Berkshire Vision is a local registered charity with more than 100 years of expertise and experience in the provision of services, advice and support to more than 1,000 blind or partially sighted people across Berkshire.
They run seven monthly social clubs based in the main towns throughout Berkshire. Each club is managed by a local committee made up of volunteers, with the support of Berkshire vision staff.
The Wokingham social club gives visually impaired members the opportunity to socialise with people and aims to combat their isolation, support their independence and to boost their self-esteem. They need someone to help organise and attend the group which is held on the first Tuesday of every month from 2.30pm-4.30pm. Currently it does not run in January and August, but this is flexible.
Ideally the volunteer will have a knowledge of visual impairments but this is not essential. More importantly, the volunteer will need to have empathy, be patient and be organised. DBS check and references will be carried out by the charity.
Working alongside the Thames Valley Police Victims Hub, Victims First is dedicated to making sure that all victims of crime receive the support they need to cope and recover from the impact of their crime.
Victims First provides free emotional and practical support to all victims of crime, witnesses of crime and family members of victims.
The service is available across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and can provide help regardless of whether or not the crime has been reported to the police. They are seeking to recruit Emotional Support Volunteers, supported by experienced Caseworkers.
Training will be provided for all volunteers, in addition to ongoing mentoring and support.
The role will require some travel as you will need to meet victims in the community. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Qualities needed are; a non-judgmental attitude, the ability to empathise with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, excellent listening skills, reliable and punctual, able to set and work within clear boundaries, able to travel within the Thames Valley.
A minimum commitment period of 12 to 18 months minimum is a must.
Singing for the Brain is run by the Alzheimer’s Society and is based on the principles of music therapy but for those who attend the group, it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a good old-fashioned sing along in the company of others.
The group meets on a Thursday morning in Charvil, near Twyford. The session runs between 10.30am and noon but volunteers come along from about 10am to 12.30pm to set up and clear down.
They are looking for a new volunteer to lead the group. The volunteer will be required to put together a weekly singing programme from 10am – 12.30pm that meets the musical needs and tastes of those who attend and will then lead the singing and movement elements of each session.
If you play an instrument that would be great but they do have two volunteer pianists who can accompany the singing.
This role could be just right for you if you: are passionate about supporting and enabling people with dementia, have an interest in and experience of music and movement, have sufficient musical knowledge to use and lead a range of songs and musical activities and can sing competently, understand the potential emotional, psychological and physiological effects of singing and music and are happy taking the lead yet are also willing to play your part in the team.
Contact us at The Wokingham Volunteer Centre for more information– Tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles on offer.
