There are thousands of volunteers across Kirklees volunteering in many different areas. Each month we will focus on some of those volunteers.
February 2012
Name: Amy
Volunteering at: Kirklees Sports Development (working locally in Kirklees)
What types of activities have you been involved in as a volunteer?
I am already a casual sports coach for Kirklees Sports Development and do various coaching sessions around Kirklees. This voluntary work has allowed me to get more involved in the sports development side of the job rather than, just the sports coaching side. I have been able to aid in the development the projects I have been working on in my coaching work, such as doorstep into sport. I have been involved in developing a doorstep into sport user guide which will be going out in to the communities to help them run sessions by their selves. I have also been involved in helping update club and community links, liaising with community workers and gaining an insight into meetings.
What do you enjoy doing most in your role?
I have enjoyed seeing projects grow, from a tiny idea up to a popular and successful project. I enjoy helping these projects grow and knowing that I am a factor in there development. It has also been fun and flexible, and opens up new opportunities and links for me to gain work.
Why did you decide to do voluntary work?
My hours were cut since breaking my leg and I decided instead of sitting at home that it would be beneficial to me to gain more knowledge and experience from doing voluntary work with the sports development team. As I would like to work in sports development, this experience would be very beneficial to me.
Has volunteering provided you with any new skills or knowledge?
Yes, I have learnt a lot more about Sports Development and how it links in closely with community workers. I feel it has helped developed my skills and knowledge and has been valuable to my development.
What message or advice have you got for anyone considering volunteering?
It’s a fantastic opportunity which will help you gain experience and knowledge. You can work it around your outcomes and timetable and it will really help YOU! Don’t hesitate, just do it!
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June 2011
Name: Karen
Volunteering at: Miscarriage Association (working locally in Kirklees and Wakefield)
What types of activities have you been involved in as a volunteer?
I am a telephone volunteer and so I speak to people who have experienced miscarriage and who need to talk to someone about it. I would say that on average I receive 2 calls a month. The calls can last any amount of time from ten minutes up to an hour.
What do you enjoy doing most in your role?
People often call and say that they should be “over it by now” or that they feel angry, sad or hopeless. It is good to be able to reassure people that strong feelings are normal. Most people have lots of support from their partner, family and friends but it is often helpful for them to be able to speak to someone who can listen without judgment.
Why did you decide to do voluntary work?
A friend of mine was a volunteer and told me about the Miscarriage Association. I have had two miscarriages myself and thought it would be good to help.
Has volunteering provided you with any new skills or knowledge?
I have learnt more about miscarriage – but more importantly have developed my skills to listen to people deeply and to ask them helpful questions.
What message or advice have you got for anyone considering volunteering?
It’s not very time consuming and it doesn’t cost anything. Don’t hesitate, just do it!
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March 2011
Name: Peter
Volunteering at: Ings Grove House
Peter is a volunteer at Ings Grove House, a short term respite care home in Mirfield. He is one of many people that are supported with volunteering opportunities by Kirklees Council.
Peter took part in a taster session at a dementia care home and then took part in a conservation activity with people with learning disabilities. He found out what volunteering involved and about various activities he could take part in.
What type of activities have you been involved in as a volunteer?
Peter was at first apprehensive and nervous but he was supported through the recruitment process and accompanied along to a visit at Ings Grove House. He volunteered one day a week, spent his time chatting and befriending residents and quickly began to feel comfortable in the care home environment. Peter also supports residents to go to the hairdressing session, out walking in the gardens, helps with the tea-trolley and at lunchtimes and gets involved in social activities.
What do you enjoy doing the most in your role?
Peter said “I get a lot of pleasure from being with the residents, I am gaining an understanding of their needs and finding out how things work in a care home”. Vicky Griffin, Acting Manager, said “Peter has really benefited from his volunteering and his confidence continues to grow. His time here is valued”.
Why did you decide to do voluntary work?
For many years Peter was a market trader, until he found himself out of work and receiving help from Lifeline. A friend had suggested to Peter working in a social care environment, but he did not know how to get started. He became aware of volunteer taster sessions being run by Kirklees Council Gateway Volunteer Service and visited one of the Volunteer Co-ordinators to find out more.
Has volunteering provided you with any new skills/knowledge
Peter has taken part in Dementia Awareness training and will soon be doing a First Aid Course and a Movement and Handling Course with the Council’s Gateway Volunteer Service. He is also hoping to take part in Move More Often Training - training which is designed to improve people’s physical activity and get them moving about a bit more. Peter is now hopeful about finding work in the care sector and has recently had his first interview for a job in a care home.
What message or advice have you got for anyone considering volunteering?
For more information contact: Janet Edmunds/Catherine Bickerstaff, Kirklees Council Gateway Volunteer Co-ordinators on Huddersfield 414933 or at gatewayvolunteers@kirklees.gov.uk.
