FREE ~

PLEASE TAKE ONE

Volunteering

Opportunities Spring / Summer

2011

Volunteering Kirklees

15 Lord Street

Huddersfield

HD1 1QB

01484 226608

Email: vk@voluntaryactionkirklees.co.uk

Website: www.volunteeringkirklees.org.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/volunteering.kirklees

Twitter: twitter.com/vckirklees

& www.do-it.org.uk

Volunteering Kirklees 01484 226608

What are you doing

today?

Are you looking for something to do with your spare time?

Are you interested in doing something positive for yourself and the community and being able to have fun and enjoy yourself at the same time?

Volunteering has got lots to offer …

Build your self-confidence

Gain some real skills and experience

Improve your career prospects

Update your references

Get involved in a cause or issue that concerns you

Share your interests and hobbies with other people

Meet new people and have some fun

Gain a sense of satisfaction

Become a part of something that really makes a difference

What could you be doing today …?

Voluntary work is extremely varied and flexible; there is usually something to suit everyone‟s interests. In Kirklees there is a wide variety of voluntary work available, with small community groups, local and national charities, social services and education.

Some of the things you could try include:

Conservation projects

Befriending schemes

Driving

Health projects

Fundraising

Women‟s issues

Charity shops

Working with children

Office / administration work

Sports, arts and media projects

Management committee work

Giving advice and information

Working with the elderly

Youth work

Some questions you may be asking yourself:

What’s in it for me?

Volunteering is a two-way thing - you give some of your time and energy and in

return you should be getting something out of it. Whatever your reasons for volunteering, you are more likely to enjoy yourself if you know what you want to achieve.

What have I got to offer?

Everyone has got skills to offer even though you may not realise it. As a new volunteer some of the important things you can

offer are your enthusiasm, a regular commitment of your time and energy and your desire to get involved and make a difference. It is also useful to think about what new skills you might want to learn.

How much time can I give?

It‟s entirely up to you - whatever fits in your lifestyle. It may be just a few hours once a month or more regularly a few times a week. Voluntary work opportunities are available in the day, during the evenings or at weekends. You could give a regular commitment of your time or get involved in one off events and activities that happen just once a year.

Will it cost me anything to volunteer?

Nobody should be out of pocket as a result of volunteering. Many organisations will refund your out of pocket

expenses including travel to and from the place of voluntary work. Remember to ask the organisation about this.

What about my benefits?

Individuals claiming all types of benefits should be able to volunteer without it affecting their claim. You will need to let the Job Centre Plus know that you are volunteering. If you have any questions or concerns about this then please contact Volunteering Kirklees for an information leaflet.

Would I get any training as a volunteer?

Most organisations do provide some sort of training or preparation to take sure that you are able to do the tasks involved. They should

also offer you ongoing support to help you carry on volunteering. Some organisations also offer accredited training for volunteers in specific areas of activity.

How old do I have to be?

Most volunteering opportunities are open to anyone over 18. For opportunities for 16-25 year olds see under Vinvolved.

How can Volunteering Kirklees help you to get started? We can …

Give you information on the wide variety of voluntary work available

Give you details (names, addresses, phone numbers) of organisations looking for volunteers and explain more about their work

Help you decide on the kind of voluntary work you may want to try

Outline what you should expect as a volunteer / what is expected of you

What do I do now?

If you would like more details or have any questions about volunteering you can:

- drop into the Volunteer Centre in Huddersfield, Tues-Weds, 10am - 3pm Or Dewsbury Library on Thursdays from 10am -1pm - give us a call at the Volunteer Centre on 01484 226608 - visit our brand new website: www.volunteeringkirklees.org.uk/ - find us on Facebook facebook.com/volunteering.kirklees - follow us on Twitter twitter.com/vckirklees - or email us on vk@voluntaryactionkirklees.co.uk

look at the following website www.do-it.org.uk where you can search all

our local volunteering opportunities.

