGNA WS HOUSING ASSOCIATION are in need of people who can provide a cheery visit and deliver a freshly cooked meal to elderly and disabled people in the community, who live within a 10 mile radius of Watchet. This service makes a huge difference to their lives. No experience needed, just a clean driving licence and a friendly personality. All expenses paid for. Full training will be given. 17+ 11
MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE seek Helpers who support terminally ill people, their family and carers, usually by visiting them at home. They are a familiar face who will spend time and listens to them. Someone to make them aware of services that are available to them to get the support they need. Full training and support given. 18+ MARIE CURIE also want Outreach box collectors for Minehead, Porlock and Watchet. Collect and return vital collection boxes, count and bank the money. Very minimal time input but great rewards. We will give you training and pay your expenses paid. Become part of a great team. No age limits MENCAP (TAUNTON) need helpers who will enable people with learning disabilities to enjoy themselves. They need to provide support where appropriate. No skills needed just patience and understanding. Very little time input, trips are a few times a year. No age limit MIND require Trustees to establish long and short term goals, objectives and priorities in meeting the needs of the community. Help promote the organisation, provide candid and constructive criticism, advice and comments. 18+ MIND also seek walking group volunteers who have a general level of fitness and enjoy interacting with a variety of people. The walks will be on Monday mornings and will alternate between local areas. No age limit
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MIND also want Fundraising volunteers, to help launch their community fundraising initiatives, your ideas are most welcome, put them into practice. Great Fun. No age limit MIND WEST SOMERSET would like to find volunteers to help them with their Access, Inclusion and Mentoring project (AIM) which provides support and guidance to those who have suffered or are suffering from mental and emotional distress. AIM provides the opportunity for people to access and integrate into the local and wider community. No age limit MINDLINE in Taunton want listening volunteers for 3 evenings a month to suit you. Are you a good listener and want to help others? All training provided including mental health awareness and telephone listening. Applications encouraged from people who have had experience of mental distress or have an understanding of what it means to others. 16+ MOORLAND MOUSIE TRUST (The Exmoor Pony Centre) offer a variety of volunteering opportunities, from ‘meet & greet’ volunteers for the shop and centre, to people with horsemanship skills who can help muck in (muck out) as well as pony handling when appropriate and necessary. From April to September we need lots of help with the visitor centre so if you are friendly and outgoing, can learn how to use a till and be able to speak with visitors, please let us know. Training, induction and support given. 15+ 13
MOORVALE (Credit Union) want Collection point volunteers, who can help out for app 1 hour a week on Thursdays (pm) in Williton and Watchet and/or on Fridays (am) in Minehead. You will receive and record savings and loan payments, and will be working as part of a team. Full training will be given. Very little time commitment. 15+ MS SOCIETY want support volunteers (visitors) who visit people with MS in hospital, residential care or who are Isolated at home. You will be providing much needed emotional support. Training & support given. 16+ MS SOCIETY want to find a Vice Chair to work alongside their branch chair and ensure the branch is run smoothly and to deliver the aims of the organisation. Working as part of a team, leadership and good communication skills needed. Expenses paid, 18+ MS SOCIETY need a Chair for their Taunton and District Branch to provide leadership to the branch, ensuring that the committee works together as an effective team, to provide the services and activities necessary to meet the needs of the local people affected by MS. You need to have good leadership and communications skills, and teamwork. 18+ MS SOCIETY are looking for a Regional Secretary who will be volunteering throughout the region, attending meetings and working from home. This should take app 3-4 hours/ wk plus meetings. Includes organising meetings, keeping, record, etc. Training given, expenses paid. No age limit 14
MS SOCIETY want merchandise and collection fundraisers who can organise and sell MS merchandise at events, organise and assist at public collections, place and service collection boxes, empty and count them, and work as part of a team. If you are flexible, organised and outgoing, then this is for you. Support & training given. 17+ MS SOCIETY require a Recruitment officer who will help recruit, induct, train and support fundraising volunteers. Lead the fundraising group and guide its regular meetings. You need good communication and organisation skills, be part of a tea, have a clean driving licence and good people skills. 18+ MS SOCIETY need fundraising event volunteer who can marshall, sell tickets or merchandise at branch, zone, regional or national events. Help source prizes or sponsorship, help organise events and much more. Very interesting role. Be part of a team and gain experience. 16+ MS SOCIETY wants a transport co-ordinator, who can assist people affected by MS to attend meetings and events, by linking people with reliable local transport and Taxi . If you are a good communicator and organiser then this may be for you. Expenses paid. No age limit you are a good communicator and organiser then this may be for you. Expenses paid. No age limit MS Society require a Minute Secretary with good written communication skills and a PC to be part of our team. 15
