About GoldStar 
Developing appropriate methodologies
Although methods commonly applied by volunteering organisations may be of use in targeting groups at risk of social exclusion, we have outlined other specific methods which can be used to target particular groups.
Below are a few examples of how other organisations have accoplished this: |
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Age Concern North Tyneside encourages participationby visiting people with mobility problems so they can also volunteer |
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VODA have developed outreach sessions for young people |
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Haltwhistle development has developed a needs driven approach within the rural community. |
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Age Concern North Tyneside aims to reach the widest range of over 50s possible. One project called the knitting project has helped to do this reaching older people and those with health problems, including poor mobility and helped to overcome many of the barriers to participation.
One of the attractions of the knitting is that it can bring people together to work in groups, but also can allow volunteers to work from home. Participation is made easy through two volunteers who can drop off materials and collect the finished products, as well as keeping in regular contact with the knitters. The products of the knitting project are then donated to other charities, including the Samaritan’s purse, and the local premature baby unit.
North Tyneside VODA have set up outreach sessions in their local area in order to tackle barriers to volunteering faced by young people. They:
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Have an active youth project worker who carries out regular outreach sessions at local youth centres, schools and pupil referral units
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Target particular groups through specific organisations already working with young people who are at risk of social exclusion
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Take advantage of opportunistic events, for example VODA was asked to work with a school that was running innovative enrichment sessions for sixth formers, which lead to a group of 8 students developing their own project
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Have built a youth volunteering lesson plan that is designed to interest young people and open their eyes to the potential in volunteering.
Haltwhistle partnership have focused on community engagement practices, they have concentrated on the following factors:
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Getting the message across – through a series of presentations made to parish councils, youth groups, village hall committees and other community groups.
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Dedicated resource - a local person working at grass roots level
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Build a network of contacts – for recruiting volunteers and identifying suitable community activities/projects.
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Promoting the advantages of volunteering – such as building confidence, gaining new skills and making friends.
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Involving partners – where appropriate, in the development of identified community initiative.
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Needs driven – identify the needs of the community so that the motivation for volunteering from the individuals themselves.
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Volunteers are a community – volunteers are a natural community, and their experiences are spread to their family and friends by word of mouth.
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