Name: Yasir Volunteering at: Kirklees Citizens

Advice, Huddersfield

Can you tell us the types of things you are getting involved in as a volunteer? I advise clients regarding various enquiries, including debt, benefits and housing. Whatever they come in with, we try and help them the best we can.

What do you enjoy the most? Knowing that you‟re helping people. People come in with lots of problems and are very distressed. You try to help or point them in the right direction. Even if we can‟t solve their issues completely – seeing some relief on their faces is very rewarding.

Why did you decide to do voluntary work? When I was out of work I didn‟t want to just sit around doing nothing. Even though I‟m now working again, I still come here just one day a week as I find it really enjoyable.

What message have you got for potential volunteers? Since I started I‟ve learnt a lot, and there is still a lot more to learn. I‟d advise anyone to give it a go. Definitely.

Organisation Name: Kirklees Citizens Advice, Huddersfield

What does your organisation do? Citizens Advice is a free service designed to give advice to the general public regarding issues such as housing, debt, finances and employment. We also provide guidance for other issues, helping clients make contact with organisations that can provide further support.

What opportunities are there for volunteers? We have a variety of opportunities available including Advisors,Gateway Assessors and Receptionists; all of which revolve around providing our clients with helpful information. In additon, we‟re also looking for Trustees. How do volunteers contribute to your organisation? Nationwide 76% of Citizens Advice staff are volunteers – that‟s over 21,000 trained volunteers. Without them we wouldn‟t be able to offer the support and guidance service we provide, locally or nationally.

What message would you give to potential volunteers? It can be challenging, and volunteering at Citizens Advice is perhaps one of the most challenging places to volunteer at. But with that challenge comes the reward of knowing you‟ve helped to make a difference to individuals. We help some really troubled clients, and knowing you could be the person to help that individual out of a really difficult situation is very satisfying.

A Day In The Life Of

Kirklees Citizens Advice, Huddersfield

VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITIES Spring / Summer 2011

Outlined below are some of the many opportunities available. Please contact Volunteering Kirklees for details about these and many more.

Confidential appointments are always available.

Adult Education Could you help another adult with reading and maths? Opportunities exist in a number of Adult Education Centres in Kirklees.Volunteers assist tutors teaching basic literacy/numeracy on a one-to-one basis for 2 hour sessions (must possess or be willing to undertake the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Learning Support). Location: Throughout Kirklees.

Awaaz Newspaper Established in 1982, this non profit making organisation produces a monthly newspaper which is the largest in the north for the Asian community. Its aim is to combat discrimination in the community and to foster community cohesion. Media Volunteers are required to assist in all areas involved in the production and running of the Awaaz newspaper. Duties will include tasks based around journalism, marketing and advertising. Location: Batley

Batley Resource Centre Batley Resource Centre is a charitable organisation with a community focus. Working with older people they aim to reduce social isolation and involve people in a variety of activities and hobbies to improve physical and mental well-being, helping members to remain independent and active for as long as

possible. Numerous opportunities available including: - „On The Doorstep‟ delivers activities and support for older people by encouraging more people into volunteering. Volunteers share their hobbies, skills and time with clients through arts and crafts or lunch clubs. Volunteers can do a number of things from helping someone on a computer to washing, to becoming a volunteer befriender. Location: Batley

Better Future for the Blind Better Future for the Blind is a befriending service for the visually impaired in South Kirklees. The service aims to reduce loneliness and isolation by matching up volunteer befrienders and clients. All is needed is a once a week visit to a visually impaired person to provide companionship and friendship. Swimming Assistants are also required, to aid visually impaired members getting to and from the sports centre, and getting in & out of the pool. Some members also may require assistance in the pool. Ideal for gaining experience in caring. Location: Huddersfield

