Volunteers

Why do people volunteer?

There are many reasons why people choose to get involved. Here are just a few:

• to support Connect´s work and cause
• to do something unusual and inspiring
• to meet new people
• to learn skills and improve their CVs

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 families with a disabled young person, and have some fun at the same time!

Connect have volunteer opportunities for;

• Committee Members
• "P4P´s" Parents of disabled young people supporting families of newly diagnosed children (Training will be given)
• Admin support (updating the website etc),
• Volunteer Drivers

Our Volunteer Drivers must inform their insurers that the vehicle is being used on behalf of Connect. Connect have their own policy protecting the drivers No Claims Bonus when driving on Connect business.

If you are interested in any of the roles listed then please contact us.

Connect achieved the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard in 2006, recognising the excellent work they do with volunteers.

Role Descriptors

Parent 4 Parent

Volunteer Driver

Excerpt from Investing In Volunteers Final Report

Without exception volunteers felt rewarded and valued for their contribution. Typical quotes: "It´s a lovely place to come into work", "You feel good when you walk out of here", "Everytime you see them they say we couldn´t cope without you". Volunteers were enthusiastic about special events including an Annual meal together and the local VDA Annual Volunteer Awards.

Through Connect´s St Helens CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) membership we are able to offer our volunteer a range of training courses. Some of the courses attended by our current volunteers are:-

• Assertiveness Course (Connect)
• Essential Employment Law (CVS)
• Interpersonal Skills (CVS)
• Safeguarding Children and Young People (CVS)
• Child Protection Awareness (CVS)
• Effective Meetings (CVS)
• Parent Researcher Training (SHARP)/Research Masterclass
• Parent Partnership Befriender Training (PP)
• Training on SEN CoP (LA and PP)

We also offer the opportunity to attain:

• Accredited Volunteer Certificate
• Destination 1000 Reward Scheme, both of which can be used to good effect on your CV.