VOLUNTEER CORNER

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.

A decline in the percentage of Berkshire children achieving the expected level for reading in the recently published Key Stage 2 SATs results, local charity ABC (Assisting Berkshire Children) to read is keen to do all it can to help schools and families in the borough to raise children’s achievement.

With the pandemic, we know there is even more need for volunteers as some children have fallen behind.

Once volunteers are trained, they are then matched up with a local school. Commitment is ideally twice a week for one-and-a-half hours in the afternoons but once a week will be considered.

The role is rewarding, learning new skills and strengthens our community.

■ The Wokingham Transport Scheme needs you. All you need is your own car – there is no cost to you as we reimburse all your expenses.

We are looking for volunteer drivers who can provide transport for older people to attend vital medical appointments such hospitals, local doctors, dentists, opticians, physiotherapists.

We also need drivers who can help with one-off social trips such as shopping and visiting friends/family in hospital/care homes, and more regular social trips, such as to a lunch club or activity which may involve dropping them of and picking them up later rather than waiting with them.

The time commitment can be very flexible.

If you live in Wokingham, Finchampstead, Winnersh or Barkham and you would like to help, please get in touch.

You must have a full driving licence and own car. No specialist car insurance is needed. Unfortunately, we cannot take on any new volunteers aged under 21 or over 80 due to insurance purposes. Commitment is ongoing and we ideally need one day minimum per week of your time.

The vast majority of our drives are weekdays and daytimes, so your availability would need to align with this.

Volunteers would need to be available for a minimum of six months.

■ Thames Hospice is the local charity providing expert care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.

A vital part of our work is also supporting their families and carers.

Our shop in Wokingham provides vital fundraising help to what we do.

Come and help us in our busy shop.

As part of our team, we have a variety of tasks to ensure the smooth running of the shop; processing and sorting of donated items, preparing items for sale, visually merchandising on the shop floor and customer service and sales.

All we ask is enthusiasm and energy – we can be busy.

Full training and support is given. Come and see us in the shop to find out more.

If you are interested in any of these roles or would like to discuss volunteering in general, please get in touch with our Volunteer Services Manager, Helena Badger on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wokvol.org.uk. To see all of our volunteering roles, please visit www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk