Voluntary Opportunities: February 2008
The Harbour
Operates a drop-in centre at the back of St Luke’s Church near to the bus station in town. It aims to make contact with refugees and asylum seekers and to help them have access to services. More volunteers are needed to welcome visitors to the centre and to give help with some of the practical aspects at the centre such as cleaning and sorting clothes or with small admin duties. For more information speak to Carol Holdsworth who has visited the centre or contact Faith Mitchell on 07793 820488.
Roundabout Coffee House
Based in the Pilgrim Centre; need more volunteers for counter and kitchen cover, also to befriend and welcome customers. Would also like some help with fundraising as the project is running at a deficit and struggling to keep going. Call Mary Willis on 01793 537642 to find out more.
Food Bank
A new project aiming to provide emergency non-perishable food to people on low incomes. See the folder at the back of church for more information or call Bob Hayward on 01793 694591
The Stroke Association
Would like more people to befriend and support those recovering from strokes at social events organised by the association. Daytimes and evenings. For more details call Mrs Sue Hollands on 01248 444425.
Home from Hospital Service
Part of the Red Cross needs volunteers to visit those discharged from hospital. 2 hours a week for 4 weeks.
Janet Cass is the contact to call on 01793 605155 or via jcass@redcross.org.uk
Homestart
A befriending and support service for families with children under the age of five, need volunteers to help at the weekly family group meetings by chatting with parents or providing refreshments. They also have a vacancy on their management board, and a need for more financial support. Contact: Jan Aylward on 01793 613886 or via homestart@clara.co.uk
Swindon Advocacy Movement
Across the road from Christ church) works with people with learning difficulties/disabilities. Looking for people willing to train as volunteer citizen advocates who would be matched with somebody who needs support / help filling out forms / visiting shops etc. Also need someone who has financial skills to join the committee. Contact : Dawn Sam 01793 542266
Smash Mentoring
Swindon Mentoring And Self Help (SMASH) support vulnerable young people aged 13 to 19. They are recruiting people to join the mentoring programme; you need to be over 18 and able to spare some time on a regular basis to support to a young person. Contact Rebecca Rice on the number below for an application form. They also need an extra person to help out with admin duties in the office, this would include answering phones and using a computer. For more information contact Julie Mycock on 01793 829513 or via email on smash.yproject@swindon.gov.uk
Knightstone Housing
A supported housing scheme for people with enduring mental health needs would like people who can spare time at evenings and weekends to befriend some of their tenants. Contact by phone on 01793 514812 or email BettyM@knightstone.co.uk
Wiltshire Blind Association
Would like some help decorating their drop-in centre in Old Town, also people to do small DIY jobs for those who have lost their sight.
Contact Caroline Langmaid on 01454 777674 or via caroline.langmaid@btinternet.com for more details.