Volunteer Centre

The Volunteer Centre, is now managed by Jane Harding following the retirement of Jenny Garrad, is now co-located with and part of the CVS and is there to help provide information and assistance both to organisations seeking volunteer help and also individuals wishing to provide some voluntary service.

 

 

Opening Hours:

This Centre is currently offering a limited service due to staffing levels. We do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Please telephone our host charity Mid Sussex (South) CVS 01444 258102 for further information about the service.

Normally the hours are:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 9 am to 2 pm
Thursday - 9:30 am to 12 noon

Answerphone message service and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

 

 

I feel it's about time I introduced myself!

My name is Jane Harding and I'm the new Volunteer Coordinator for the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill. I have been in the role for 6 months now and am gradually settling in but still like to claim I'm new whenever I can! I'd like to thank all the staff here for being so welcoming and supportive and of course the last manager of the Volunteer Centre, Jenny Garrad, for showing me the ropes so thoroughly.

I have a background in the voluntary sector having worked for nearly ten years at Millhaven in Burgess Hill which was a drop-in social centre for people with mental health needs. I originally worked as a general nurse where I'm sure my love of the diversity of people was honed!

 

I have come into the Volunteer Centre at quite an exciting time with the formation of West Sussex Volunteering Network some 18 months ago. This was established to sustain and develop a framework which will support services for volunteering across the county. As well as learning about the nitty gritty of how a Volunteer Centre works I have learned about the background of the network developing and have got to grips with phrases such as "brokerage of volunteer opportunities".

 

My aim for the Volunteer Centre is that it should be a very accessible service for the public. This starts with promotion of the centre in a variety of ways so it registers on people's mental map. We have already started working in a more streamlined way so that someone's initial enthusiasm for volunteering is maintained throughout the matching process.

 

My team also consists of Catherine Pardoe who having already worked in the VC for two years has done a great job of propping me up on occasion and our loyal volunteer Brenda.

 

NEWS FROM THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE SUMMER 2009

 

Volunteering in Mid Sussex continues to be increasing, judging by the numbers of people seeking out voluntary roles.  I am seeing a greater number of people who are job seeking and wanting to fill spare time whilst they are waiting for a paid job.  If you are an organisation which has suitable opportunities for short term volunteers, please let me know so that we can register new opportunities for this category of people.

 

The new West Sussex Volunteer Network is a consortium of all the Volunteer Centres in West Sussex.  We are making headway with the task of promoting volunteering in the county and are hoping to have a new website up and running very soon so that interested people and organisations can more easily find out about what's available to them in their locality.

 

The Ecofair was a resounding success and we were so lucky to have good weather on the day.  All the hard work paid off, and there is a hint that there will be more of the same next year in Haywards Heath.  Some of the organisations taking part told me that not only was it good for recruiting volunteers and giving themselves a higher profile, but that it was a good opportunity for their registered volunteers to socialise with each other and have a fun day.  All the more reason to get involved!

 

The very successful FABVORG which was launched last year has been launched again for 2009.  Please see the information that Catherine has included with the CVS Newsletter.  Get your volunteers interested and they may nominate your organisation for this year's award! Think of all that lovely publicity.

 

It is with some sadness that I have to tell you that I am going to retire later this year.  I have so many reasons for wanting to stay, and the decision has been difficult to make, but I also have some special reasons for retiring.  One is my son, and another is my grandson, both of whom need me to spend more time with them, not to mention my already retired husband!  I have been seeking volunteers and supporting organisations for nearly 12 years now, and I feel it is time to hand over to somebody who can give more time to this wonderful job than I can offer now.  I will not be leaving until there is a person in place to hand over to!  I know I am going to miss it, and all of you, of course! 

 

With best wishes,

Jenny Garrad

Volunteer Centre Manager

 

The following vacancies are being advertised currently and I hope you find them of interest:

 

The Salvation Army have a luncheon club for older people in Burgess Hill and they are looking for volunteers to help with making tea and coffee, clearing tables, and washing and wiping up.  The club meets on a Wednesday.  If you have a Health & Hygiene Certificate this would be desirable, and are interested in this opportunity, have 2 - 3 hours to spare, please call for further details.  The club will not meet during August.

 

Knowles Tooth Children's Centre in Hurstpierpoint provides holidays for families and children who would not otherwise have a break.  They are looking for volunteers to help with fundraising events e.g. Open Day / Fete on 6th September and Book Sale in Spring 2010.  If you could help with running a stall and / or setting up and clearing away then please call.  Events generally take place during the afternoon.

General assistance is also required with gardening, bicycle and play equipment maintenance, painting and decorating etc.  Times are Mondays 9am - 12pm and Fridays 12pm - 5pm.  It is not necessary to be available every week.  If you are able to work on your own initiative, are reasonably fit and enjoy working on your own or in a group then please call. 

 

4 Sight works with people with a visual disability.  Befrienders are needed to help visually impaired people with healthy walks.  Volunteers would be matched with one person.  If you are interested in health and the great outdoors, and you like to walk, you might like to consider whether you could share your time helping someone who is less able.  They are also looking for Club Helpers and Drivers for their new reading group.  If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please call for more information. 

 

Seahorses Swimming Club are looking for volunteers who could assist the Instructor with the activities and help members work towards swimming certificates.  If you would like to help people with disabilities, children and adults, and are happy to be in the water then please call for further details. Sessions are held in Haywards Heath on Tuesdays between 6pm - 7.45pm. 

Drivers are also needed to drive the 16-seater minibus transporting members to and from swimming sessions and other occasional events e.g. swimming galas and social events.  Volunteers must have a full clean driving licence.  Please call if you can help with either of these opportunities.

 

Wivelsfield Youth Group give the local youth a sense of purpose and an opportunity to come together in a creative and fun environment, and at the moment focus on sports activities over the summer months.  Volunteers are needed to help a qualified youth worker run the youth evenings.  You do not have to be sporty as there are various activities ranging from craft work, games, chatting to young people. If you enjoy being with young people and would like to help at this worthwhile group, please call for further information.