I saw in the paper the other day that year of the volunteer successfully had 1 Billion minutes pledged on their website. So it got me thinking, do any sf members do any voluntary work.

Yes the mods do, as they do this in their own time and for free. But what about the rest of you?

1BILLION (http://www.yearofthevolunteer.org/)

Yep, I have done in the past! :P I worked a day a week in a primary school for 3 years as a classroom assistant... and I also worked for 6 months at the children's hospital.

Right now, I have too much on my plate with uni and paid employment, but voluntary work is something I'm certainly thinking about doing during the summer to give me some more skills and experience :)

I don't now, as I haven't got the time I used to have, but I used to do voluntary work at a hospice and at Age Concern. I taught computer skills to older folk, and had a great time. I wouldn't do the hospice work again though; far too distressing for me.

Was a school Governor for some years, ending up as Chair of Governors at the local school.

I was a committee member of an educational charity, and am currently a trustee of an animal welfare charity.

I also contribute odds and sods of time in to what I consider to be 'good causes'.

If you do, I would be interested in what capacity. (generally) and what do you get out of it.

Reason being, I hear alot about (capacity building) getting more people to join in, but what drives people to do it?

I contribute to causes and groups that I have an affinity with. It's by no means 'egoless' giving - I get a kick out of helping and knowing that I'm making something happen in the world that might not otherwise take place.

I'm also hoping to start a few projects off myself. I'm not a great believer in 'big' charity - when people start talking about capacity building and similar stuff I start getting very suspicious because I do wonder whether all this time and effort actually equates to people getting the job done on the ground.

My involvement has been inn two main capacities - as a technical / business specialist, bringing my technical skills and MBA knowledge to the party, or in an 'advisory' capacity, providing a bit of 'seasoning' to groups.

When I was a School Gov. I spent a morning a week as a child care assistant in the nursery and another morning helping 8 year olds learn to read, as well as using my 'professional' skills.

I'm not sure about things like Live8 - Billy Bragg (I think) always used to say that 'Wearing badges is not enough' - I believe in getting on with it rather than waiting for permission or go ahead from Sir Bob Geldof, Gordon Brown or anyone else. :)

Joe

I volunteer on hospital radio twice a week, co presenting, sometimes presenting solo, and collecting requests on the wards.
HBS always needs new volunteers, anyone interested contact me and I will pass you on to the right people.


:clap:

I do voluntary driving for Sheffield Mencap Gateway club and, like Joe, I get a kick out of helping others. Plus I get to drive in bus lanes legally. :clap:

Originally posted by fox20thc


Reason being, I hear alot about (capacity building) getting more people to join in, but what drives people to do it?

I decided that I wasn't going to go bowling/gym etc in PE in year 11 (When you could choose what you wanted to do) so I cleared off to primary school and did my own thing! :P Them kiddies ran rings around me, so it was most definately PE! lol! :hihi: I just woke up one day and thought - "Ooo I wanna do something different today" and got myself an interview with the headmaster :) I'm sort of whimsical like that and packed it in after 3 years because I'd moved away to the city-centre and it was hard to get across the city and back intime for my classes at 6th form.

Had to do the children's hospital work, as it was either that or DofE at 6th form. Being made to do it was probably why I didnt stick at it long... I like to do things because I really want to, and if its any other way, it just doesnt happen... (which is quite clearly refelected in the length of service!)

I am thinking about becoming a special constable, but need to look into it a bit more, really. Don't really want to immerse myself into the world of baddies and whatnot, but the job really appeals to me. Maybe if I could become a special-traffic-cop, I'd be right in there... But I have visions of being on-the-beat on the manor, and literally crapping myself, so yeah, I need to look into it a bit more! lol!

I did voluntary youth work for around 6/7 years..

Summer was always the worst, 200+ 5-17 year olds :help:

Drove me :loopy: but was all good fun!

Originally posted by sharpsinger
I volunteer on hospital radio twice a week, co presenting, sometimes presenting solo, and collecting requests on the wards.
HBS always needs new volunteers, anyone interested contact me and I will pass you on to the right people.
:clap:

Well if we are blatantly plugging vacancies, anyone feeling giving can always pitch in and give my lot a hand :D

Originally posted by JoeP

I also contribute odds and sods of time in to what I consider to be 'good causes'.

I can vouch for JoeP, I wonder how many other forumers he's helped also? Must be in line for an award of some sort soon!

i did do a slight bit, just before i got this full time job, i did 6 months as a part time caretaker at the local village hall, also helped out doing the website and also helped the IT class, id show people which buttons to press etc, how to select stuff while the tutor was helping somebody else

I've done lots of voluntary work over the years, must've worked for most of the charities in Sheffield in some form or other, including charity shop work.

I serve on the board of directors of my neighborhood's improvement association, and I've just agreed to do it for another two-year term.

