Latest news from Kelly at the local YMCA. Ed
If you speak to people who already volunteer, they will probably tell you that they do it because they love it. So why not help vulnerable children and young people, and have some fun at the same time with your local YMCA?
Most people volunteer for the YMCA because they want to give something back and find they get much more in return.
Isle of Wight Children’s Bereavement Service
With the success and completion of YMCA Fairthorne Group’s Vinvolved Youth Volunteering Project, the organisation has continually shown a commitment to support volunteering within the newly launched Isle of Wight Children’s Bereavement Service and the Isle of Wight Young Carers Project. For these services, they are keen to hear from anyone with an interest to volunteer, particularly individuals aged 21 and over.
Last month with the growing number of volunteers for the YMCA Young Carers Project, 130 voluntary hours were committed to individuals assisting with transport, group activities, training opportunities and befriending sessions; volunteers directly and supportively engaged with the projects registered young carers.
Volunteer shares views
YMCA Young Carers Project volunteer Jo Ansell positively states the benefits of getting involved “I really enjoy volunteering and knowing that I play a small part in helping children and young people have a better future which is very rewarding”.
Jo has volunteered for the past year assisting with group activities and is looking forward to progressing onto a Befriending role.
The YMCA Children’s Bereavement Service, funded by Big Lottery Fund, addresses the needs of children and young people aged up to 19 years old who have been affected by death.
Volunteers sought
The team are currently recruiting individuals to assist with the Practical Support Network for Parents and Carers. The aim of this network is to allow parents/carers to share ideas on ways they can offer support to their children in order to help them grieve well.
Whatever reason individuals want to get involved, whether because of a gap in employment or education, to gain experience with children and young people or plainly want to give something back, the YMCA Lead Volunteer Co-ordinator will help explore each person’s interests, knowledge and experience to match them with an appropriate role.
Full training provided
All individuals that embark on volunteering roles within the YMCA will under-go standard recruitment checks, complete induction and role training and will receive on-going support throughout.
For more information about volunteering with the YMCA please contact Kelly Matthews, Lead Volunteer Co-ordinator on (01983) 862441 or email [email protected].
