Bassetlaw Action Centre is a Community Resource Agency linking individuals and organisations with help and support. We have a range of volunteering opportunities available across Bassetlaw. Please see the information below or click here to view our leaflet

If you would like more information on any of the opportunities please contact us at:
Address: Bassetlaw Action Centre, Canal Street, Retford, Notts, DN22 6EZ
Tel: 01777 709650
Email: enquiries@actioncentre.org.uk

BASSETLAW ACTION CENTRE – VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Supported Hospital Discharge Service Volunteer

We are looking for friendly out-going volunteers to help people regain independence following a stay in hospital. This may include, light domestic duties in the home such as making the bed, putting a wash on and vacuuming or providing shopping or a safe and well support call. 

• Volunteer Befriender

Our befriending scheme can receive referrals from anyone who is suffering from extreme loneliness.  Befriending is a means to reduce isolation and increase independence.

Clients are placed with a befriender who will call or visit them for one hour a week in their own home and chat to them whilst encouraging them to make positive choices and help them to help themselves.

Note: All Befriending is currently telephone only

• Volunteer Driver

We have different roles available for volunteer drivers. Any amount of time you can give to the scheme is very much appreciated. Journeys vary from an hour or so on the car scheme to a full day if driving the minibus and everything in between.

• Community Car Scheme Driver – drive your own vehicle

We transport Bassetlaw residents who are unable to access public transport. The scheme is mainly used by registered clients to go shopping, visit friends or attend appointments.

• Accessible Minibus and MPV Driver – drive our vehicles

We have our own accessible vehicles which are driven by volunteers.

Clients with mobility issues or who need to travel in a fixed wheelchair can use our accessible MPV to get to appointments, go shopping etc…

Our accessible minibus runs regular day trips with pick ups across Bassetlaw to destinations such as garden centres, markets and seaside towns.

• Volunteer Staying Well Programme (SWP) Tutor

SWP Tutors are people with a long term health condition that have seen the benefits from participating in the six week self-management course and want to share their new found skills and knowledge with others. A four day training programme is completed following which the volunteer has two assessments before achieving their passport to practice. SWP Tutors deliver courses throughout Bassetlaw once trained.

• Volunteer Administrator

Administration opportunities are available across our projects. These roles would normally be based from our Retford office and may include typing, filing, supporting clients with completing forms and other general administration work. (Full training will be provided)

FURTHER INFORMATION

Who can volunteer?

If you enjoy meeting people and helping the local community you are the ideal person to volunteer on one of our schemes. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and apply our Equal Opportunities Policy to all volunteers and staff members.

What do I need to be a volunteer?

•  Be a good listener
•  Have lots of patience and understanding
•  Be honest and reliable
•  Be prepared to do a small amount of paperwork

For driving roles – Full driving licence with 2 years driving experience. Additional criteria applies when driving the Minibus, ask us for details. For the car scheme you also require your own insurance, tax and MOT.

How much free time do I need to be a volunteer?

Opportunities are available from just a few hours a week.

Is there any training I need to do?

All volunteer drivers need to complete Driver Awareness Training (MiDAS). Staying Well Programme Tutors must undertake a training programme to gain their passport to practice. These are provided free of charge.

Other training sessions may be offered from time to time such as First Aid and Dementia Friends sessions.

Can I claim expenses?

Legitimate volunteer expenses are paid in all roles on a monthly basis in line with HMRC guidelines. A small amount of paperwork needs to be submitted on a monthly basis and volunteers are provided with the necessary documents to support this.

What is the application process?

We ask all volunteers to complete our application form providing the details of two referees. We will invite you for an informal interview which will include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We will then invite you back for an induction session before you start.

Bassetlaw Action Centre – Volunteer Application Form – Word Version

Bassetlaw Action Centre – Volunteer Application Form – PDF Version

For the online application form please click here or scan the QR code below:

Volunteer paperwork (for existing volunteers)

Holiday Request Form  –  please click here

Expenses Claim Form (Car Scheme Driver) – please click here

Expenses Claim Form (Befrienders) – please click here

Other Volunteering Opportunities in Bassetlaw

Find out more about other opportunities from BCVS Involve: http://www.bcvs.org.uk/involve-volunteering/about-bcvs-involve