17 November 2021
Dear <<First Name>>
Welcome to our fortnightly newsletter for current and future volunteers. In this edition:
- Marking Disability History Month
- A wide range of volunteer roles in local organisations to choose from
- Lots of events on the run up to Christmas
- Christmas shopping wishlist for Stripey Stork
Best wishes
The VARB Team
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UK Disability History Month 2021 runs from 18 November till 18 December. We are often contacted by disabled people who are keen to volunteer but who are worried about the commitment required. Other concerns include how to ask for adaptations or whether volunteering might affect benefits.
We can offer individual advice on these issues and can help disabled people find suitable volunteer roles. If you have a disability or health condition and are interested in volunteering, why not take a look at some of our Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch to find out more.
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Here is this week's selection of volunteer roles. Click on the opportunity title to find out more. If you are interested, then you can make a "Quick Enquiry" using the black button.
You can search through other volunteer opportunities on our website.
🗣️ Surrey Coalition of Disabled People is looking for Board Directors, specifically with skills and experience in communications, fundraising, legal, marketing, strategic leadership, or volunteer management. Lived experience as a disabled person, or as a carer for a disabled person, would be particularly welcome.
😷 Leatherhead, Banstead and Epsom PCNs is looking for Volunteers to help support the COVID-19 vaccine by marshalling at the COVID-19 vaccination site at NESCOT. Flexible hours are available on all days of the week.
🎄 On Monday 6 December small mental health charity Love Me Love My Mind is hosting a Christmas dinner for 60+ people and is looking for Volunteers to help make the occasion enjoyable. Set up is from 3pm, dinner will be served at about 5pm and help will be needed to clear up afterwards. You can join for some or all of the event.
🐑 Do you enjoy being outdoors and like animals? Downlands Partnership needs a Livestock Checker. Sites include:
- Surrey Wildlife Trust Hillpark, Tatsfield - Tuesday
- Riddlesdown Quarry - Saturday
- Cuddington Meadows near Sutton - Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
Volunteers count the number of livestock, check over their health and check fencing and utilities. You would need to commit to 1-2 hours, once a week.
🎄 Dorking Christian Centre is looking for a Cook to make a traditional roast for 40-60 people who would ordinarily be on their own on Christmas Day.
🖥️ Stoneleigh Job Club provides experienced coaches help people who need advice and support in getting the skills and confidence to successfully find work. They are looking for an Admin Volunteer to support their trustees and lead coach with minute taking, coachee enquiries and bookings and finance admin.
😷 East Surrey Hospital is looking for Volunteers to support with infection control by encouraging members of the public to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask as they enter the hospital. They are looking for volunteers who can commit to at least one session per fortnight, Monday - Sunday, 8am - 1pm or 1pm - 5pm. It does not have to be the same session every fortnight.
🧶 HeadWrappers is a free service providing practical support for adults experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment. They are looking for Knitters to provide:
- Knitted two headed dolls which are given out free to mothers and grandmothers who want help to explain hair loss to a young child.
- A wide knitted headband which can be worn if the hair is just thinning, or worn over a base cap to keep out the winter chill.
☕ Do you like to chatting to people? Home-Start East Surrey is looking for Home Visiting Volunteers to visit families in their own home once a week for 2-3 hours, offering non-judgmental and confidential emotional and practical support to local families with young children. Full training provided.
💻 St Catherine's Hospice is looking for an eCommerce Volunteer. In this varied role which helps to raise vital funds for hospice care, you will research, list and promote unique, antique and collectable items in order to achieve the highest price possible.
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Carers Fair: Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
Thursday 25 November, 10am - 2pm
Meet Action for Carers Surrey staff plus a range of other charities and local organisations and get support, advice and information for your caring role. Relaxation and wellbeing sessions will also be available. No need to book; just come along.
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VARB AGM “Back to the Future”
Thursday 25 November, 2pm
Online/Merland Rise Church, Tadworth
This year we will look at some of the big issues and opportunities that the voluntary sector could encounter over the next five years. Visit our Eventbrite page for further details and to register.
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Volunteer Forum
Tuesday 30 November 12pm – 1pm (Online via Zoom)
Join our forum to discuss what makes volunteering rewarding and how VARB and host organisations can offer great volunteer opportunities. For more details and registration visit our Eventbrite page.
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YMCA East Surrey has two fun events coming up over the next few weeks. On Friday 26 November at 7.30pm, you can test your general knowledge, have fun and raise money at their Quiz Night. Maximum eight people per team, £15 per person, including hot meal. Fantastic raffle prizes on the evening kindly donated by the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead. Book online.
On Sunday 5 December starting at 10.30am in Priory Park, Reigate it is the YMCA Santa Run. Santas of all ages and abilities are invited to join a 1 or 3-mile run or walk to raise money. Entry fee is £12.50 per person (adults and children aged 4+), which includes free Santa suit, drink and medal. Book online.
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Stripey Stork’s Christmas campaign Santa Stork provides gifts for children and parents who really need a helping hand at this difficult time of year. These gifts are new and in some cases will be the main or only present they’ll receive this Christmas.
This year, Santa Stork aims to provide gifts for 5,000 children and 2,500 parents/carers. You can pledge money to buy a Santa Stork gift online up until Friday 10 December, to give them enough time to distribute gifts. You can also volunteer your time to help sort and prepare gifts. Find out how you can be a part of this Christmas kindness by visiting www.stripeystork.org.uk/santastork/.
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