Worthing charity needs volunteers to help raise funds and look after vulnerable people coming home from hospital

As has been the case for most organisations, it has been difficult for charities over the past five months. In addition to many charities not being able to carry out their invaluable work due to lockdown, there has been a negative impact on fundraising capabilities.

Fortunately, things have become less difficult with the easing of lockdown. For instance, charity shops have been able to reopen. Also, more people have been allowed to return to volunteering for the charities they love.

Local charity Guild Care is now calling for people to volunteer to help it raise funds and to look after vulnerable members of the community. In return, the charity offers a supportive, flexible, yet structured and professional environment, where volunteers can build on their skills and gain experience.

Mark Phillips, volunteer co-ordinator, said: “Our charity has always greatly benefited from the local community, who kindly giving their time.

“During this difficult period, we would be grateful for any help. Volunteers decide how much time they give and what days best suit them. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to help other people.”

Guild Care is looking to fill four volunteer roles in particular, collection tin co-ordinators, charity shop assistants, e-commerce volunteers and Home From Hospital visitors.

Collection tin co-ordinators are an important part of Guild Care’s fundraising team. Many businesses across the Worthing area hold collection tins for the charity and they need help managing them.

Specifically, the role involves phoning businesses to ask how they are getting on, collecting tins no longer wanted, delivering them back to Guild Care’s fundraising office and swapping empty tins for full ones as and when required.

This role would be suited only to a driver with access to a car (mileage expenses will be paid) as the charity’s network of collection tin holders now covers an area spreading from Lancing to Arundel.

Guild Care also needs help selling the array of donations its shops receive. Firstly, it requires charity shop assistants to help across its 11 locations in Worthing and Littlehampton. Duties include serving customers, using the cash register and sorting donations.

Secondly, it needs e-commerce volunteers to help with selling items online. Some donated items are of a higher value and specialised, so are better sold through online shops such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. If you are an experienced online seller used to researching, photographing and listing items, or run your own online shop, then this role could be perfect for you.

There is also the opportunity for volunteers to help members of the community directly. Home from Hospital is a completely free service available to anyone who lives alone and is due to be discharged from hospital.

Guild Care’s wonderful Home from Hospital volunteers provide social and practical support by visiting and assisting people in their own homes. Such assistance can include but is not limited to collecting prescriptions, basic shopping, preparing a light snack, helping people to engage with activities in their local area, or maybe just chatting over a cup of tea.

To find out more information about the roles and how you can start volunteering for Guild Care, contact the charity’s volunteer co-ordinator, Mark Phillips, via email to [email protected] or online form at www.guildcare.org/forms/volunteer

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