Your role will be to take notes at committee meetings, circulate actions points to members, ensure records minutes are kept, take minutes at AGM. Full training and support given. Expenses paid. 16+ NEXT-STEP want an Enabler (one to one) to take a younger person out in a wheelchair to local shops, or around the park, etc. To give them choices and get them out and about. This would be in the Minehead area and ideally be on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. This opportunity could be shared and suits a friendly, caring person. No age limit
NEXT-STEP want Falls Prevention volunteers, across Somerset, to help raise awareness of falls prevention with groups of older people, using the “Head over Heals� presentation DVD. All you need is your own transport and a caring attitude. Full training and support given. Expenses paid. 17+ NEXT-STEP also want Activity Support volunteers in Dulverton who have the opportunity to work within an enthusiastic team, working in a group of 1:1 situation, helping adults with learning disabilities access a range of activities, e.g. going for walks, cafes, swimming, shopping, etc. As well as helping with house based activities including art and music groups. Full training, support and learning disability induction given. Also first aid course and all out of pocket expenses paid. This is will suit an outgoing, friendly person with a caring nature. 16+ 16
NEXT-STEP need a Befriending volunteer to befriend a 39 year old person with impaired mobility in Simonsbath, who is isolated due to geographical location. You can give them a chance to get out, attend hobbies/interests . This suits a friendly, outgoing and caring person. No age limit NEXT-STEP also want an activity volunteer who will support a 14 year old boy to do activities out in the community, such as visiting steam trains or garden centres during holidays and possible weekends. 2-3 hour sessions. 15+ NEXT-STEP require support volunteers, who can support Young Carers across the county on a 1:1 basis. Help them to build confidence and self esteem, or have a break or time out from their caring responsibilities. This is a chance for them to have fun and access activities they otherwise won’t. Weekly fortnightly or monthly basis 1-2 hours. Training given to the volunteer, expenses paid, no age limit NEXT-STEP are looking for support volunteers, who provide support in staff supervised groups, to individual adults with learning disabilities, to enable them to work alongside their peer group in a range of activities, e.g. gardening, catering, recycling, etc. This will enable them to enter into paid employment in the long term. Full training and support given, all expenses paid. 16+
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NEXT-STEP want volunteer drivers to use their own cars to transport vulnerable people of all ages with all types of needs to various locations around the county. Expenses paid, clean licence and caring nature essential. 17+ NEXT-STEP need befriending volunteers for family carers of people with mental health problems. To provide one to one support them through difficult times by listening and supporting them. Very small time input, very rewarding and support and training given. Expenses paid. No age limit NEXT-STEP want Active Living Centre Volunteers on Tuesdays in Dulverton who can assist with the day to day running of the centre, and set up and oversee a range of activities. You need to be friendly, motivated and get on with a wide range of people. Very rewarding. 16+ NEXT-STEP want Teenage Parent’s Buddy Scheme volunteers, who can provide support and encouragement to a young parent, to increase their self-confidence, develop life skills and help them achieve their true potential for themselves and their child. Full training, support and supervision given. 18+ NEXT-STEP require Active Living Centre Organisers for their project in Dulverton, who get involved in the planning stages before it opens. Developing a new service with a small team of volunteers, appropriate training, development of new skills and ongoing support. 18+ 18
NEXT-STEP need volunteers to work closely with a project worker to deliver the aims of a group, and deliver fun and exciting programmes and support for young carers. No age limits, training and support given and expenses paid 16+ NEXT-STEP are looking for a befriending volunteer to help a young woman to feel confident about going to various activities in Taunton, someone for her to talk to and go to the cinema, a coffee/lunch or similar. Age ideally 25-35 NEXT-STEP want Activity volunteers who will support a person/persons with learning difficulties on the path to work. To help them acquire and maintain work related skills and move further towards independence. This is at the youth hostel in Alcombe on Friday mornings. No age limit NEXT-STEP want Activity volunteers for the day centre to undertake craft activities, participate with scrabble, cards, etc. or flexcicise and similar. Same days. 16+ NEXT-STEP need care assistants for a day centre for the elderly in Minehead, to work along staff and help with the day to day running of the centre. To help others have fun, gain selfworth and confidence. Mon Wed & Fridays 16+ NEXT-STEP needs Treasurers for Minehead and Brushford to attend active living centres and collect money from the members. Also help with other book-keeping tasks like expense payments, banking, paying of invoices, etc. Basic knowledge needed, support given and all expenses paid. 16+ 19
