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Adult and Community Services Volunteer Newsletter March 2016
Adult and Community Services Volunteer Newsletter
March 2016
Welcome from the
Volunteer Manager
Welcome to our March 2016 edition of the Adult and Community Services (ACS)
Volunteer Newsletter. This Newsletter focuses on the female volunteers as part of Women’s Empowerment Month, a
national initiative in March to promote gender equality.
Our volunteers are predominantly women, many of whom juggle caring,
work or childcare commitments as well as volunteering their time to benefit their
community. This Newsletter highlights some of their great work and achievements.
Also included are the results of this year’s
Volunteer Satisfaction Survey, spotlights on two of our female volunteers, and a Volunteer Coordinator whose hard work
has ensured that older and vulnerable adults are able to make important
appointments. I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all our volunteers and the Volunteer Coordinators for all their hard
work, continued support, and positive and enthusiastic attitudes to volunteering. It
is people like you that making Barking and Dagenham a place to live, work and volunteer in.
We hope you enjoy reading this
Newsletter and are inspired by the articles. If you would like to find out more or nominate a Star volunteer, please get
in touch via [email protected] or 020 8227 3910.
Are you interested
in volunteering?
To find out more about available
opportunities visit our website
at:
www.lbbd.gov.uk/volunteering
If you would like to speak to a
member of the volunteering
team, please get in touch!
Email: [email protected] Phone: 020 82273910
Women in Volunteering
On Thursday 10 March 2016, Barking and Dagenham launched the Gender Equality Charter. The charter states the council’s
belief that all men and women are equal and pledge to create equal opportunities to succeed irrespective of gender and strive
to promote gender equality. Barking and Dagenham is a truly diverse borough and ACS Volunteering offers a range
of flexible opportunities to encourage everyone to volunteer regardless of age, gender,
ability or background and have a range of opportunities. Currently over ¾s* of our
volunteers identify as female, over ½* coming from BAME communities and nearly ¼*
identifying as having a disability.
Thank you to all of our volunteers who give their time to help others in their
community. We hope that ACS volunteering can continue to support volunteers from all
backgrounds and walks of life.
To find out more about the Gender Equality Charter, visit: http://tinyurl.com/z4cgv2q *Estimate taken from a sample of 97 volunteers who consented to their information being collected.
Women Championing Volunteering
“Volunteering gets you out
of the house to meet new
people and help the
community. I always find
volunteering enjoyable.”
Gemma Seargeant,
Community Volunteer Team
“I think we all want
justice and equality, a
chance for a life with
meaning. All of us would
like to believe that is we
were in a bad situation,
someone would help us.”
Angelina Jolie
“I have learnt many new skills and
been allowed an insight into an area of
history that I find fascinating. I feel
that, in a small way, I am helping to
preserve the history of our
Borough.” Katie Avagah, Valence House
Volunteer
“Everyone needs to be
valued. Everyone has the
potential to give something
back.” Princess Diana
Volunteer Highlights
Youth Offending Service Volunteer Celebration
On 14 March 2016, Barking and Dagenham Youth Offending Service (YOS) celebrated the recruitment of 18 new volunteers. This celebration
took place in the Mayor’s Parlour, Barking Town Hall. There was attendance from YOS members of staff as well as the previously recruited
volunteers. Food and wine was provided along with speeches from Angie Fuller (YOS Manager) and Councillor Laila Butt (Portfolio Holder for Crime
and Enforcement). Speeches were then followed by the presentation of certificates by Councillor Butt.
“This celebration was extremely successful allowing the newly recruited volunteers to interact with current volunteers and YOS workers. Once again, we thanks and congratulate them and look forward to their future contribution to
the YOS.” Mariam Thomas-Jaji, Youth Offending Service
Ranger Service Celebration
In December the Ranger Service
celebrated a successful year with conservation volunteers by
having a campfire and lunch in
the woods at Eastbrookend Country Park.
“We had a wonderful day with many of our volunteers from various sites all together in one space, singing Christmas songs and reflecting on the many great
projects that were completed over the year. A huge thank you to all of our dedicated and wonderful volunteers!” Emma Roebuck, Ranger Service
Community Volunteer Team Celebration
On Wednesday 20 January 2016, the Community Volunteer Team met to celebrate the successes of 2015. There was music, a buffet lunch and a presentation
commemorating a particularly busy year of events.
“The Community Volunteer Team is a joy to work wit. They are always eager to help and continue to accommodate last minute requests. We also often help
organisations outside the borough looking to raise their profile within Barking and Dagenham.” Taslima Akther, Community Volunteer Team
Volunteer Highlights
Community Health Champions supporting residents The Community Health Champions have been busy recently!
On Tuesday 16
February 2016, the Community Health Champions supported
the Stay Healthy Event in the Barking Learning
Centre.
The Community Health
Champions are running a Make a Change support line to provide
residents of Barking and Dagenham to
make healthy lifestyle choices.
