Southampton Voluntary Services

ARE YOU VISITING US TOMORROW?
DON'T FORGET....
Tomorrow, 25th July is the day for this week's Chat and Match drop in session. We're here to help you with your questions about volunteering.
... Join us from 10am to 12pm
You’ll find us at Southampton Voluntary Services (Also known as the Voluntary Action Centre) at Kingsland Square, St Mary’s Southampton.
No appointment needed, just pop in. We’d be happy to help! . . .
P.S: Know a friend, family member or colleague who wants to make a positive impact to their own wellbeing, or to be of help to others? Spread the word by hitting the share button or tagging them here in this post to let them know we are here to help.
Better still, why not invite them along too? :-)
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DROP IN AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
Wanting to volunteer and don't know where to start with the process?
We're open this Thursday, 25th July for our Chat and Match.
... Join us from 10am to 12pm
You’ll find us at Southampton Voluntary Services (Also known as the Voluntary Action Centre) at Kingsland Square, St Mary’s Southampton.
No appointment needed, just pop in. We’d be happy to help! . . .
P.S: Know a friend, family member or colleague who wants to make a positive impact to their own wellbeing, or to be of help to others? Spread the word by hitting the share button or tagging them here in this post to let them know we are here to help
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SAVE THE DATE!
Are you a volunteer co-ordinator or take care of managing the amazing volunteers who willingly give their time and expertise to support you and the organisation which you represent?
If so, we warmly invite you to our next forum on 10th September 2019. For more details and how to register, follow the attached link.
... We're looking forward to welcoming you.
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DID YOU KNOW THIS SERVICE EXISTED? :-)
What a fun and thoughtful way to give back to those in need!
Special thanks to Southampton Free Cakes For Kids UK group who do so much to make sure that local children can have a special birthday regardless of their family situation.
... - shared via The Rose Road Association, who also do a phenomenal job of supporting people in their care.
To find out more about these amazing charities, please go ahead and click the links above to their pages to see what amazing things they are doing.
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IF YOU'RE THINKING OF BECOMING A VOLUNTEER, HERE'S ANOTHER GREAT REASON WHY IT WILL HELP YOU...
VOLUNTEERING IS GOOD FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY! :-)
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. It helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety.
... The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person.
Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.
Volunteering makes you happy. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.
Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.
Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.
Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills.
Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.
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A FRIENDLY REMINDER
This week's Chat and Match Drop In session will not be going ahead this Thursday, 18th July.
We apologise for the inconvenience.
... The good new is that you can still access the volunteering opportunities available.
Just click the image below to browse through and choose from the amazing variety of opportunities available. If you like an opportunity and want to go for it, simply apply for it.
PLEASE NOTE: We suggest you apply for a maximum of 3 opportunities in a span of ONE MONTH.
If you have additional needs and require further help with the application process, our contact details are on the website. Please do get in touch.
In the meantime, see what's available here: http://ow.ly/KO9j30nR5qr
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A FRIENDLY REMINDER
This week's Chat and Match Drop In session will not be going ahead this Thursday, 11th July.
We apologise for the inconvenience.
... The good new is that you can still access the volunteering opportunities available.
Just click the image below to browse through and choose from the amazing variety of opportunities available. If you like an opportunity and want to go for it, simply apply for it.
PLEASE NOTE: We suggest you apply for a maximum of 3 opportunities in a span of ONE MONTH.
If you have additional needs and require further help with the application process, our contact details are on the website. Please do get in touch.
In the meantime, see what's available here: http://ow.ly/KO9j30nR5qr
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY – GENERAL VOLUNTEER AT PORTSWOOD SHOP (BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION)
Do you love to chat and get to know people? In our shops we talk to our customers, make them feel welcome, help them find the things they’re looking for and inform them of the BHF’s life saving heart research.
We’re looking for outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers to help in the shop and on the cash desk.
