People volunteer for a range of different reasons. Crossroads Care Hertfordshire North like many charities relies heavily on the support of volunteers. Volunteers include graduates who are seeking employment but are keen to learn new skills and demonstrate positive activity on their CV or recently retired people who are keen to give something back to their local community and who enjoy the social activity and being valued for their skills. Others for various reasons need to build their confidence to apply for jobs and get back in the workplace.
The volunteer workforce supports the team by picking up administrative tasks that free up time and help staff to focus on other priorities. Some volunteers help out at our Carers Cafes in Stevenage, Hitchin and Letchworth.
Jane Smith is an excellent example of a dedicated volunteer. Jane said “I have been volunteering for Crossroads Care since May 2012 and in that time I have been helping to organise carers’ events. I also help to facilitate the Carers’ Cafes in Hitchin and Letchworth.”
“I volunteer because it gives me great satisfaction in helping people less fortunate than myself. It motivates me to see how beneficial the cafes are to the carers, as they can share their experiences with a wider group and have time out from their every day stresses of caring. It’s a joy to see a smile on their face considering what they are going through.”
Volunteering can be very rewarding. Crossroads have a full team of volunteers recently recruited to support their busy Hitchin Office. However, they are looking to recruit a team of Ambassador Volunteers who will be called on to support the Charity at events and activities on an as needed basis and develop fundraising activities as part of a team. The commitment is likely to be between 4 – 8 hours per month and might include volunteering at weekends.
Sheelagh Taylor, Chief Executive said “This is an exciting and new opportunity to volunteer for a busy charity, develop skills and work as part of a team to raise funds and make a difference to the lives of carers.”
An Information Session about the Role of an Ambassador Volunteer is being planned. If you want to find out more and get involved please contact Jo Wilkinson on 01462 427010.