Getting involved

We are always looking for people who feel strongly about what we do to join us as volunteers. Our volunteers help with routine tasks such as preparing and distributing publicity materials or making refreshments at our events, as well as being involved in the visiting.

We do not expect our volunteer visitors to offer counselling - just every day common sense, good humour and tolerance. We don't ask volunteers for any specific qualifications. The most important thing they bring to the work is being a good listener with the ability to stay alongside someone who is struggling and to encourage them to take their own steps without the urge to offer advice or to do it for them.
http://www.voluntarysupportscheme.org.uk/cartoon13sm.jpg 
Often our volunteers have been through some rough patch in their own lives and are able to understand when someone is feeling totally isolated and lacking in self-esteem because of what life has thrown at them. However it is really important for volunteers that any rough patch they have experienced is now well in the past because doing this work can be very demanding in itself.

Other people are not able to get actively involved in our work at the moment but they show their support by becoming Friends. They pay an annual subscription (currently £10) and receive regular news about our events and an invitation to join us for lunch before our AGM.

Others simply make donations or arrange fund-raising events for us.