... You will be serving customers, helping to promote our stock and awareness campaigns and encouraging every donor to become part of our Gift Aid scheme.
We have a friendly team and would love you to come and be a part of it. You will and learn customer service skills and gain experience.
Don’t worry if you’re not a confident speaker, with this role all you need is a welcoming and helpful attitude and we’ll provide you with all the support and help you need.
Perfect for enhancing your CV and skills set we also offer our volunteers the choice to do free NVQ qualifications
* England shops only subject to eligibility.
Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/y2w7prp3
P.S: Do you know someone who would be a great candidate for this role? Please let them know about it. Tag them below or share it with them directly.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: CHAT & MATCH
Have you been thinking about learning new skills, sharing your existing skills to help others, or wanting to make new friends?
While our Weekly Chat and Match Drop In session will not be going ahead this Thursday, 11th July, there is anther way you can find out about the volunteering opportunities available.
... Whether you're looking for working with animals, looking for DIY or practical jobs, education, mentoring, or something else, go ahead and check out our website and choose from the wide range of opportunities available,
You may be pleasantly surprised by what is available for you to get involved in!
*If you like an opportunity and want to go for it, simply apply for a maximum of 3 opportunities.
Good luck!
And if you have additional needs and require further help with the application process, our contact details are on the website. Please do get in touch.
See what's available here: http://ow.ly/KO9j30nR5qr
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VOLUNTEER NEEDED: BEFRIENDER (COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS VOLUNTEER)
•Do you want to improve the lives of older people? •Do you enjoy meeting people and sharing common interests? •Do you have a few hours to spare each week?...
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY: Cooking for One Presenters
Brendoncare aims to improve the quality of life for older people, and our growing local newtworks of social clubs are vital in combating loneliness and social isolation.
The Role:
... We are looking for enthusiastic Cooks/ Chefs (amateur or professional) to demonstrate recipes to our members at our social clubs. The Cooking for One programme is designed to encourage older people to cook for themselves, introducing them to new ingredients, in easy to open packaging, purchasing and cooking in small quantities.
What is required?
You will be joining a small team of like-minded individuals, all who have a passion for food and have an understanding of, and empathy with older people. You should be a confident and competent cook, able to multi-task, good at time-management, and be willing to develop your communication and presentation skills. An ability to entertain whilst preparing food is an advantage!
We will require two satisfactory references, and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
What are the benefits for you?
Whether you just love food and would like to share your passion with others, or are looking to expand your professional catering experience, the Cooking for One Presenter role provides a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Brendoncare will provide you with a uniform and full set of equipment including: a white chef’s jacket with the
Brendoncare logo; electrical a hop, blender and mixer, a set of cooking and serving utensil, disposable plates bowls and cutlery for serving the food samples on.
We provide all demonstrators with an induction, initial and ongoing food hygiene training. Financial support is given for demonstration ingredients as well as reimbursement of your out of pocket/travel expenses.
Locations:
We are looking for presenters who are based in Hampshire or Dorset.
Availability:
The presenter’s hours are very flexible as clubs meet at different times, various locations and on varying days of the week. You will be presenting on average 1 session per month, with each session lasting 1 hour approx. (excluding preparation and travel.) Your own transport is desirable.
Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/yyz67hny
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY - COURT VOLUNTEER (CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU)
• Give witnesses and their supporter’s confidential support, guidance and information to make their experience of a criminal court more comfortable.
...Continue Reading

IMPORTANT UPDATE: CHAT & MATCH
Our Weekly Chat and Match Drop In session will not be going ahead tomorrow (Thursday 4h July)
In the meantime. if you are considering volunteering and wondering where and how you could contribute your skills and expertise, why not check out our website and choose from the wide range of opportunities available here:
... http://ow.ly/KO9j30nR5qr
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY - OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
The Outreach Role is a role that Court Volunteers can opt to add on or move into after approx 6 months of court volunteering.
What will you do?...
