Now’s a good time to become a volunteer

Selection of opportunities to help out groups across West Berkshire

THERE is a host of volunteering opportunities in West Berkshire.

HERE is the latest selection from Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, which is at Broadway House, 4-8 The Broadway, Newbury RG14 1BA.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the centre for details or visit www.volunteerwestberks.org.uk, call (01635) 49004 or email info@vcwb. org.uk

Engineer volunteer – Ref: NY1797

A national charity helps people with disabilities become more independent by providing custom-made equipment that is not available to buy.

The charity’s Berkshire branch is interested in hearing from skilled DIYers, model makers and craftspeople who have access to their own workshop, as well as the ability to design and make unique equipment that can help someone with a disability.

You will work from home, although you will need your own transport to visit clients.

The cost of materials and petrol will be reimbursed.

Befriender – Ref: NY2101

Are you looking to volunteer some of your time and skills to help others in need?

Befrienders are being recruited in Newbury by an organisation that provides accommodation and services to people who are homeless.

Volunteers will work with clients on activities that the client has chosen.

These may be recreational (football, boxing, swimming, yoga, cookery and walking for example) or designed to enable them to get paid employment (for example numeracy and literacy).

Time commitment is flexible. The role would suit volunteers with good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Activity volunteers – Ref: NY1835

Would you like to volunteer as a friend/companion to children and young people with physical or sensory disabilities, as they take part in different activities?

A local disability charity runs activities such as youth clubs, sports and trips out, and volunteers are needed to help with these.

Volunteers do not provide ‘care’, but rather become friends/companions.

The role would suit fun and lively volunteers who enjoy games, sports and being with young people.

Timings are 4.45pm6.30pm every Tuesday in Newbury and 5.15pm7.15pm every other Friday in Thatcham.

Exercise therapy assistants – Ref: NY1439

Many disabled people find it difficult to take as much exercise as they want – but a therapy centre in Thatcham is working to solve that problem.

A specialised gym, equipped with power-assisted exercise equipment, is running as a not-for-profit venture.

You could help by joining a small team of volunteers who provide a warm welcome to people using the centre.

This will include booking them in and showing them round the centre.

Ideal for volunteers who are good at making conversation.

Fundraising group member – Ref: NY804

A charity that provides assistance dogs to people with visual impairment is seeking new volunteers to join its local fundraising group.

You will take part in a variety of activities to raise funds and there is also a chance to be involved with street collections and information stands at events such as fetes.

The time commitment is flexible, and will be dependent on the number of events you choose to be involved with.

The local group holds a coffee morning on the last Friday of each month in Thatcham where you can learn more about volunteering.

Backroom sorters – Ref: NY2288

A Newbury charity shop dedicated to fighting poverty and inequality is seeking backroom sorters.

Behind the scenes, a lot goes on to help the shop sell over £1,000-worth of goodies every week.

In this role, you’ll help sort donations, research and price goods, stock the shop floor and display items for sale.

The role would suit reliable volunteers who enjoy meeting people and perhaps have a love of fashion or homewares.

Volunteers do not provide ‘care’, but rather become friends/ companions