NEXT STEP provide transport to people of all ages and abilities with an assessed social care need. Escorts are required to accompany volunteer drivers when providing transport for children 8 years and under. Escort will ensure child's safety and wellbeing on the journey. 15+ NHS (Speech & Language Therapy Service) need volunteers for life enriched Aphasia Project (LEAP). If you are patient, reliable, caring and a good communicator and can travel independently, then please let us train you to enrich the life of stroke patients by helping them overcome problems with conversation and restore their self confidence. You will need to commit for at least six months but are only needed fortnightly for a couple of hours. This is an interesting and rewarding opportunity. Expenses paid. 16+ NSPCC are looking for distribution co-ordinators, who can deliver posters and leaflets to shops, companies, pubs, etc., when they have a special promotion. Very small time commitment and full support given. 18+ NSPCC want collection box co-ordinators to spare just a small amount of time and place collection boxes in shops, pubs, supermarkets, etc. You would also need to empty them and bank the money regularly. No skills needed. Very small time commitment and very rewarding. 18+ PALS run a swimming club for older and disabled people on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings at St Audrie’s Holiday Park. They urgently want Bus Leaders from Mine20
head and Porlock to meet their clients at the bus, collect the money, help them get on and off the bus and simply ensure their safety during the journey. All bus leaders are welcome to join the swimming sessions for free, and to join in the fun of the members. Caring and friendly nature is all that’s required. Very rewarding. No age restrictions PEOPLE’S TRUST FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES are a conservation charity that ensures a future for endangered species. They want Traditional Orchard Surveyors to survey orchards that they have identified, by completing a 2 phase survey that needs to be completed within 2 months. Training and support is given to all volunteers. Time input is very minimal. Great way to get outdoors during this beautiful weather. No age restrictions. PROMISE is a county-wide mentoring programme for young people. If you can get involved for a minimum of 2 years and can spare 2/3 hours contact each week, they will invest in you to become a Mentor. You will complete a recognised and accredited training course as well as an indepth assessment programme. 18+ SCHOOL GOVERNORS ONE-STOP-SHOP want you to volunteer as a school governor at a school near you. This is an exciting and unique way to become involved in your local community. As a member of a governing body you will meet new people, develop your skills, widen your experiences and ultimately influence the education of local children. All you need is enthusiasm to make a difference. 18+ 21
SOMERSET ACTIVE LIVING want active living centre helpers and an organiser for new groups in Minehead and Dulverton area. As one of their volunteers you can offer skills and experiences, meet new friends, feel part of the community and learn new skills. Commitment is 5-7 hours fortnightly and you can be trained in basic first aid and food hygiene if you wish. You will support older people in Active Living Centres and help them make feel welcome, comfortable and support them to enjoy a range of activities. 16+ SOMERSET CARE LIMITED want gardeners to help them revamp their garden and make it more user friendly for their elderly residents. Basic gardening skills and a friendly nature is all that is needed. No age restrictions SOMERSET CARE LIMITED needs friendly, outgoing volunteers to provide varied activities for their residents from organising knitting groups, assisting with trips out, shopping with or for residents, or help with cooking or gardening. Can you help with any of the above? No experience needed, just a caring attitude. No age restrictions SOMERSET COMMUNITY LAND & FOOD PROJECT need Mapping volunteers for phase one of the SLAF project, to map land currently used by community groups to produce food (for example grow fruit & vegetable or manage small scale livestock). Mappers will explore the local area, liaise with parish council and allotment associations and identify further land for food production, input data into a database. Map training will be given. No age limits 22
SOMERSET PARENT PARTNERSHIP want Independent Parental Supporters to provide a range of information, guidance and support to parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs - for example, supporting parents at meetings relating to their child's education; helping to prepare for meetings, etc. Full training and induction given. Expenses paid and support for all volunteers. 18+
Can’t commit to a regular volunteering opportunity? No problem! We often have one or two day events where volunteers are wanted to help out with various activities, from marshals at cycling races, fundraising events, to Wildlife Trust days, Watchet Carnival or the Cancer Research Relay for life. We have something for everybody so come and find out more.