New Opportunity! British Waterways The Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre sits on the banks of the historic Huddersfield Narrow Canal, attracting around 35,000 visitors to the canal and Pennines each year. Volunteers helped restore the canal and now help keep it alive.They are looking for new volunteers to fulfil a variety of roles that include Events Assistants and Events Co-ordinators, Retail and Catering Assistants, Visitor Centre Guides, as well WOW Education volunteers; who visit schools to lead water safety activities. All the roles are in aid of encouraging people to take an interest in their local waterways through fun activities and will provide

plenty of opportunities to meet new people and improve communication skills. Location: Huddersfield

Café 100 This cyber cafe / drop-in centre in Holmfirth meets Monday and Thursday, 7pm to 9pm and Saturday, 11am to 4pm and is run by young people for young people. Volunteers are required to assist the youth leaders and young people's team in running the cafe and offering guidance, support and leadership. Location: Holmfirth

New Opportunity! Cancer Research Cancer Research carries out one third of all cancer research in this country. The shops, the events they hold in local communities and their campaigning play a significant role in raising vital funds and public awareness of the charity. They are looking for volunteer Action Team Members; a very flexible volunteering role where you can give as much or as little time as you wish. Volunteers may be involved on an occasional basis at a variety of fundraising and awareness events and activities and helping at shops with special projects or emergencies. In addition, they also require more committed roles include a Relay for Life Committee Chair, Shop Workers and Volunteer Community Representatives and Speakers. Location: Kirklees

Castle Hill School Castle Hill School is a purpose built facility for students with severe learning difficulties. Support Assistants are required to support staff and pupils in the classroom and help out on organised trips. Location: Newsome, Huddersfield

Communities United Project Working with under resourced communities, helping them to set up & run sports and creative activities for young people, CUP is looking for volunteers for a variety of different roles including help training staff and volunteers, administration and marketing support, and help running activities. Also looking for Trustees. Location: Throughout Kirklees

Contact the Elderly Contact the Elderly is a national charity founded 40 years ago to alleviate the loneliness experienced by elderly people who live alone without much family support. Volunteer Hosts are required to host afternoon tea in your own home for a group of old people. Volunteer Drivers are also required to collect elderly members and take them to the gathering. Group Co-ordinators also required to help out at meetings, and ensure both members and drivers are organised. Location: Throughout Kirklees.

Cruse in Kirklees Cruse in Kirklees exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone suffering a bereavement caused by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. They are looking for volunteers to help out in a variety of way including serving on their management committee, administration support, first point of contact telephone referral secretary and also, after training, volunteers to offer direct support to bereaved people, either on the telephone or via face-to-face contact. Location: Kirklees.

DEBRA

DEBRA helps people affected by EB - Epidermolysis Bullosa - a genetic skin disorder where

the skin blisters and does not repair.It aims to promote research into the cause, nature, treatment of EB and to relieve physical and mental illness amongst people suffering from the condition. Volunteers are needed to help at the three charity shops in the Kirklees area. This is an opportunity to gain retail experience and also to help benefit children and adults suffering from EB. Location: Holmfirth, Netherton, Salendine Nook

Denby Dale Centre Working with the Denby Dale local community, the centre helps to reduce poverty and feelings of isolation to those most vulnerable. Numerous opportunities available, including working as a Receptionist / Cashier at the drop in centre and charity shop. One-to-One Befrienders / Activity Club Support Workers are also required to befriend and engage with members. Friendliness is a must for both opportunities, as well as flexibility. Location: Denby Dale / Huddersfield

New Opportunity! Dial Wood Carriage Driving For the Disabled

Enabling people with disabilities to carriage drive and spend time with ponies, Dial Wood Carriage for the Disabled provides benefits to their clients‟ health and wellbeing, as well as helping them to achieve their goals. They have numerous opportunities available including Carriage Driving and Stable Yard Helpers; both ideally suited for anyone who enjoys working with animals, as well as more traditional roles such as Volunteer Co-ordinators and Fundraisers to help with organisation, income and promotion. Location: Flockton

Duke of Edinburgh Award The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme is dedicated to the personal development of young people.

