VOLUNTEER COLUMN: Volunteering benefits people of all ages

A new study by the University of Southampton has found a positive relationship between volunteering and levels of wellbeing, particularly amongst older people.
Chestnut Tree House is looking for a fundraising stand co-ordinatorChestnut Tree House is looking for a fundraising stand co-ordinator
Chestnut Tree House is looking for a fundraising stand co-ordinator

Volunteering can have benefits for people of all ages, not just in terms of mental wellness, but also in terms of new skills, experiences and making new social connections.

If you want to see some of these benefits for yourself, why not check out some of the opportunities that are available near you.

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Country centre support volunteer – Ferring Country Centre

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Ferring Country Centre (FCC) is looking for volunteers to support clients and customers with learning and physical disabilities, as well as the running of the centre itself.

Departments where volunteers can help include: riding therapy unit, cafe, small animal farm, administration and fundraising.

FCC recognises the value provided by volunteers and aims to ensure their work is enjoyable and rewarding; volunteers can make a significant contribution to the work of the centre.

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Shop trolley volunteer (Arundel) – Sussex Community NHS Trust

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Sussex Community NHS Trust is the specialist provider of community health and care services to the people of West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

They are looking for volunteers to take a small trolley around the wards at Arundel and District Community Hospital so patients can purchase small sundries.

This is a new service for the patients and they hope to set this up in the afternoons.

They are looking for good communicators who have empathy with the elderly and their needs, and are trustworthy and reliable.

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Fundraising stand co-ordinator – Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice

Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire and cares for 300 children and young adults from 0-19 years of age with progressive life-shortening conditions.

This is an opportunity to be part of an important team by assisting the community fundraisers to transport, set-up, dismantle and take away charity fundraising stands that are used at community events; this will generally mean two journeys in one day using your own vehicle.

You will need knowledge and sensitivity to the cause, a good level of fitness and strength, be reliable and have good time-keeping, and have good communication skills with staff, volunteers and members of the public.

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Appropriate adult – West Sussex Youth Offending Service

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The aim of the Youth Offending Service is to support 10 to 17-year-olds who are in conflict with the law.

The appropriate adult service aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of 10-17 year olds while they are held in police custody.

When a young person is arrested, the police cannot proceed without the presence of a parent, carer or other appropriate adult.

Where the parent is unable to attend the police station the young person can often be left waiting in the cells for a long time for another adult to be found.

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The service meets this need by training volunteers willing to help vulnerable young people, so reducing the amount of time they are held in custody.

You must be over 21 for this role.

• For more information on any of the above roles, please call Volunteer Now! on 01243 864220, or visit www.do-it.org. For bite-sized volunteering of ten days or less please visit skillshare-westsussex.org.uk

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