Information about Volunteering for MANCHESTER CARE & REPAIR

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1 Information about Volunteering for MANCHESTER CARE & REPAIR

2 It Works Both Ways Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us. Volunteers often speak of the sense of satisfaction their volunteering brings, seeing how the work they do contributes directly to improving the well-being of others and the communities they live in. In turn we recognise the ways in which volunteers benefit our organisation. The blend of purpose and learning results in making a difference. Volunteers are involved in valued tasks Opportunity to use local knowledge is welcomed Learning of new skills is supported Use time in a structured way New perspectives are brought to Care and Repair Transfer of knowledge experience and expertise Experience brings new friendships Essential feedback is provided Regular support is offered 2 Information about Volunteering for Manchester Care & Repair

3 Volunteers are vital members of Manchester Care & Repair. We believe their contributions complement the skills and expertise of our staff. Volunteers bring the knowledge, qualities and experience that are essential in meeting our goals. Roles We have volunteers promoting our services, by leaving leaflets in the community venues used by older people. We have customer involvement volunteers who act as a steering group on matters concerning the promotion of our services. Our office volunteers carry out a range of administrative procedures. If you have skills that you think might be useful to Care and Repair we would be pleased to hear from you. We can arrange for volunteers to carry out tasks alongside staff. Time You can make a difference no matter the amount of time you have to offer. We know there are circumstances that may limit your time with us and for that reason there is always opportunity to discuss your availability. 3 Information about Volunteering for Manchester Care & Repair

4 Making Contact We will invite you for a chat about roles. There will be some information to give you and we will answer any of your queries. There is a short registration form to complete and volunteers may be invited to a taster session depending on the role they are opting for. Expenses As a volunteer you give your time, it is not intended that volunteering should be an additional cost. We reimburse all out of pocket expenses e.g. Bus tickets. Induction and Training is carried out in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere. Essential Checks We will require a reference from all volunteers, e.g. A personal reference from someone who knows you well. A CRB check is not required for all volunteer roles, however if your role description requires, we will need you to complete a Criminal Records check. There is no cost to you in applying for a check. The check helps to make sure volunteers and the vulnerable adults they work with are properly protected. The check discloses previous convictions that may make you unsuitable for working alongside vulnerable adults. 4 Information about Volunteering for Manchester Care & Repair

5 About us Manchester Care and Repair is a charitable organisation. We are known as a Home Improvement Agency (HIA) because our main purpose is to help older residents to keep their homes warm, safe and secure. Our work is under two broad categories: Small works and practical advice which includes handyperson services, falls prevention, minor adaptations and advice on home security, home maintenance and energy efficiency. Advocacy and Support which is helping householders with getting their entitlement to assistance with repairs, welfare benefits and other services, supporting use of a building contractor to carry out repairs and helping residents speak up about the services that they need. We also provide training on Healthy Homes and on Home Maintenance. 5 Information about Volunteering for Manchester Care & Repair

6 Most of our work is delivered by paid staff working in Manchester, Trafford and Wigan. But we are increasingly involving volunteers. We have a volunteer led befriending service run in conjunction with our East Manchester project The Generation Project. That project also has informal volunteers known as Take Up Champions. We can offer volunteer roles working alongside staff in our offices and supporting our handyperson service. Volunteers contribute to distributing our publicity and giving feedback on our services. We also welcome suggestions for volunteer roles. Manchester Care and Repair is run by a voluntary Board of Trustees. There is further information on our services in publicity leaflets and on our website. We also produce reports and newsletters. 6 Information about Volunteering for Manchester Care & Repair

7 If you re interested in finding out more Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to arrange an informal chat... Tel Fax Or... Use the enquiry form on our website 7 Information about Volunteering for Manchester Care & Repair

8 Unit 14 Empress Business Centre 380 Chester Road Manchester M16 9EA Tel Fax