Volunteers are required who have an interest they can share with young people. Helping with session work and assisting on expeditions. Location: Kirklees

Foundation

Foundation, in partnership with West Yorkshire Probation, is looking for Volunteer Mentors to develop one to one relationships with individuals. Helping with completing forms, attending appointments or liaising with other agencies. Location: Throughout Kirklees

GASPED GASPED offers outreach, support groups, one to one support, counselling & therapies for parents, partners, families and carers who care for or are affected by a loved one using drugs and/or alcohol. A volunteer is required to help with general administration duties. Help with light cleaning duties also required. Location: Dewsbury

Greenfields Family Centre This family centre in Dalton urgently needs volunteer drivers and gardeners. Volunteer playworkers are also welcomed in the creche. If you‟re not quite so hands-on the centre also needs fundraisers and mangement committee members. Location: Dalton, Huddersfield

New Opportunity! Help From Home Offering would-be volunteers the unique opportunity to make a difference from the comfort of their own home. A wide range of opportunities are available; from completing online surveys and proof-reading book pages, to becoming an E-mentor, or even helping to classify galaxies, as well as more hands on tasks such as knitting clothes and blankets. Ideal for anyone wanting to

volunteer, but unable to travel or make a larger commitment. Location: From home

Hand to Mouth (Puppet) Ministries This Christian puppet theatre goes into primary schools to lead assemblies and lessons in RE, PHSE and Design and Technology through the use of puppets and involving pupils. They require a marketing volunteer to help market a DVD and book produced by Hand to Mouth Ministries. The ability to sell, and be sympathic towards the Christian faith are key requirements. Location: Across Kirklees

The Hollybank Trust Aiming to improve the quality of life, for the life of their members, the Hollybank Trust helps relieve sickness by providing accommodation and care for both children and adults with severe disabilities. They require Volunteer Fundraisers to help in numerous ways, including; event organisation and participation, bucket collections, distribution of promotional content, and recruitment of other volunteers. Location: Kirklees

Home-Start Kirklees Home-Start offers support, friendship and practical help to families with at least one child under the age of 5. They need dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who are preferably parents themselves and know how valuable support can be. All volunteers attend a 6-week preparation course, covering a wide range of topics to help offer good support to families.They are then linked up with a family who they visit every week. Volunteers are also needed to assist with either the “New-2-U” nursery goods recycling project, or for the “Friends of Home-Start” who help raise funds for the charity. Trustees are also needed. Location: Dalton and across Kirklees

Huddersfield Canal Society If you like water, you‟ll love this. Volunteers have the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of maintaining the canal system. There are many opportunities, including Events Organiser, Crew Member, Researcher and Fundraiser. There are also many practical tasks, including gardening, joinery and carpentry, and construction work. Location: Marsden and along canal

Huddersfield Deanery Project This project works to serve the social, practical and spiritual needs of older people, mainly in the Bradley and Deighton areas, addressing loneliness and isolation by providing activities to increase social contact. Volunteers required to help with catering at the luncheon club, and to get involved with activity clubs and walking groups. Location: Bradley, Deighton, Fartown, Sheepridge and Huddersfield

Huddersfield Ramsden Division Guides There are over 700 members of Girl Guiding UK in this area. Volunteer leaders are required to help out at these groups. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to work within the field of social care, youth work or teaching. Location: Kirklees

Huddersfield Woodscape Meeting every Saturday morning, Huddersfield Woodscape help manage woodland areas in the Bradley, Deighton and Sheepridge. The group is looking for volunteers to carry out practical environmental conservation work, such as woodland management, tree planting, footpaths, gardening and walking. They are also looking for volunteers to help with both publicity and fundraising. Location: Bradley, Deighton and Sheepridge

