In 2001, in response to requests from people at the Centre, we restructured our staffing to enable the people who use the Centre to work as volunteers. We started a Supported Volunteering Programme.
The programme has achieved very positive results, in 2006/7;
- 36 people volunteered - 31 gained nationally recognised qualifications - 16 moved on to take up employment, voluntary work or education in the community
The volunteers recieve support, training, expenses and the chance to work for a nationally recognised qualification. Work includes making and serving food, admin. and gardening.
During the harvest festival, 6 people come in over four weeks to sort and help carry to our store the vast supply of goods that are donated. They are tained in manual handling and gain a qualification in Warehouse Skills.
We also have volunteer decorators. People said they wanted to use their skills to help give something back to the centre. Every year they completely redecorate the centre. They do a really professional job and gain a qualifcation in Painting and Decorating.
