GoldStar - Snapshot Age Concern Tyneside - Promoting good practice in managing volunteers from socially excluded groups

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GoldStar - Promoting good practice in managing volunteers from socially excluded groups

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Project	Description
Age Concern North Tyneside	Promoting the wellbeing of older people in and around North Tyneside

Age Concern North Tyneside (ACNT) is an independent local charity whose aim is to promote the wellbeing of older people in and around North Tyneside and enabling them to make life more fulfilling and enjoyable. The organisation currently employs 140 staff across the North Tyneside area and are supported by over 200 volunteers at all levels in the wide range of services they provide.

Picture of Volunteers

IT for all

The volunteering project aims to increase the participation of older people in local activities and services, to help local communities recognise and value the life experiences and contributions of older people, and to improve the quality of life of older people through enhanced social and community participation.

All of the services and activities offered by ACNT are underpinned by volunteers, who play a crucial role in the work. The project understands the importance of recognising volunteers and involving them in the organisation at every level. All volunteers receive an individual birthday card, and diaries at Christmas. All volunteers receive a 6-8 weekly Newsletter, and regular social events allow volunteers, staff and trustees to mix and socialise. At a strategic level, volunteers are included in project meetings along with staff, and have a Champion on the Board of Trustees.

Picture of Volunteers

Knitters with hats

ACNT uses a thorough process to ensure volunteers become involved in the right area of activity for them. Potential volunteers are sent a starter pack with information about all aspects of volunteering with ACNT. Prospective volunteers are met for an informal chat about what they want to achieve by volunteering and to explain what the organisation is about and what is expected of them as a volunteer. To ensure that volunteers are well placed, there are clear role descriptions for every volunteering role within the organisation and these highlight any training required, whether a CRB check is required, desirable skills and qualities and a brief description of the tasks involved.

ACNT run a diverse range of projects, which ensures that the different needs of volunteers can be met. Some of the different volunteer activities include care and support in sheltered housing schemes; day care facilities and weekly lunch clubs; a visiting scheme; activities such as swimming, tai chi, yoga, relaxation, tea and line dances, walking and craft classes. ACNT also run ICT classes, employment support for the over 50s, and a range of activities that bring young and older people together in shared activities.

One particular volunteering project that has had great success with a very hard to reach group is the knitting project. Due to health and mobility issues, the over 75s find themselves excluded from many common volunteering opportunities. The knitting project has played an important role in offering older volunteers the opportunity to contribute something back to society and be involved in their local community. The project has benefited 30 isolated older volunteers, as well as the local organisations that receive the knitted items.

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