Jubilee Melody Makers Helping to strengthen the community by bringing together adults and their pre school children, Jubilee Melody Makers has found much success creating a safe environment for children to play and socially interact with other children via music and movement sessions. Looking for numerous volunteers including: - Organisational Helpers to assist the setting up and packing away of events. - Craft Helpers who are willing to sit alongside parents and children and get involved with the craft activities. - Kitchen Helpers to provide refreshments during the sessions. - Door Welcomers to meet and great parents, collect money, and ensure that all participants sign in. Location: Paddock, Huddersfield

Kidney Research UK Kidney Research UK aims to fund life-saving research into kidney disease, to improve the quality of life of those with kidney disease and to increase public awareness of kidney health. Volunteers are required to help with fundraising in a variety of ways including supermarket collections or helping at events. You can give as much or as little time as you want! Location: Throughout Kirklees

Kirklees Anti Social Behaviour Unit Established in 2003 the Kirklees Anti Social Behaviour Unit has been tackling and eliminating anti social behaviour for nearly seven years. Working with local residents, the unit has improved the lives of numerous communities, making them safer for residents and helping to resolve issues that cause anti social behaviour in some individuals / families. Currently looking for a volunteer to help support victims of anti social behaviour via phone conversations, face to face meetings, and offer advice on dealing with challenging circumstances. Location: Huddersfield

Kirklees Council Providing a wide variety of opportunities for the people of Kirklees, Kirklees Council have numerous roles available: For those with an interest in gardening and conservation, The Highfields Garden Project requires Volunteer Gardeners, and Oakwell Hall Country Park are looking for Volunteer Rangers to help maintain their grounds. The Countryside Unit are looking for volunteers to help with numerous conservation tasks such as hedge laying, dry stone walling, fence construction and tree planting. For those with an interest in the more social aspects of volunteering, Gateway to Care require Meet and Greet volunteers to help welcome and provide information to clients. They also require Day Services Buddies to help people with learning disabilities engage with regular social acitvities such as going to libraries, sports centres and swimming pools. Volunteer befrienders are also needed for the „Care to Listen‟ scheme which supports looked after children and young people. In addition, Kirklees Council Libraries and Information Service require confident speakers to become Volunteer Community Readers, to assist with the recording of information for blind and visually impaired people. General volunteers are also needed to help with sporting activities. Location: Across Kirklees

Kirklees Learning Service Reading Friends are volunteers who have been trained to support children with their reading. The volunteers have training which gives them a greater understanding of how children learn to read and how they can best support them. Each Reading Friend works with

2 children for half an hour a week for 10 weeks. If you love reading, this is an opportunity to share your enthusiasm. Location: Throughout Kirklees

Kirklees Faiths Forum Celebrating the variety and diversity of our local community, the Kirklees Faiths Forum aims to support and raise awareness to faith and interfaith activities across the area. Volunteers are needed to act as Hosts, at either their own, or at any participating, Faith Centre within Kirklees. Hosts will provide visitors with information about their Faith Centre and help them to get involved with the events taking place. Open to all faiths including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist. Location: Across Kirklees

Leonard Cheshire Disability The organisation aims to promote the independence of disabled people and promote their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Volunteers are required for a variety of roles including visiting the home and chatting with the residents, escorting residents on trips and fundraising.

Location: Cleckheaton and

Huddersfield

Lifeline Lifeline is a diversionary and reintegration project for people with drug and alcohol related problems. There are various roles that volunteers can become involved in but initially a volunteer will receive a month‟s induction to the organisation to the organisation and then Lifeline will look at which area the volunteer is interested in working in; including admin and counselling. Location: Dewsbury & Huddersfield

Macmillan Cancer Support Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. They require a Volunteer Coordinator to help manage volunteers, and also help attract more volunteer fundraisers, Collection box distributors and volunteer speakers also required. Location: West Yorkshire.

