Volunteers drive charity EVA’s services

Home from hospital erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ home-from-hospital

Helping people leaving hospital or those living at home but at risk of being admitted.

Derbyshire Mental Health Forum

A vital Erewash charity that has a thriving community of volunteers marks two major milestones this year.

Erewash Voluntary Action is a community voluntary service which also runs a Volunteer Centre on Granville Avenue in Long Eaton.

This year the voluntary centre, which opened in 1983, celebrates its 40th year. In September, the charity itself, Erewash Voluntary Action - CVS, celebrates 25 years.

There are more than 150 volunteers who give their time across Erewash, in many different settings. They help EVA to run a shopping service for people who might not be able to get out and about. The people they support feel they are more independent with the help of the volunteers and less isolated. Its shopping service is also bolstered by two members of staff who help to coordinate the service.

Volunteers are matched with individuals and groups interested in volunteering with opportunities in the local community. EVA offer potential volunteers support and advice, matching their motivation to volunteer with the right volunteering opportunities.

Erewash Voluntary Action promotes the effectiveness of local voluntary and community groups by providing them with a range of services.

Its core services are jointly funded by Derbyshire County Council and the Integrated Care Board, also known as the CCG. The centre is also used by many community groups from across Erewash, including the U3A.

Stella Scott, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We work in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities.

“We understand the potential offered by the local communities and work with them to realise this potential. We will target specific groups which face barriers to volunteering. We work creatively to develop imaginative, non-formal opportunities for potential volunteers.” erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ dmhf

EVA also runs services, including: Home from hospital: Helping people leaving hospital or those living at home but at risk of being admitted.

Derbyshire Mental Health Forum: This project provides support to voluntary sector organisations working to improve the mental health of people in Derbyshire.

This project provides support to voluntary sector organisations working to improve the mental health of people in Derbyshire. Including our Mental Health and Suicide Awareness project.

Community Development erewashvoluntaryaction.org. uk/community-developmentsupport

Supporting local voluntary and community groups by providing training, networks, and funding advice.

Social Connectedness erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ social-connectedness

To reduce isolation and loneliness in Erewash.

Signposting erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ signposting

Your link to the Health and Care Voluntary & Community Sector.

Social Prescribing erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ social-prescribing

Help to find local groups, social activities and support in your community to reduce isolation and loneliness in Erewash.