SOMERSET SIGHT want Volunteer Visitors to help and support visually impaired people to lead a more independent life. All you need is empathy and understanding, a friendly and caring nature and to be able to commit to visit somebody on a regular basis. This opportunity is very rewarding and travel expenses will be paid. Opportunities are all over West Somerset. 18+ 23
Why should you volunteer? ♦ ♦ ♦
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To meet new people To have fun and do something different To learn new skills and gain qualifications To enhance your CV To give something back and feel wanted To use your skills and pass them on To change somebody else’s life for the better To make a difference Because we want you!
SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST urgently need communications/administration volunteer and an IT development volunteer. Both opportunities are based in Tonedale Wellington. Please come and find out more. They also require Wildlife Volunteers to fulfil a variety of volunteering opportunities all over Somerset. You can help with practical conservation tasks or wildlife monitoring and recording, as well as office based tasks at the head office nr Wellington. They also need help at specific events or you could possibly join the 24
Do you need volunteers? Or do you know somebody who does? Then please give them our details and we will advertise yours or their volunteering opportunity in the next booklet and/or on the volunteering England website. All free of charge area group committee if organising is your thing. An up to date list of activities is available. Mostly 18+ some 16+ TAUNTON AND SOMERSET SAMARITANS Require listening volunteers who offer emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as part of the National Samaritan organisation. Excellent training and support given. The opportunity is situated in Taunton. They also need Support volunteers, who help with fund-raising, publicity, collections and administration. Very rewarding opportunities. No age limit THE BAKELITE MUSEUM offers opportunities to help in a unique and world famous museum. You would meet and greet visitors and help with the general running of the museum, taking money, selling publication, etc. No experi25
needed but an enthusiastic, friendly manner and interest in the collection would be a bonus. Training given and expenses paid. Or you could help out in maintaining the grounds and garden, especially with the new vintage 1930’s caravan park, or the cafÊ, which sometimes needs extra help with serving and food preparation. No age limit THE SOMERSET & DORSET RAILWAY MUSEUM at Washford station require General volunteers who would like to step back in time at this delightful station. There is something for all ages and fitness. You can work at the station shop, perform maintenance and restoration work on railway vehicles or buildings. Join a great team and have fun. 18+ (or supervised) THE HOPE CENTRE ALLOTMENTS are looking for anybody interested in joining their group to produce fruit and vegetables. In particular they are looking for young volunteers 16-25 so they can show them how to grow things. This is a lovely and friendly group who use some of the produce for their homeless project. 16+ TRANSITION MINEHEAD & ALCOMBE (TMA) want volunteers for their garden share scheme all over West Somerset. If you have difficulties looking after your garden and are prepared to share it with someone for them to grow fruit or vegetables, or if you are looking for a garden to grow produce but have no garden or land, then this scheme might be for you. This is great fun, very rewarding and a chance to meet new people. 16+ 26
VICTIM SUPPORT require Victim/Witness Supporters who help rebuild shattered lives and give support to victims of crime throughout the county of Somerset and support witnesses at trial/court. If you are mature and have life skills, a non judgemental approach and a desire to help others, then this might be for you. Full training (training course) and ongoing support given, with all out of pocket expenses paid. Maximum age 70 VISTA PROJECT want volunteers over 50 to join their Intergenerational project (postcards from the past). They will teach you how to take a digital photo of an item from your past, and how to manipulate it, then upload it onto a website and tell your story to young people. This is a brilliant way to bring generations together and learn from each other. Come and find out more. 50+ WEST SOMERSET ADVICE BUREAU are also looking for receptionists, with no previous experience but a friendly and professional attitude, as they will be the first contact for any visitors. Admin volunteers are also required to help with the 1001 tasks that makes the bureau run smoothly, from data inputting, to form filing (1 day a week) No experience needed, no age restrictions WEST SOMERSET ADVICE BUREAU would like to train you as a volunteer advisor, the core of the service they offer. Training is in house, once a week, after which you can join their other advisors on a rota, and help people who call or come into the Minehead office. No age limit 27