Making Space Dedicated to supporting both people with Mental Health problems and the people who care for them, Making Space provides much needed help and relief. Currently looking for volunteers to work as Allotment Assistants, working with carers in groups of 4 or 5 and helping with planting, growing and harvesting the allotment. Great for developing listening and communication skills, and well suited to outdoor types. Location: Marsh, Huddersfield

New Opportunity! Mencap in Kirklees Providing services to people with a learning disability, including day care, residential care, activity clubs and one to one volunteer support for adults. They are looking for volunteers to help out at their Activity Clubs and with the Day Care service they provide helpers, as well as Allotment volunteers. They are also looking for Volunteer Befrienders to regularly share their time and interests with an individual with learning difficulties, Location: Huddersfield and across Kirklees

Motor Neurone Disease Association The Motor Neurone Disease Association ensures that people with Motor Neurone Disease Association can secure the care and support they need. Volunteers needed to visit

people in their own home, signposting people to agencies and providing a listening ear. Full training is provided. Location: Kirklees

Mount Pleasant Junior, Infant & Nursery School This school, based not very far from Huddersfield town centre, needs volunteers to help out with their school garden and polytunnel. General duties include weeding, planting, watering and also the opportunity to work with children on a project if interested. Location: Huddersfield

National Children’s Centre This organisation provides practical services aimed at improving the lives of children, young people and families most in need. They are currently looking for Support Workers and a Gardener. Catering Assistants, Learning Support volunteers, Receptionists, Front of House Porters and Contact Centre Helpers are also required.

Location: Central Huddersfield

National Society for Epilepsy The organisation aims to enhance the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy by promoting research, education and public awareness and by delivering specialist medical care and support services. Clinics take place at Dewsbury Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and at local schools, volunteers are required to provide face to face information to people recently diagnosed with epilepsy, their families and carers.

Location: Kirklees

Northorpe Hall Trust The Northorpe Hall Trust works with children and young people on a variety of projects. They are looking for Volunteer Mentors to provide a flexible, practical and informal one to one support service for young people. Mentors spend time with a young person befriending, advising and supporting them. Trustees also needed. Location: Kirklees.

Oakwell Hall Country Park Oakwell is an historic house within 100 acres of Country Park. They require country park guides to help out with practical conservation tasks around the park and also as event assistants within the hall. Location: Birstall

OXFAM OXFAM works with others to overcome poverty and suffering. They currently have a variety of opportunities available across Kirklees, including Product Sorters to help photograph and list donated goods online and Shop Workers for their numerous stores.OXFAM Bookbarn also requires volunteers to help sort, process and sell donated books, cds and dvds online. Location: Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, and Mirfield

New Opportunity! Paddock Community Forum Paddock Community Forum is a charity which supports and finds resources (both cash and people) for community projects that will make Paddock Village a better place to live, learn, work and play. Dealing with a variety of projects, they are offering a broad range of volunteering opportunities; from volunteer gardeners to help out on a community allotment project, to Walk Leaders who will lead a group of South East Asian women on weekly walks, and I.T. Buddies; who can offer I.T. support at

workshops across Kirklees – including helping clients use popular websites such as Facebook and Skype. Volunteers with advanced Microsoft Office skills are also needed. Location: Huddersfield

‘Playing for Success’ Study Centres There are five study centres in the Kirklees area which are part of a national initiative called „Playing for Success‟ at Dewsbury Rams, Batley Bulldogs, Huddersfield Giants, Huddersfield Town and Thongsbridge Tennis Club grounds. Volunteer Mentors are required to be positive role models and offer children aged 8-14 practical help with numeracy and literacy using ICT in a fun way whilst giving them encouragement and praise to motivate them and raise self-esteem. Location: Batley, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Thongsbridge.

Pass It On Part of the National Children‟s Centre, this organisation provides a community furniture service to needy people in Kirklees. It is looking for volunteers to help restore and repair donated furniture at their workshop and volunteers are also required to answer the phone, arranging collections and deliveries and taking sales on the shop floor. Location: Huddersfield & Heckmondwike.

