About us
The Voluntary Support Scheme is a small local charity in Mid Devon which links volunteers with people who are going through a rough patch (anxiety, depression, isolation). We also run a self-help group.
The Voluntary Support Scheme was established in 1995 after a rural survey looking at how volunteers could offer help. We became a registered charity in our own right in 2003.
The Voluntary Support Scheme links trained volunteers with people over 18, in the Exe and Culm valleys. The volunteers meet people weekly, usually in their own homes, and listen to help them decide what steps they want to take to change the way things currently are for them. The volunteers then offer all the support and encouragement needed to make those steps a reality. The volunteers are offered all the training and support they need to carry out their role.
Recent research has proved what our clients have always told us - that what we do seems to really help. Our involvement makes a significant difference to 9 out of 10 people we visit. They feel better about themselves, about their relationships and sleep better. You can read more about the survey in the report.
To see the VSS Evaluation Report follow this link
We also arrange forums which give volunteers, carers, members of the public and workers from Statutory organisations the chance to meet. Forum topics have included Psychological Care in Physical Illness, Saying Goodbye - bereavement experiences from childhood to older adulthood and Mood and Food. A quarterly newsletter about emotional well-being is distributed locally and can be accessed from our Downloads page.
Structure
The Voluntary Support Scheme is a registered charity (Charity number: 1097279). It employs a part-time Co-ordinator and is run by a committee with many years of experience. The committee includes a family therapist, clinical psychologist and manager of a voluntary group, as well as some of our own volunteers who bring experience in business as well as a background in mental health.
Funding
The Voluntary Support Scheme is funded by grants from Devon Primary Care NHS Trust, Tiverton Town Council, Mid Devon District Council, Yapp Charitable Trust, Devon Community Foundation, Bampton Parochial Parish Council, Clare Milne Trust, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales and also by donations from individuals and from fund-raising events. Full financial details are in our annual report. For the Annual Report follow this link
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Equal Opportunities.
VSS is committed to challenging all forms of discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity and good community relations
We acknowledge that the experience of discrimination is a reality for people in Devon. Because of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and other issues people are denied life opportunities, find access to services more difficult, and suffer inequalities as a result. This results in injustice that needs to be addressed.
In our work we will therefore ensure that no current or potential member of staff, volunteer or service user will experience discrimination as a result of our attitudes, activities or policies. If evidence of discrimination is found, action will be taken by the Management Committee.
We will seek to extend our knowledge and understanding of different cultures and lifestyles and to avoid stereotyping wherever possible. We understand, however, that it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of all those using, or employed by The Voluntary Support Service, and may therefore suggest alternative services where we feel the Voluntary Support Scheme is not appropriate.
We will monitor our recruitment of volunteers and staff with particular reference to equality of opportunity.
We are committed to being open to ideas of how to facilitate access to our services for any person for whom the service is an appropriate option.