National Volunteer Week, when is it?
June 1 to 7
What is it?
Organised by The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) and Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Volunteers’ Week is an annual event.
It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. This year’s theme is ‘you make the difference’ with a call to action to others to think about what they can do. How can you make the difference?
That is something we at The Furniture Scheme know to be true – our centres, workshops and shops have huge volunteer input and the volunteers make a real difference to how we provide our services!
What is happening?
As part of National Volunteer Week this month, The Furniture Scheme in Shropshire is thanking its volunteers for all their hard work.
At our centres, The Rockspring Community Centre in Sandford Road, Ludlow, and The Craven Arms Community Centre in Newington Way, Craven Arms, we will be showing our appreciation for all our volunteers.
Chief executive of our organisation, Jean Jarvis MBE, said: “Through volunteering, people can take positive action to make a difference to a cause they care about and make a difference to both individuals and communities every day.
“We rely on our volunteers and we couldn’t run our charity without them.”
We help them build their confidence and self esteem and leave ready to face new challenges.
“Many have mental health challenges and we support them to manage these issues so that they are able to take part in life again,” she added.
“It really is wonderful to see our volunteers gain new skills and get their confidence back.
“But it means we are always in need of more volunteers because those we help go off and get jobs, which is wonderful!”
Our charity is looking for people for roles like reception and helping set up rooms.
We try to suit what volunteers are interested in to the roles that need filling and we will always, where we can and if they want to, put people into training and learn new skills.
Being part of our team is great to make a difference to the local community but also to make new friends and add experience to your CV.
How can I volunteer?
Ten week placements are available with opportunities for feedback and review to make sure things are going well. This can be part days or full days.
All volunteers have the opportunity to take a qualification and get employability support if needed.
Help is given with travel expenses.
For more information about volunteering, contact Di Hyde on 01584 877751 or email: diane@furniturescheme.co.uk. Also visit the website at www.furniturescheme.co.uk