Pennine School Sport Partnership Pennine School Sport Partnership aims to raise participation and standards of PE and school sports throughout Kirklees. Coaches/PE Assistants are required to help children participate in a variety of sports Location: Schools across Kirklees

Prince’s Trust Around one in five young people in the UK are not in work, education or training. The Prince‟s Trust aims to address the by giving practical and financial support to the young people who need it most.The Trust is looking for people who can share their skills & experience with young people setting up in business as Business Mentors and Development Assessors to gather information to assess a young persons eligibiltiy for an award. Location: Throughout Kirklees.

Reading matters Reading Matters helps young people aged 11-16 reach their potential by improving their reading skills & confidence. Volunteers are required to work one-to-one with selected children in local secondary schools for one hour, twice a week. Location: Kirklees

Samaritans Are you a good listener? Do you feel you could offer your time to be there when someone in despair, or in distress needs someone to listen? Each year more than 11,000 calls are made to the Huddersfield Samaritans. Volunteers are needed to help staff the telephone lines (5hr sessions every 2 weeks and 8 night duty slots (11pm-4am) over the year). There are up to 3 intakes per year when volunteers undertake 6 months (12 sessions) of training but start taking calls - with support – after approx 3 months. There is also the opportunity to become involved with fundraising or shop work. Location: Central Huddersfield

School Governors' One Stop Shop Would you like to help support school staff to provide the best possible standards of education, plan for the school's long term future, set it‟s aims and values, appoint staff and control

the school budget? Then you may like to become a School Governor. Location: Throughout Kirklees

Scope Volunteers are required to help out at Scope, which is a registered charity for adults with a physical or sensory disability enabling people to lead an independent lifestyle of their choice. Volunteers are needed for the charity shop in Batley helping on the tills or in the stockroom. Location: Batley

SNAP Club The SNAP Club aims to support young people who have a learning and/or physical disability through leisure activities. The group needs volunteers to assist with activities held at a weekly club, e.g. games in gym, craft, dancing etc. The people who attend range from 15-30 years old and have variable special needs, although siblings without special needs are welcome. Group sizes range from 15-30 people at any one time. Location: Holmfirth

Society for the Blind Based in Batley, this local charity (which was formed in 1918) works to enhance the lives of local visually impaired people in North Kirklees. Volunteers are needed who can lead or assist at their craft sessions; which are held at the centre and include activities such as cookery, tai-chi and pottery, or to act as guides on one of their regular outings. They also require Kitchen and Recycling volunteers, as well volunteers to staff their information bus. Location: Batley

St Anne’s Befriending and Community Services Based in the St Matthews Centre in Dewsbury, St. Anne‟s work with people with learning and physical disabilities, mental health problems

and people with drug, alcohol and substance abuse issues. Volunteers are needed to act as Befrienders across Kirklees. Location: Throughout Kirklees

St Johns Ambulance If you would like to receive first class training to become a First Aider or Community First Responder then volunteering with St John‟s is for you. Volunteers are required to perform First Aid services at a variety of public events throughout the County. Also to attend to emergency calls on behalf of the ambulance service to care for members of the community whilst the ambulance is on its way. St. Johns‟ Ambulance is now actively recruiting in North Kirklees, and are also looking for ambulance attendants and fundraisers. Location: Throughout Kirklees

The Brunswick Centre Working across Kirklees and Calderdale, The Brunswick Centre provides increasingly important sexual health and HIV services. They are looking to recruit numerous volunteers for the following: - Fundraisers to participate in and help out at big community events such as World Aids Day and Pink Picnic. - Group Workers to attend a once weekly group meeting, to meet, greet and engage with attendees. - Drivers to help transport people to and from appointments. - Administrators to work on tasks such as preparing promotional posters, minute taking and IT related tasks. Location: Huddersfield, Halifax, Dewsbury & across Kirklees

