Volunteering With Us
Some carers need support, information, companionship and a listening ear . . . Can you help?
Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre
What is Volunteering?
What is volunteering? Volunteering is offering your time and skills to help others and is open to everyone. It offers you experience, new skills, an opportunity to get out of the house and meet others,an opportunity to help and support others or give something back.
What skills do I need? Do you enjoy chatting over a brew, do you understand what carers may face? No previous experience is needed, just your commitment, good communication skills and a non-judgmental approach.
Why volunteer? In return you gain useful skills and experience, support and training and out-of-pocket expenses. Maybe you are looking to keep busy, gain experience or understand what carers are going through and want to give your time and experiences to help others. you can offer as much or as little time as you have (even a few hours a month) and you can be support carers in your local area.
“Hello, I am the Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Carers Centre. I enjoy working with all the Centre’s volunteers, we have a great team. I also enjoy getting new people involved and finding out the skills and experiences they can share with local carers to make a real difference”
What roles do we have?
Volunteer Befrienders & Young Carers Befriender
Befriending involves chatting to carers or young carers in person or even over the phone, providing companionship, helping to reduce loneliness, giving support and encouragement, accompanying to groups and activities or helping to access information and services on a one-to-one basis, either in carer’s own home or out and about in their community. Meet a carer for a coffee or help them find local activities to get involved in, your listening ear and understanding can make a massive difference.
Young Carers Drivers or Group volunteers
Wigan & Leigh Young Carers are looking for anyone who has understanding and empathy with what young carers may be facing, have good communication skills, be committed and be flexible with time. Use of a car to pick up young carers would be good for Volunteer Drivers. In return you will be making a massive difference in children’s lives in a group or on a one-to-one basis and be part of an exciting team, meeting new people and learning new skills. Check out www.walyc.org.uk to find out more.
What other volunteering roles are available?
Volunteers are vital to the work of the Carers Centre. Volunteer Buddy’s offer a listening ear, companionship and do activities with the cared for person either in their own home or at the Centre, whilst the carer accesses their health / well being appointments.
Do you have a couple of hours free and enjoy chatting and listening over a brew? Then contact Catherine for an informal chat.
To keep up to date with all of our current volunteering opportunities you can check out www.do-it.org or www.communitybook.org
A Big Thank You From All The Staff To Our Volunteers
Thanks to our exceptionally hardworking volunteers. Wigan & Leigh Carers Centre have successfully supported isolated carers, delivered great therapy sessions, offered a welcoming and professional service, offered a high quality counselling service and supported many carers on a one to one basis and in groups. And we appreciate everything they do.Hear what our volunteers think about the difference they make:
“My volunteer role at the Carers Centre is as a student therapist. I got involved because, at the Carers Centre there is a massive sense of community and friendship which I really wanted to be a part of; embarking on a new chapter filled me with anxiety, and volunteering at this particular centre warmed me, I felt so welcomed. Paige.
“ being a volunteer Befriender and Buddy gives me a sense of pride and happiness knowing that the that the role I play, the help and support that I provide for carers goes towards making a big difference to their lives” Marie .
“My name is Emma, I started my placement at Wigan and Leigh carers centre as a counsellor. I have learnt so much through working with so many different people, and the support I have received has been amazing. It gives me confidence and experience in my role as a counsellor.”
“My perception of Befriending is supporting someone who is caring for a loved one who is sick or needs support. Because of this situation, the Carer can be isolated and may benefit from a friendly face and a listening ear. It is not overly time consuming and can make a huge difference to a Carer’s wellbeing”. Jen
How can you get involved?
Contact us to find out more about the roles and for our current availability on opportunities, to ask any questions or to find out about the process of getting involved at the Carers Centre on 01942 705959 or email or catherine@wlcccarers.com
NEWS……. We are holding a Volunteers Open Day at the Carers Centre on Tuesday 10th September 2019 drop in between 10am and 12pm. find out about all our opportunities and meet our volunteers to find out what they do and why. Come along on the day. All Welcome … NEWS
As part of our safeguarding policy, the Carers Centre is committed to promoting the welfare of carers, children, young people and adults at risk. We will assess the suitability of all prospective volunteers during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and undertake all appropriate and relevant checks.