Volunteer Project

Why become a Volunteer?

• To maintain and develop your existing skills

• To Access FREE training

• Your voluntary experiences can be added to your C.V.

• Volunteering can be a step towards employment, providing you with experience, skills and proof of commitment

• You will receive travel and "out of pocket" expenses

• Volunteering could be an opportunity to put your skills and experience to valuable use without disrupting your benefits

• It can develop your confidence and self esteem

• You could support someone else to develop their confidence

• It could be an opportunity for you to support another person in developing their skills

• Volunteering provides an opportunity for you to work without the pressures of employment, it offers: flexible hours of work and flexible holidays.

Research has shown that volunteering is good for your general well being and can give you that "feel good factor". It can combat depression or reduce stress by providing you with a focus and a sense of achievement.

‘GoldStar’ Opportunities

Due to our continued success, the Volunteer Project has been awarded the Home Office ‘GoldStar’ continuation funding. This is an exciting opportunity, which enables us to share good practise in Darlington and to further develop peer mentor support within our organisation.

As a result of ‘GoldStar’, we are now placing and supporting volunteers with external organisations, which has created the opportunity of raising awareness within our community and promoting a positive image of disabled people.

The project aims to encourage and recruit disabled people as volunteers. There will be opportunities for all of our volunteers to become mentors or to receive mentor support from a peer.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or you would like to know how to access our volunteers for your organisation, then please contact us.

Opportunities within D.A.D

Volunteers are recruited throughout D.A.D and have varied roles and responsibilities. You can browse our projects on this Web Site to decide which project(s) interest you the most.

Some of our current volunteer duties include: administration and reception work, computing, collating and updating of information, supporting individuals or groups to develop skills in education, training or leisure activities. Supporting people to access social activities, such as visiting the theatre, arts or leisure centre. Supporting individuals to do their weekly shopping, or assisting someone to pursue a hobby whilst possibly giving a carer a break.

Whatever time you have available, D.A.D will value your skills and commitment and place you within a project that best suits you.

Interested in becoming a volunteer with D.A.D.?

You can apply on line by emailing Donna or downloading an Adobe PDF application form, Word application form or a plain text application form to be returned to Donna at your convenience. If you would like more information you can contact Donna Gibson, Volunteer Project Co-ordinator, West Lodge, West Crescent, Darlington DL3 7PS. donna@darlingtondisability.org Telephone 01325 489999, Minicom, 01325 245061, Fax 01325 254848