It's quite rewarding because I live in an older neighborhood that is struggling with aging properties, non-resident landlords, short-term renters, crime and apathy. I like to see the results of my efforts.

As a newspaper food writer, I also donate my time as a judge for local cooking competitions and a mentor for Journalism students.

If I had more time, I'd volunteer at the animal shelter or at a nursing home.

Not actually doing any since moving to Sheffield, but plan to get involved with something this year. (One of my resolutions)

Previously I've been a Samaritan, a board member of a Credit Union, and on the committee of a local community group. I'm sure some opportunity will come along, but it has to be something I want to do.

Being a Samaritan was very fulfilling, I did it for about 3 years and I met some great people. I gave up because I found it too much when I went to work in a local authority housing department! By that I mean that when you are helping people deal with difficult situations as a job, its not necessarily good to do the same thing voluntarily.

I think Credit Unions are a great alternative for people on low incomes who want to borrow smallish amounts - the alternative is often using loan sharks. They also create a saving culture, and volunteers learn transferable skills which can lead to paid employment.

I joined my local community group as I felt there was need for part of the locality to be improved, and the group got funding for a kids' playground that is well used and managed by some of the parents.

Originally posted by JoeP
when people start talking about capacity building and similar stuff I start getting very suspicious because I do wonder whether all this time and effort actually equates to people getting the job done on the ground. Joe

Capacity Building (which Im sure I don't need to explain to you) but for the sake of others is the buzz word that funders knock around alot. Nobody like a project where they can't get people involved.

I find that alot of people have really good intentions but when push comes to shove not all of them actually want to make a commitment.

I am involved with several organisational activities serving different parts of the community which are all thoroughly enjoyable in different ways. I also help individuals when necessary but only if asked because then I know my help is wanted and I am not being intrusive or invasive.

I did 13 yrs in one demanding voluntary job and have been a school governor in 2 schools for a number of years.

hazel

I am a breastfeeding peer supporter for the area I live in. I do it as breastfeeding can be really difficult to establish and good support is difficult to find. I hope that my experiences in breastfeeding my babies will help others to carry on where they might not with no support. I also volunteer to make crafty type things for my eldest sons school.

Volunteering makes me feel good as I can use what Im good at whenever I can and help someone in the process:D

LisaH xxx

I did voluntary work at a nursery school for a while, but now I do the same work but get paid for it. :thumbsup:

I'd like to do some volunteering, but I'm not sure what is available in Sheffield. Any ideas people? :)

Originally posted by Daley
I'd like to do some volunteering, but I'm not sure what is available in Sheffield. Any ideas people? :)

Have a look around this site Daley, they may be able to help you. :)

http://www.vas.org.uk/

I help in the running of a club by the Gateway and Mencap societies and have done since I can remember.... We take teenagers with learning difficulties once a week and give them a good time party atmosphere.... having two parents who were social workers says it all really.... up until last year I was a voluntary Samaritan but it conflicted too much with work.

Look for something you can sustain.... too many people go into these fields and realise that it is either not for them or they simply don't have the time.

Originally posted by owdlad
Have a look around this site Daley, they may be able to help you. :)

http://www.vas.org.uk/

Cheers owdlad, I'll check it out. :)

My only current voluntary work is for the Sheffield Cats Shelter, where I do all sorts of things from grooming and going out to collect cats, to editing the newsletter.

Previously I have worked for SAVTE teaching English and basic skills and for the WEA and others teaching computer skills. My mum's a full time voluntary worker, so I started early doing work for her voluntary help centre at the age of 15.

Due to the fact that I'm not well enough to work full time, feeling as though I'm playing a role in society, and also feeling useful to someone, help me to cope with my lack of ability.

I volunteer for the hyperemesis education and research foundation. Apparently I'm the only international contact for support at present. Soooo, if anyone else has suffered this get in touch with them. :thumbsup:

http://www.hyperemesis.org/index.php

I work once a week at Stocksbridge Youth Centre. I also do there website for free.

Dont know why I do it, I dont like kids (apart from Lewis my nephew)
________
gASSe4ka (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/cam/gASSe4ka/)

I'm involved with the progressive preservation and restoration of the General Cemetery in Sharrow, which I hope will eventually be a big asset to the city as a green space, a place for calm and meditation, and a tribute to both the great and good, and the obscure and deprived, of the city's past.

I'm involved with the progressive preservation and restoration of the General Cemetery in Sharrow, which I hope will eventually be a big asset to the city as a green space, a place for calm and meditation, and a tribute to both the great and good, and the obscure and deprived, of the city's past.

It's a shame they have got rid of most of the gravestones though, they were the interesting bit.

i coach kids to play hockey... i guess that kind of counts... i also foster, which is paid however i would do that for free anyday...

I'm a mother, surely that counts!

I emailed Samaritans offering them free PC support in their Sheffield office.