Community Health Champions set up a
Child Weight Management Taster Event at Excel
Women’s Centre to raise awareness of
healthy choices and programmes on offer. “The Community Health Champions brought so much energy and enthusiasm to
the Stay Healthy event that it helped raise everyone’s motivation levels! I was really impressed by the knowledge and engagement skills of the Champions...
they really impressed our whole team!” Stasha Jan, Barking and Dagenham CCG
Your Voice Matters Every year, Adult and Community Services ask all volunteers to complete a
Volunteer Satisfaction Survey to find out what you enjoy about volunteering and what we can do to improve the service. Below are some of the results of the survey.
of volunteers have gained
skills communication and
interpersonal, team work and confidence
whilst volunteering
You said... We did A number of volunteers identified that they would like more training before they
start the role. We have planned a new Adult and Community Services Induction Training that
will explore your role as a volunteer, policies and procedures and troubleshooting problems. All new volunteers will be invited on to this training as well as current
volunteers who would like to refresh their knowledge.
80% of volunteers agree their expectations of volunteering have been met
Over 90%
of volunteers agreed their volunteering experiences
have been enjoyable
Over 50%
Hours Galore
Wow our volunteers have been busy over
the last few months!
In January and February 2016, ACS
volunteers have given over 5000 hours.
Well done to all the
volunteers!
Peter Hawes, Library Volunteer
Community Volunteer Team at The Big Tidy Up
SPECIAL THANKS
“Despite the Chadwell Heath
Community Centre being closed
for the Christmas holidays from 19
December 2015 until 4 January
2016 volunteers continued to
provide support by coming in to
help with taking down Christmas
decorations and providing support
to the Schools Library Service –
helping to discharge their 200+
boxes of project loans ready for
the new school term.” Marcus Ramtohul, Libraries Service
“Vaness started here as work
experience, volunteered for the
Summer Reading Challenge 2
years running and now at 19 years
old is volunteering.” Vince Thomas, Libraries Service
“A group of Community Health
Champions including, Tehmeena
Lala, Lidia Banici, Ameena Shafi,
Val Shaw, Anita Eziashi and
Aadhila Rafeek, have created
resources for the Healthy
Lifestyles team and have started
supporting a number of residents
who are looking to make a healthy
change to their lifestyle. Their
commitment has been
commendable and they have
brought a fresh approach and
insight into the community’s needs
to this role.” Taslima Akther, Community Health
Champions programme
“Joe Cochrane has finished his
work programme placement, but
has continued to volunteer with
Marks Gate Library. His input has
been useful in delivering a service
aimed at the users as he sees the
Library from the point of view of
the residents as well as the staff.” Marcus Ramtohul, Libraries Service
Spotlight on Volunteering Our spotlight on volunteers looks at women working and volunteering in ACS. We
asked each individual to talk about why they are involved in volunteering and also, as a woman, what experiences and skills they have brought to their role.
My name is
Mary Mathurin.
I manage the
Volunteer Driver Scheme (VDS) recruiting Volunteer
Drivers to assist older and vulnerable
residents of Barking and Dagenham to health appointments
and social activities they struggle to attend.
The aim is to reduce health inequality and prevent people from being socially isolated
from the community. I also have volunteers who do not drive but befriend clients by taking them
shopping etc. To promote the VDS I hold monthly “Pop Up”
Stalls in the local Libraries, Leisure Centres and Supermarkets. I interview all potential
volunteers, complete DBS checks, arrange First Aid and Manual Handling Training, so am
constantly busy but it is such a rewarding Scheme. I recently gave a presentation for a group of Practice Managers at the Cemé Centre
resulting in an influx of Surgeries registering with the Scheme.
Registering with the Scheme is easy, you can be referred by a Health Professional or self refer
by completing a Client Referral Form. Regular journeys include Hospital/Doctor appointments
and some social activities. My drivers take up to 20 clients to Slimming World sessions in Dagenham weekly.
On a daily basis I experience the appreciation
gained by clients benefitting from the service provided which is why I thoroughly enjoy this role.
For further information you can e-mail
Spotlight on Volunteering
“Suzan Halil was nominated for a spotlight for being an outstanding
volunteer. She has been a regular and reliable volunteer since prior to the Olympic Games. In December 2015, she extended her volunteering to giving two
evenings a week at Jim Peters Stadium. She is a proactive and enthusiastic about volunteering, and she’s also very polite and supportive of her fellow colleagues and volunteers alike.”
Taslima Akther, Volunteer Manager
What have you gained from volunteering?
I have met many different people from various walks of life and realised I
am a happier person for it. I like being part of a team and getting out and about
with them. Being involved in volunteering gives you that sense of community spirit and pride in the borough that I
would have otherwise missed out on.
As a woman, volunteering has given me more confidence and brought me out more as I would have missed out by
remaining at home. Dealing with a variety of people, organisations and
different situations mean you develop your skill to keep your wits about you and stay focused. I have never felt in
any danger or taken less serious for being a woman, at any event or
volunteering opportunity I have been to. What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering?
