Volunteering
Welcome to the Volunteer Centre Derby
We are the Volunteer Centre based at 4 Charnwood Street - DE1 2GT - in Derby. We are here to help and support people from across the city who would like to volunteer. We also support organisations in Derby who involve volunteers on a day-to-day basis by giving support over the phone, by email and sometimes visiting project staff and volunteers in their own environment offering advice and information and getting a feel for how volunteers are involved and services are delivered. To get the team over for a chat contact Simon
We run a drop-in service here at the Volunteer Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 10.00 am and 4.30 pm. Come in and chat with one of our Volunteer Centre Advisers, or call them on 01332 342272 to discuss volunteering opportunities or to make an appointment, or if you have access to email simply drop them a line by following this link email us.
Volunteer Centre Derby
Volunteer Centre Derby offers a range of services to people who want to volunteer and for organisations who involve volunteers.
Volunteer Centres provide support at a local level for individual volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations. They have six core functions:
1. Brokerage
Our primary function is to match both individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities in the local community. We hold information on a comprehensive range of opportunities. We offer potential volunteers support and advice, matching their motivation to volunteer with appropriate volunteering opportunities.
2. Marketing volunteering
We stimulate and encourage local interest in volunteering and community activity. This may include promoting and marketing volunteering through local, regional and national events and campaigns. We manage and promote a national brand for volunteering.
3. Good practice development
We promote good practice in working with volunteers to all volunteer involving organisations. We deliver training and accreditation for potential volunteers, existing volunteers, volunteer managers and the volunteering infrastructure.
4. Develop volunteering opportunities
We work in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities. We understand the potential offered by the local communities and work with them to realise this potential. We will target specific groups that face barriers to volunteering. We will work creatively to develop imaginative, non-formal opportunities for potential volunteers.
5. Policy response and campaigning
We identify proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering. We will lead and/or participate in campaigns on issues that affect volunteers or volunteering. We campaign proactively for a more volunteer-literate and volunteer-friendly climate.
6. Strategic development of volunteering
As the local experts on volunteering we, along with other volunteer centres in Derbyshire, inform strategic thinking and planning at a regional and national level.
Newsflash July 2011
The Volunteer Centre is delighted to have received the backing of the London 2012 Inspire mark for its 'Volunteering in Derby and Derbyshire Facebook' work - Simon Hancox, Volunteer Development Co-ordinator at Community Action explains:
'Our team of volunteer centre ambassadors will be using the Facebook fan page as part of their talks and volunteering workshops out in the community. The aim is simple; to help more people to see the benefit and the range of volunteering in Derby, and to help them choose something which fits their interests and commitments.'
Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like the Volunteering in Derby and Derbyshire development are enabling people in Derby and Derbyshire to make positive life changes."
The new Facebook fan page gives regular updates about a wide range of volunteering opportunities in and around Derby, from short-term sporting and cultural events through to regular ongoing roles.
Asia Alder, Volunteering Coordinator at the University of Derby adds 'Community Action works hard to promote volunteering within the City. The team seized the opportunity to understand and use social media to their advantage. Their ability to reach a wide audience of actual and potential volunteers has been innovative and inspiring. I thoroughly support their recognition through the Inspire Mark. Congratulations on this great achievement.'
Why not take a look at the page for yourself? Simply click on the Olympics 2012 Inspire mark on the left hand side of this page or search for Volunteering in Derby and Derbyshire and you'll find us!