Thornhill Lees Community Centre A community centre creating opportunities for local people to access education opportunities, youth activities IT facilities and meeting rooms. Volunteers are needed in a

variety of roles including support to the youth workers with general youth work and also in the reception area greeting visitors and answering telephone calls. Trustees also needed. Location: Dewsbury

West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project (WYCCP) The aim of the project is to help offenders resettle into the community: engaging faith communities in this process, but open to all faiths and no faith. Volunteer link workers are required to support ex-offenders in practical skills eg. helping them with housing, employment, training, drug and alcohol issues. Location: Throughout Kirklees

West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust The aim of the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust is to raise funds to build and run a children's respite centre and hospice in West Yorkshire. Multiple part time volunteering opportunities available, including: - Fundraisers to help with bucket collections, merchandising and events. - Receptionists to support the administration team, duties such as phone answering and visitor greeting. - Shop Workers to staff their Holmfirth charity shop, provide customer care and service, and to price and display stock. - Volunteer Drivers to help escort clients to and from organised events and meetings. Location: Holmfirth & throughout Kirklees.

WomenCentre Kirklees WomenCentre have one-stop centres in Halifax & Huddersfield and also provide outreach support services to women and children throughout Calderdale & Kirklees. Volunteers are required in a variety of roles including Volunteers Mentors working with women at risk of

offending, Playworkers in an asylum & refugee service and Walk Leaders as part of a project encouraging use of green spaces. Location: Huddersfield & around Kirklees

WRVS – Kirklees Good Neighbours & Healthy Eating Projects WRVS is committed to addressing loneliness and isolation in older people. Kirklees Good Neighbours offers accessible transport and befriending services throughout Kirklees. Volunteers are required to visit people in their own homes providing company and friendship and information about local services and activities and to help them get out and about for a variety of activities (this could be in your own vehicle or on public transport).Volunteers are also needed for a new Healthy Eating Project which is aiming to encourage people to get their 5 a day intake of fruit & vegetables. Location: Throughout Kirklees

Yorkshire Air Ambulance This is a charity that provides an air ambulance service for Yorkshire. Volunteers can choose from a range of opportunites such as admin support in the office, fundraising, attending events, distributing collection boxes and public speaking. Location: Kirklees

Volunteering for Young People Vinvolved is a Government funded initiative to encourage young people aged 16-25 years to volunteer. Opportunities are many and varied and can carry accreditation. No experience is necessary as they build on what you are interested in. Contact Vinvolved on: 01484 346468 kirklees.vteam@rathboneuk.org

Volunteering from Home There are a number of opportunities to volunteer from home such as: - First Steps to Freedom - Helpline Worker - Friend to Friend - Telephone Befriender - Bereavement Trust – Helpline Volunteer - Leukaemia Care - Telephone Contact - SCARD – Helpline Volunteer - Guide Dogs – Puppy Walker - Marie Curie – Newspaper Reader - Help From Home – Numerous opportunities available, including online surverys, E-mentoring and knitting.

Overseas Volunteering There are around 100 agencies in Britain that place volunteers abroad on work placements.If you want to know more, check out the following websites: www.vso.org.uk www.voluntaryworker.co.uk www.globalxperience.com www.volunteering.org.uk

Supported Volunteering The Gateway Volunteering Project offers extra support to people wanting to volunteer who have physical or learning disabilities, mental health needs, caring responsibilities, or those with a lack of self esteem. For more information call 01484 416503 / email gatewayvolunteer@kirklees.gov.uk

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A VOLUNTEER

Listed below are some of the areas of activity that volunteers can get involved in

Administration Education & Literacy Advice and Support Elderly Animals/Wildlife Families Arts and Culture First Aid Befriending Fundraising Caring Health, Hospitals and Hospice Catering Media/PR/Marketing Charity Shops Mental Health Children and Youth Mentoring Community Work Prisoners and Ex Offenders Conservation/Environment Practical Work and DIY Disability Sport & Development Driving Trustee & Community Work