WEST SOMERSET CAR SCHEME PARTNERSHIP urgently want a Treasurer who can work from home, plus attend 3 meetings a year. You will maintain financial records, prepare a simple annual financial statement and possibly be able to perform basic photo shop procedures for driver ID’s. Support and training given, but you will need basic account knowledge, be organised and methodical, basic computing skill and a team player. Expenses paid 18+
If you are looking for something to do but aren’t quite sure if volunteering is for you, why not pop in for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee? Pick up that phone, make an appointment and find out more. It could be the best decision you ever make! WEST SOMERSET CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER are looking for conservation volunteers who meet up every other Friday around various beauty spots in Somerset to give all sorts of help needed and wanted in regards to conservation work. Lift provided, all you need is to be reasonably fit and enjoy the countryside and wildlife. 16+ WEST SOMERSET HEALTHY COMMUNITIES (WSHC) need volunteers to become active members who help and 28
support healthy lifestyle events within West Somerset, e.g. cooking sessions and healthy eating events in schools. We also offer the opportunity to join the WSHC committee. 16+ WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY ASSOCIATION will be looking to fill various volunteering opportunities such as ticket sellers, engineers, station staff, signal men, gardeners, gangway members, etc. to be filled at various stations throughout the West Somerset Railway line. They Urgently want volunteers for their turntable cafÊ and on board catering facilities to work app 4 hour shifts. This is a fun opportunity so find out more. Come and find out how you can keep the railway and it’s stations going for many more generations, something for everybody. WEST SOMERSET RURAL LIFE MUSEUM needs a handyperson to help with a variety of maintenance jobs around the museum, such as maintaining display cabinets, furniture, and general repairs etc. Flexible hours to suit the volunteers, good DIY skills, no heavy building work. We only have limited tools, so if you have your own, please bring them along too. No age limit. WEST SOMERSET RURAL LIFE MUSEUM require a Administrator/Assistant Manager who can work alongside the Chairman and the Treasurer to assist the day to day running of the museum. This person would need to help supervising a team of volunteers, liaise with local schools and possibly carry out some public speaking. 18+ 29
WEST SOMERSET SCOUT DISTRICT want you to help young people to develop as active members of their community. They need people with all types of experiences and want uniformed leaders, committee members, fund raisers, instructors and more, there is a place for you somewhere. Help young people achieve their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local communities. Vacancies all over West Somerset, i.e. Williton, Porlock, etc. WHEELS (Watchet and Williton Voluntary Community Car Scheme) are looking for voluntary drivers who will drive elderly and disabled people to appointments and social outings. If you like driving, have a clean driving licence, own a car and like to help people get about, this is for you. You can choose your trips and how far you are willing to travel. Need to be reliable. All out of pocket expenses (including mileage) paid. 17+ YOUTH HOSTEL ASSOCIATION MINEHEAD need people to help out with health & safety paperwork, like risk assessments. If you have any knowledge about health & safety or are good on the computer please let us know. They also need gardeners, catering and housekeeping volunteers and general help with their visitors. The YHA in Alcombe is one of the most stunning locations on Exmoor. Friendly atmosphere and support and training given. 16+
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YHA EXFORD need help with painting and decorating and general DIY. You don’t need to be qualified just good with your hands and willing to help. It’s a lovely way to meet people and all you need is enthusiasm. They also need help with the gardens, including habitat building in one of the most beautiful spots on Exmoor. 16+
New opportunities come in on a regular basis so we encourage you to call or come in to see what we have on offer and we can talk over a cup of tea or coffee. If you want to have a private chat please also call, as we can meet outside the opening hours.
OPENING HOURS: Monday—Thursday 12-3pm or by appointment, Friday by appointment only
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We update this list regularly. If you are interested in any of the opportunities please contact Nicole at Engage Volunteer Centre on 01643 704041 Or email on volunteercentre@engagews.org.uk You are welcome to come in for a chat about any opportunity you may be interested in. There is usually someone in the Minehead office between 12 and 3pm Monday to Thursday but you are advised to ring and make an appointment to avoid disappointment. Friday’s by app. only. 23 A Friday Street Minehead TA24 5UB Engage Volunteer Centre is part of
ENGAGE—the West Somerset Voluntary Sector Development Agency The working name of West Somerset CVS Charity No. 297839
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