Volunteers are a valued part of our team and are involved at all levels of the project. Volunteering at WHiST gives women the opportunity to develop new skills or to build on existing ones. It can open up routes to training, further education and employment.
Volunteering can provide an opportunity for women who have experienced difficulties with their emotional or physical health to receive support whilst furthering their personal development. It can be a chance to make friends and build new support networks.
Volunteering is a partnership…
The volunteer receives support, training and experience in a variety of roles.
The organisation receives an increase in their workforce with additional skills and expertise.
What Can Volunteers Expect?
Induction. Volunteers are introduced to staff and existing volunteers and their role as a volunteer is discussed. The induction is an opportunity for the volunteer to explain what they hope to achieve and to have any questions answered.
Volunteer Policy. A Volunteer policy is provided containing information about volunteering and other WHiST policies including Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and a Complaints Procedure.
Out of pocket expenses. WHiST pays reasonable expenses for travel providing the funding is available to do so.
Training. On going training is provided as appropriate, by WHiST staff and/or outside agencies. There is currently a training course available in Volunteer Skills Enhancement. This course is accredited to Level 3 by the North East Open College Network.
Support. Supervision is offered by the Volunteer Support Worker and other staff. Volunteers support each other through the volunteer group and mentoring.
Equal Opportunities. Women’s Health in South Tyneside encourages equal opportunities. Women can volunteer regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, class, mental health needs or disability.
Trial period. Volunteers always have the opportunity to discuss volunteering with the Volunteer Support Worker. If volunteering is not what you thought it would be, it is ok to stop and continue to be a project user.
What Does WHIST Expect?
CRB Check. All our volunteers undergo a check to ensure they can work with children and vulnerable adults.
Policies and Procedures. WHiST expects that volunteers follow the spirit of the organisation’s policies and procedures including Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities.
Training. Training is encouraged to help individuals gain knowledge and understanding of a particular issue.
Availability. WHiST would expect volunteers to be available at agreed times in order for the service to run smoothly or to give notice if they are unable to attend.
Responsibility. The Volunteer Support Worker will provide support for each volunteer. WHiST also asks volunteers to take responsibility for their own welfare and encourages women to approach a member of staff should they need advice or support.
What the Current Volunteers Do:
Volunteering is…