Volunteer! What’s in it for Us? What’s in it for You!
Many organisations rely on volunteers to operate & more are looking to having volunteers work along side employees. From 27th May 2008 when SDN started our organisation has been run on volunteers & that is no different today. We are very pleased to be a growing organisation, we are reaching more people, responding to more inquiries & our signposting work is increasing. As we grow so we need new people on “board” to share & help others.
May be you have thought about volunteering but never taken that step to do it. May be you have thought well just an hour a week does not sound much, but that hour would make all the difference to us. So what could that hour be:
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Completing events forms that can be uploaded by someone else to our website.
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Checking some details on our A-Z listing of useful organisations.
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Helping to Organise an event.
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You may have a gift or skill you want to offer us to see if we can use.
May be an hour a week is too much & you would prefer occasional volunteering so would like to be included on a list of volunteers that we can approach ie
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Helping to man a stand at one of the days when we raise awareness of SDN
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Helping at one of our Collections days at Shrewsbury, Oswestry, or Telford
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Proof reading “YourVoice”- the more we have in the team, the better it is for all who help us as we are not struggling when one of us is unwell or people are on holiday etc
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You may be very knowledgeable with regard to a type of disability or long term condition or have a story that you would like to share with others but need guidance on how to do it. We can help you write that blog.
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You may like to read articles on to YouTube enabling us to reach those with visual impairment as well as the non reader.
May be you have more time to offer & would like to get involved in the Management side of SDN, if so we would like to hear from you. All roles need deputies but also we feel that Junior roles are also important so that younger people can engage plans & SDN plans ahead. We need Outreach Officers in Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Church Stretton. There are many opportunities with us for you.
We need our members to become more involved in SDN as we are a “membership” organisation that must have a “board” with a majority of people with disabilities, long term conditions or carers. So if you have a little time why not try volunteering for us as not only would you find it can be very rewarding but by doing so you are helping your fellow members.
So why volunteer?
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You share your skills & by doing so help others & your organisation.
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It can be rewarding as you meet other people, may be make new friends, learn more about us, connect with members but also gain a sense of achievement.
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It can help with loneliness & depression.
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It can increase your confidence & self esteem.
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You may learn a new skill or develop those you have.
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It is good for your health & well being, giving you a sense of achievement.
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It could enable you to get paid employment and you would have a very reputable organisation to put down as a referee on applications.
We have many volunteering opportunities for you, and may be you have a new idea to offer to us, so if you want to give something back, please tell us. One lady said “Since I have helped at your awareness days it has got me out of the house for a few hours, I felt isolated but I now look forward to it as we always have a laugh & I go home feeling better, that I have helped SDN and others”
As one of our twitter messages says “Value your volunteers, we do”
So why not give give it a go, you may be surprised how rewarding it can be call 07780 852 229 or email admin@shropshire-disability.net or email info@shropshire-disability.net or use the contact form on this website.
Ruby Hartshorn
Deputy Chairperson