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Volunteering Newsletter
December 2022

Thank you to all volunteers

A message from Alan Hopley – CEO of Voluntary Norfolk:

“I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly pay tribute to everyone who has volunteered to help their communities over the last twelve months. 2022 has been another very challenging year for many people. We seem to have gone straight from the Covid-19 crisis into a cost-of-living emergency, with little or no respite in between. It is testimony to strength and resilience of the voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector as well as the dedication and kindness of the volunteers who contribute so much that so many people and communities across Norfolk have been supported so effectively this year. I think I speak on behalf of everyone in Norfolk in saying a huge thank you to every volunteer for your efforts!"
"Furthermore, to any readers who may be contemplating what to do by way of a New Year’s resolution, could I suggest volunteering. This has been made easier since the launch of our new volunteering portal: Get InVOLved Norfolk. The reason why Norfolk is such a wonderful place, is in no small part because of the many people who volunteer to help others. We will undoubtedly need more people to play a role in supporting people when they need help the most, as well as doing their bit to ensure our communities remain strong and vibrant over the coming months."

"In the meantime, I would like to end by saying that the ongoing acts of altruism from volunteers are really appreciated and valued. So thank you and best wishes to everyone who has kindly given their time, help and support to others in 2022! Thank you."

Volunteer for Norwich Science Festival

During the February half term The Forum will be hosting the 2023 Science Festival - a week of exciting events, workshops and talks, showcasing local science.

Volunteers love being part of the festival, with one of them describing it as "an amazing experience." Another volunteer also had only good things to say about the experience, saying that “This is a treasure opportunity for me to broaden my horizon and get a chance to meet some lovely new friends.”  At last year's festival 100% of volunteers said they would volunteer at the science festival again.
Find out more

Help people stay safe and well this winter


Voluntary Norfolk's Community Response Service (CRS) provides short-term support for people who have just left hospital and need a bit of extra help at home as they adjust for their life after hospital.

As a CRS volunteer, you might be asked to help with a number of activities, including:
  • Making a patient comfortable at home (turning the heating on, making sure they have appropriate food and drink, etc.)
  • Checking on people’s welfare and providing a friendly contact (phoning or visiting)
  • Pet support (for example dog walking)
  • Shopping (completing or picking up shopping)
  • Assisting with medication collection and delivery 
  • Improving confidence to get out and about
By taking part in the CRS service as a volunteer, you will not only help to keep people safe and comfortable in their own homes, but you will contribute to a reduction in hospital waiting times, freeing up beds and ambulances for those in need.
 
Find out more about the CRS Service

Volunteer Passport Spring Dates

The next programme will start on Wednesday 1st March 2023 

The course runs every week for 6 weeks from 10am –12.30pm on Teams. 

Some of the reasons people have signed up to be part of the Norfolk Volunteer Passport:

  • Looking to gain more confidence before volunteering.
  • Already volunteering but would like some additional free training.
  • Would like to try volunteering in several different roles before committing to anything.
Some of our previous participants said:

‘It helped me to identify where I want to focus my skills and experience within a volunteering role, and where I feel I could be of most use to my local community. I have also gained the confidence to understand that I have a lot to offer in a volunteering role.’

‘Thank you for letting me participate in this course. It taught me structure, to value myself as an individual, and what I could bring to an organisation. A very positive and beneficial course and a great tutor!!’

The scheme includes 6 core training sessions currently delivered online. You will receive a certificate and an ID badge to show you are part of the scheme once completed.

You can find out more about the Volunteer Passport and the content of the training here.

If you are interested in taking part in the Volunteer Passport Programme, please contact us at volunteercentre@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk and we will be in touch to discuss it with you further.
Find out more
Volunteer Story: Creating Unique Experiences for Children and Parents

At the end of 2021 Cecilia was looking for new ways to put her experience as a complex needs / early years / nurture teacher into use in the community. She therefore decided to approach Norfolk Libraries about becoming a Bounce & Rhyme volunteer. As she says, ‘We have all been locked down and unable to socialise in the usual ways. I was extremely concerned that babies, young children, their parents and carers had not been getting those vital experiences of meeting together having fun, chatting, singing and dancing. These kinds of fun events can help children and their families develop positive ways of talking and living together.’

Indeed, the Mile Cross Library was at the time without a regular volunteer and no member of the team had the confidence to deliver what is seen as the flagship event of every library. ‘Her experience looked very impressive, so we jumped at the chance,  says Nick Hobbs, the Library Manager.
As Nick says, Cecilia immediately made a great impression: ‘Wow, how pleased were we when Cecilia turned up to do her first session, accompanied by one of the best staff members responsible for this type of event. The staff member returned to the office after 2 minutes, exclaiming that Cecilia needs no help, she’s amazing.’ While there was only a small group of children and parents at the first session, the word of mouth kicked in and with a few weeks the group was almost at capacity.

Cecilia’s contribution is vital to the current success of the groups. She creates a climate where children are involved and engaged, the parents relax and join in. As Nick explains, ‘Where the basic model of Bounce & Rhyme is great and offers a community feel with action rhymes, Cecilia introduces models representing the weather, characters to start the songs off and every child is included and gets the chance to shine. It is regularly described as a unique experience and people always bring new people to join the event.’
Opportunities with Norfolk Libraries

Do you have a volunteer story?

If you would like to share your experiences of volunteering in Volunteering News, please do get in touch with us: volunteercentre@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk

Roles on the Voluntary Norfolk Volunteering Portal

Below is a selection of new roles on the Volunteering Portal this month. If you would like to search all of the current roles on the Portal, please click here.

If you would like any help with searching for the right role for you, please contact us at volunteercentre@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk
Search for volunteering opportunities
Videographer

Voluntary Norfolk is looking for a volunteer Videographer who would help create new video content for the charity's website and social media accounts.

If you know how to shoot and edit video footage and know how it can best be presented, it doesn't really matter how much time you're willing to offer. Voluntary Norfolk runs many projects that improve lives of people in Norfolk and you will have the opportunity to work on projects and causes that are closest to your heart.
Find out more

Trade Volunteers

Do you have experience in a trade - carpentry, painting and decorating, brick-laying, mechanics, tiling, DIY? Could you pass on your skills to students at St Edmunds Society?
 
Find out more
IT System Administrator

Museum of the Broads are looking for a skilled volunteer to assist with the optimisation and maintenance of their IT systems. They need about 6 hours a week.
Find out more
Members for Independent Monitoring Boards

The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) are currently looking for new members to join boards at 12 prisons across the East of England.
The IMB helps to ensure that proper standards of care and decency are maintained. Applicants do not need any special qualifications or experience as we will provide all necessary training and support.
Find out more
Customer Service and Administration
You will be handling questions & queries from NCU members & perspective members. Helping them deal with their savings & loans. This will mainly be via phone calls emails.
Find out more
 
Contact us
 
If you would like any help with searching for the right voluntary role for you, please contact us at volunteercentre@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk

For regular updates about volunteering and volunteering opportunities,
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Volunteering News is written by members of the Voluntary Norfolk. Thank you to everyone who is supporting their community at this time of year.
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Empowering Communities is a partnership project between Voluntary Norfolk, Community Action Norfolk & Norfolk Community Foundation.

Our mailing address is:
Voluntary Norfolk · St Clements House · 2-16 Colegate · Norwich, NR3 1BQ · United Kingdom
volunteercentre@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk

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