CSV’s Supported Volunteering Scheme in Essex enables people with a learning difficulty to:
- Volunteer in their own community
- Be the givers rather than the receivers of care
- Become as independent as possible
- Play an active part in the life of their community
The scheme currently runs in Basildon and Brentwood in Essex and in Thurrock Unitary Authority. In Thurrock CSV also supports some individuals with mental health problems or physical disabilities.
Individuals who may be interested in volunteering are referred to the service by social workers, inclusion workers, key workers or other staff who support the individual.
Assessing needs
Project staff from CSV then meet with the individual to asses their support needs, explain more about the scheme and find out what sort of volunteering they would like to do. A volunteering opportunity is then sought for the individual depending on their skills and aspirations.
Some examples of current opportunities include volunteering in:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Playgroups
- Country parks
- Shops
- Residential homes
- Garden Centres
- Farms
Additional support
If an individual needs additional support in order to volunteer CSV will match them with a local mentors initially to give them confidence, teach them their voluntary role or even to teach them how to travel to their volunteering opportunity independently.
Local support mentors are recruited, screened and trained by CSV staff at the project. The mentor could support a variety of individuals with a learning disability and at various times. This will depend on when an individual is volunteering and how long they require support. Mentors are, however, asked to commit to the project for at least six months.
Certificate for Individual Volunteers
As soon as the individual with a learning disability is able to volunteer independently CSV withdraws its mentor support. Independent Volunteers are presented with a certificate to mark their achievement.
For more information on this project, please contact: Anna Siebols on 01375 396089 or email: asiebols@csv.org.uk