VOLUNTEERCORNER

The Link Visiting Scheme supports older people who are isolated across Wokingham Borough.

They are looking for new volunteers in several areas: coaching people with IT/ phones, welfare check volunteers and telephone buddies.

More older people are looking to connect with online groups or conference calls but need a little bit of coaching to help them get started.

As a response to Covid-19 the Link is calling people on the shielded list who will need to remain at home as much as possible. We are looking for volunteers to call up to five people a week for a quick chat to check they are OK and point them in the right direction for extra support if needed.

Full guidance, help and support will be given before and during your role. To volunteer, you will need at least one hour a week on a specific day ,with calls to be completed by 2pm.

We are looking for volunteers to make regular informal calls to those in need of conversation and a listening ear. This can be at a time to suit you. This is aimed at volunteers who can commit on a long-term basis.

Guidance and full support and training will be given. A DBS check and references are required.

Home-Start supports ordinary parents going through extraordinary times. Home-Start has been described as ‘armbands in deep water, because it offers a lifeline to parents who feel overwhelmed and in need of support, reassurance and friendship. Are you a parent or do you have parenting experience? Do you have two-three hours a week to visit and support a young family within Wokingham Borough?

For the time being, this will be provided by the volunteer giving remote support, via phone, Zoom etc. This will move back to face-to-face support when it is safe to do so. There will be a six-week training course in September.

Wokingham Foodbank exists to provide help to those in need. It is ooking for a long-term volunteer (minimum commitment six months but ideally longer) to help. The role is Monday and/or Friday from 10am-12.30pm.

You will need to physically fit as there will be some heavily lifting involved. Full training will be given.

We are also looking for a long-term volunteer to help collect supermarket donations. The role will be one collection every one-two weeks and can be done in the evening. The volunteer will need their own car to transport the donations.

These are some of the latest opportunities on our books. Call: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wokvol.org.uk or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more