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY – GENERAL VOLUNTEER AT PORTSWOOD SHOP (BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION)
Do you love to chat and get to know people? In our shops we talk to our customers, make them feel welcome, help them find the things they’re looking for and inform them of the BHF’s life saving heart research. We’re looking for outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers to help in the shop and on the cash desk. You will be serving customers, helping to promote our stock and awareness campaign...s and encouraging every donor to become part of our Gift Aid scheme.
We have a friendly team and would love you to come and be a part of it. You will and learn customer service skills and gain experience.
Don’t worry if you’re not a confident speaker, with this role all you need is a welcoming and helpful attitude and we’ll provide you with all the support and help you need. Perfect for enhancing your CV and skills set we also offer our volunteers the choice to do free NVQ qualifications
* England shops only subject to eligibility.
Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/y2w7prp3
P.S: Do you know someone who would be a great candidate for this role? Please let them know about it. Tag them below or share it with them directly.
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY: MEET AT THE GATE MENTOR - PACT
Our Meet at the Gate Mentors meet with service users, before their release from prison, on the day of their release, and approximately two weeks after release.

... Duties: We work alongside the prison and probation service supporting vulnerable adults on their release from custody.
We support them with their immediate resettlement needs, which include attending their initial probation appointments, and assisting with * Benefits * Housing * Health and safety * Attending an appointment with them * Registering at a GP surgery * Discussing feelings and emotions * Helping with reading and writing * Listening * Having a coffee and chat * Meeting at the prison gates on release
It really depends on the individual, but it will include:
To build up a relationship To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries to the mentoring relationship To acknowledge positive qualities and skills To spend time with/share activities with service users To be consistent, reliable and dependable To work within a spirit of non-discrimination To respect confidentiality according to Pact policies To keep in touch with your coordinator To carry out admin tasks (Volunteer Agreement, Contact Records and Expense Forms) To attend volunteer support meetings
Driving service users in your vehicle. This will need to be roadworthy and insured for business use.
Desired Skills: Applicants without the following skills or experience will still be considered as we provide training and support which will help you work towards acquiring these skills.
For more about the PACT connect with them here:
Social Media and Website Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pactprisonadvice
https://twitter.com/prisonadvice
https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY: Cooking for One Presenters
Are you looking for an opportunity to use your creativity and cooking skills? If so, this may be for you!
***
... Brendoncare aims to improve the quality of life for older people, and our growing local newtworks of social clubs are vital in combating loneliness and social isolation.
The Role:
We are looking for enthusiastic Cooks/ Chefs (amateur or professional) to demonstrate recipes to our members at our social clubs. The Cooking for One programme is designed to encourage older people to cook for themselves, introducing them to new ingredients, in easy to open packaging, purchasing and cooking in small quantities.
What is required?
You will be joining a small team of like-minded individuals, all who have a passion for food and have an understanding of, and empathy with older people. You should be a confident and competent cook, able to multi-task, good at time-management, and be willing to develop your communication and presentation skills. An ability to entertain whilst preparing food is an advantage!
We will require two satisfactory references, and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
What are the benefits for you?
Whether you just love food and would like to share your passion with others, or are looking to expand your professional catering experience, the Cooking for One Presenter role provides a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Brendoncare will provide you with a uniform and full set of equipment including: a white chef’s jacket with the
Brendoncare logo; electrical a hop, blender and mixer, a set of cooking and serving utensil, disposable plates bowls and cutlery for serving the food samples on.
We provide all demonstrators with an induction, initial and ongoing food hygiene training. Financial support is given for demonstration ingredients as well as reimbursement of your out of pocket/travel expenses.
Locations:
We are looking for presenters who are based in Hampshire or Dorset.
Availability:
The presenter’s hours are very flexible as clubs meet at different times, various locations and on varying days of the week. You will be presenting on average 1 session per month, with each session lasting 1 hour approx. (excluding preparation and travel.) Your own transport is desirable.
Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/yyz67hny
See More