Volunteer Corner
WOULD you like to give a few hours back to a local charity but are unsure where to start? The Wokingham Volunteer Centre can help you! We are hosting a Volunteer Fair on Wednesday 10th May 10am12pm at Wokingham Library. Drop in anytime and have an informal chat with a variety of different organisations and find the perfect role for you.
Below is a just a small selection of some of the charities who will be attending and the roles they have on offer.
■ The Link Visiting Scheme is a charity dedicated to reducing the serious impact of loneliness in Wokingham Borough. We believe the best way to do that is through friendship and helping people feel connected to their community.
We rely on volunteers to enhance the lives of those experiencing loneliness and isolation by making regular home visits. We ask you to give 1-2 hours per week or per fortnight, to be that friendly face and listening ear.
We’ll make sure you’ve got all the support and training you need and answer any questions you might have along the way.
■ At ABC to read we believe life is better when everyone can read and express themselves confidently. Our trained reading mentors provide children with the skills and confidence they need to do just that. With the pandemic over the past two years, we know there is even more need for volunteers as some children may have fallen behind. Once volunteers are trained, they are then matched up with a local school. Commitment is ideally twice a week for one-anda-half hours in the afternoons but once a week will be considered.
The role is extremely rewarding, learning new skills and strengthens our community.
■ The Me2Club offers support to families who have children, between the ages of 5 to 19, with
special needs to enable them to access mainstream social activities, mainly after school or at weekends.
They provide trained volunteers to offer one-to-one support to children in need.
The Me2 Club links volunteers with children with additional needs to enable to take part in activities with other children.
These include brownies, scouts, music lessons, drama clubs and a wide variety of sports clubs.
They are looking for volunteers with a few hours to spare each week to support these children to get involved. No previous experience is required.
■ If you would like to find out more about volunteering in your local area, please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk Alternatively, to speak to someone in more detail, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager, Helena Badger on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk