Craigavon & Banbridge Volunteer Bureau

Core Business

� Opened in 1993

� Recruiting Training & Supporting Volunteers

� Providing guidance and good practice to the Voluntary Community & Statutory Sector

� Promoting active citizenship and social inclusion

� 1,600 volunteers across the C&B Locality volunteering in total 288,000 hours per annum

� 250 organisations

� 350 volunteer opportunities

� 137 stakeholders

Volunteer Stats

� 72% of volunteers are in the Craigavon Borough Council

� 28% In the Banbridge District Council

� 54% are women

� 46 % are men

� 84% are mainstream volunteers

� 16% have a disability

� They want to give something back to their community

� They want to learn new skills

� Make friends

� Have a social outlet

� Create a pathway to employment

� Make a difference to the community

Why do People Volunteer?

Training

� Personal development

� Vulnerable adult training

� Manual handling training

� Effective management of volunteers

� Computer Training

� Occupational Therapy

Delivering the Volunteering Strategy

� Increased Work in Neighbourhood Renewal Area

� Increased Work in Schools

� Turn Up Take Part Events

Delivering the Volunteering Strategy

� Increased recruitment events

� Target Public Sector (volunteering opportunities)

� Increased work with BME groups

Delivering the Volunteering Strategy

� Support the Small Grants administered through LCDI

� Assisting small groups with information sessions On applications & successful groups with monitoring

Disability project

� Provides therapeutic placements for volunteers with disabilities.

� Tailor led training for each volunteer.

� Six months personal development training for each individual.

� Meals and travel provided for each volunteer.

Wax Village The wax village tells a story of determination, courage, over coming obstacles, embracing the opportunity to show this through art media. The volunteers involved had various disabilities such as brain injury, learning disability, stroke victims and visual impairments. We are all very proud of this piece of work.

5 year project

� Five year funding from the Big Lottery.

� On going funding from the SHSCT

� Only project of its kind provided by a Volunteer Bureau

� Awarded for excellence by the Trust.

DSD Tender

� Roll across infrastructure into the Armagh area

� Build on existing partnerships

� Work with local groups in the area.

� PR opportunities in Armagh area.

� Develop links with Council and Trust in Armagh area.

Volunteering Changed my Life

Pamela had suffered from social isolation for a number of years. She approached the Volunteer Bureau looking for a suitable placement that would help her to have a social outlet. Over a period of two years, through her placement she undertook several training courses such as vulnerable adult training, computer training, Manual handling and first aid.

When an opportunity came up for a job in the placement, the Bureau encouraged Pamela to apply for this. Pamela applied for the job and is now working 30 hours a week as an assistant support worker. Direct quote from Pamela “ Through the help and support I received from the Volunteer Bureau I feel so fulfilled I cant believe the difference volunteering made to my life. My message to others is lift the phone and volunteer today”.

Contact us

Address: Office 2, Legahory Centre, Craigavon, BT65 5BE

Email: info@youcanhelp2.org

Website: www.youcanhelp2.org

Telephone: 02838 342741