Welcome to the second E-Bulletin produced by the newly rebranded Basildon, Billericay & Wickford Volunteer Network (formerly known as the BBW Volunteer Centre). We hope older subscribers found the first e-bulletin informative and that our new subscribers enjoy this edition.
We are pleased to announce that our brand new website is now live, so be sure to check it out once you have finished reading!
Pleaseget in touchif you have any questions about volunteering or would like to speak to one of the team. We would love to help you find the volunteering position for you.
The BBW Volunteer Network Team
How can I get involved in Formal Volunteering?
At the Volunteer Network, we like to make you aware of the volunteering opportunities near you. Here in Essex, formal volunteering opportunities are advertised through Volunteer Essex, you can check them out on our website.
Opportunities to volunteer are varied and wide-ranging. Current listings include organisations looking for buddies for the elderly, charity shop assistants, social media marketing helpers and administrative aids. Now, more than ever, there are also opportunities to volunteer from home. You are therefore likely to find the perfect opportunity for your interest: whether you want to give back to the community, learn new skills or meet new people.
What is Informal Volunteering?
At the Volunteer Network, we offer a Community Exchange service. This is an informal volunteering initiative whereby individuals are able to offer services, company or skills to somebody else. For every hour spent helping, the individual can redeem an hour of someone else's time. We are in the process of expanding our Community Exchange offer and are
seeking individuals who want to receive and give time through the scheme. Please get in touch if you have any skills, tasks or knowledge that you would like to share or get involved with - volcentre@bbwcvs.org.uk
Community Connection
At the beginning of lockdown, we began producing the Community Connection activity booklet. It has now grown into an online and print magazine, full of local volunteering news and information.
If you have a volunteering story that you would like to share, or an organisation you would like to shed light on, please get in touch and we can include it in our next issue.
You can read our latest edition on our website, and keep your eyes peeled for print issues in local venues.
Community Hub Delivery Drivers - BBW CVS Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary service are seeking volunteer delivery drivers who can help collect and deliver items to vulnerable people in the community. Main responsibilities are likely to include picking up prescriptions, pre-paid shopping and replacement hearing aid batteries and taking the Community Connection magazine to local food banks and groups.
Volunteers must have access to a vehicle which is fully insured.
Basildon Rugby Club are looking for people who can provide minor First Aid to members and guests on Sunday mornings. Applicants will ideally hold a recent first aid qualification or be prepared to attend a sports first aid course.
The first aider would not be expected to treat injuries, only to manage the situation before emergency services arrive. Usual hours are between 10:00 and 13:00
Peaceful Place is a small charity supporting younger people living with early-onset dementia. They provide various daycare activities like arts, crafts and sports. They need volunteers to help develop and grow their service.
Peaceful Place are seeking volunteers to attend their daycare service in Basildon and support their young members with various arts, crafts, music and sports projects.
Cats Protection are looking for volunteer cat fosterers in Essex.
Fosterers provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray, abandoned cats or cats whose owners can sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need.
Billericay District Residents Association (BDRA) are urgently looking for a volunteer to fill the position of Editor for the association's "The Resident" magazine which is produced 10 times a year. It is a rewarding position; all the structures are already in place to put the magazine together and training will be provided by the current Editor.
A volunteer who lives in Billericay would be preferred.
Digital Champion are looking for people with a good understanding of how to use a computer to give peer support to people who are new to computers. You will help them to use Google, set up an email account, use word to write a CV and use job search websites.
This free CPD Standards approved 8-week Open University course will guide you through some of the distinctive features and values of the voluntary sector, including how organisations are funded and involve volunteers and other ‘stakeholders’ in their work. It will also provide you with knowledge and skills you can apply to your own work or volunteering as well as your everyday life. You can progress at your own pace over the 8 weeks; with each week taking a minimum of 3 hours of your time.
Upon completion, you will receive an Open University digital completion badge.
This free open learn course takes you through the advantages of volunteering when it comes to searching for jobs. With many people looking to upskill, find new work or volunteer during the pandemic, this course will help you understand the range of volunteering opportunities available and how to market your skills to impress employers.
Once completed, you will receive a free statement of participation which can be used to prove your involvement.
Thank you for reading our Volunteer Network E-Bulletin. Please contact us if you have any stories, suggestions or questions regarding our volunteer offers. We would love to hear from you.