Go on and give it a go! I originally only
planned to volunteer for the Olympic occasion in 2012 and have ended up still involved in 2016 as it continues to be
rewarding and enjoyable.
What motivated you to start volunteering?
When London won the bid to host the Olympic Games and both my nephew,
Mehmet Ali, and myself were keen to get involved in some way. I ended up enjoying the taking part and have
volunteered ever since.
To anyone thinking about
volunteering,
go on and give it a go!
Suzan Halil volunteering at one of her first events, the Olympic Torch parade in 2012
What does a typical day volunteering look like?
I currently volunteer two evenings a week with the Athletics Club at The
Jim Peters Stadium. I register the participants, help them fill the
necessary forms and collect their payments. I have also been happy to help at
training activities and will be involved in event stewarding at the forthcoming
Marathon event in London. I have always felt that sports are a great unifier of people and more than
just the promoting of keep fit and so have always had a 'soft spot' when it
came to helping at a sports event. Volunteering on a regular basis allows you to get to know the participants and
parents which is nice and not really possible at one day volunteering
events.
Suzan Halil volunteers with the
Community Volunteer Team. If you
are interested in finding out more
about this role, please contact [email protected]
“Lidia Banici has been nominated for a spotlight for her dedication to
volunteering. Since starting volunteering in June 2015, her eagerness to learn and get involved has proved an asset as she has developed her skills and knowledge in every task she has taken on. We congratulate her in her
most recent success of securing a place at her chosen University and will be wishing her the best of luck in her future endeavours in September.”
Eleanore Hall, ACS Admin Assistant
What motivates you to volunteer with Community
Health Champions?
As a science student, health is one of my
concerns. Being a Community Health Champion means committing yourself to improving the health of the borough by
raising awareness and offering support. The motivation, therefore, would be the
opportunity of making a positive difference in the health and well being of the community.
Which do you enjoy most about volunteering?
With the CHC programme, I volunteer for the Stop Smoking Service, Child Weight Management programme and the Healthy
Lifestyles Team. I enjoy volunteering for the Stop Smoking Service, as you get to meet
and engage with lots different of people during campaigns and clinics. I also love working on projects for the Healthy Lifestyles
Team – bouncing off ideas through teamwork is both fun and productive.
What have you gained from volunteering?
I feel volunteering is one of the best choices
I made for my personal development. I improved my communication skills and
confidence, while gaining valuable knowledge from the training available. My CV also looks fantastic! I enjoy meeting new
people, both from the community and the volunteering team. I feel I gained valuable
friendships and found a second home.
Do you know a
star volunteer
or unsung hero?
Let us know and have
your nomination could be featured in the
next ACS Newsletter!
Spotlight on Volunteering
What would you say to someone
who was considering
volunteering?
Do not wait for the perfect
moment to start volunteering. You will always be too busy.
Lidia Banici volunteers with the
Community Health Champion
programme. If you are interested in
finding out more about this role,
please contact [email protected]
What is the role of Women’s
Empowerment Month?
It’s very important. As
women, we constantly need to step out of our comfort zones and fight for our
goals. Having a feeling of empowerment and support
throughout our journey makes it easier and more enjoyable.
Start now. You will love it!
Did you know...? If you have been volunteering regularly for 3 months or more, you are
entitled to a Volunteer Reward Scheme.
Rewards include:
Heritage Offers
10% discount at Eastbury Manor House tearoom and Valence House Cafe
10% discount at the sales point at Eastbury Manor House and Valence House
10% discount on venue hire and children’s parties at both venues (1 booking per 6 months)
Libraries Offers
Free internet for up to 2 hours a day for 6 months
Free music subscription for 4 months
Free printing for 6 months
Leisure Centres and Broadway Offers Free induction to the gym at Abbey Leisure Centre and Becontree
Heath Leisure Centre (you will need to purchase your key at BHLC)
Offers on classes and shows will be sent out on an ad hoc basis
Speak to your Volunteer Coordinator for more information. T&Cs apply.
Get Involved! If you have been inspired by this booklet and would
like to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available, visit our
website at: www.lbbd.gov.uk/volunteering
If you know a star ACS volunteer, please
let us know and they may feature in the next Newsletter!
If you would like to speak to a member of the
volunteering team, please get in touch!
Email: [email protected] Phone: 020 82273910
Volunteering Team Contacts Taslima Akther Volunteer Manager
[email protected] T: 020 8227 3192
Eleanore Hall Admin Assistant
[email protected] T: 020 8227 2104
Alex Griffiths Admin Assistant
[email protected] T: 020 8227 2221
Look out for our next Newsletter in July 2016!
If you can’t wait until then, you can keep
up to date with new volunteering
opportunities and activities at:
www.lbbd.gov.uk/volunteering
