Peterborough CVS Volunteering Page

New Volunteering Opportunities

Did you know that tucked away between Stamford and Peterborough in the village of Helpston is the home of John Clare (1793-1864). Widely regarded as one of the greatest of the English poets, John Clare lived in the village for his first forty years from 1793 until 1832.

John Clare Cottage in Helpston are now looking to recruit new volunteers to join their team. They are looking for Cafe Assistants and Garden Assistants.

Currently they are open Monday and Thursday each week from 10am to 3pm but would like to extend their opening hours.

Cafe Assistant: General operation of the cafe, customer service, Food hygiene, cleaning and all cafe related matters.

Garden Assistant: Care and cultivation of the John Clare Museum garden including but not limited to planting and general horticultural and maintenance activities.

For more information on the John Clare Cottage see www.clarecottage.org or call 01733 253330 to speak to a member of the team about volunteering opportunities.

Are you a leader in business? Are you an entrepreneur? Can you lead the next generation by sharing your knowledge and boosting their confidence?

Does this sound like you? If so the Heroes Foundation want to hear from you.

Who are The Heroes Foundation?
We are a nationwide charity that runs programmes that targets a diverse range of students in schools. Through volunteering, we aim to improve leadership, and motivate young people to make a genuine difference in their school, community, and society. We provide young people the opportunity to become natural role models, improve their wellbeing, create a positive school culture, and gain invaluable employability skills.

For more details on how you can help contact [email protected]

We have recently secured funding from The National Lottery to run a Peterborough Community Outreach Programme.

Are you a Mum/Nan with a couple of hours a week spare? NCT are searching for volunteers to support new & expectant mums as part of our Birth & Beyond Community Support Project.
Their volunteers are trained to offer a listening ear, signpost to local services or accompanying mums on a ‘Walk & Talk’ or to local groups/baby play.
If you'd like to know more please get in touch by emailing: [email protected] and they'll send you a role description and details of how to apply. Or you can apply online here:
www.nct.org.uk/bbcs

Are you looking for a new challenge?

Do you want to improve your skills?

Been out of the workforce for a period of time and need recent experience?

Have you thought about Volunteering?

At The PCVS Volunteer Centre we have a long history in supporting members of the Peterborough Community into volunteer roles with our member organisations. From people who want to support their local community and give back, to people who are looking to break back into the workforce after a period of unemployment by gaining new and recent experience. Our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah, can discuss all the options we have for opportunities within Peterborough.
Working with member organisations we can find the best match for you and either the skills you have or the skills you wish to develop. Some of our own members of the team at PCVS started as volunteers with us. We are passionate about the need for people to help their communities and that volunteering can be beneficial for people in creating an improved mental well being for the individual and a better community for all.

We are open to see people face to face at the office on Cromwell Road. The last Wednesday of each month is the date to put in your diaries, this month it’s the 25th of January between 11am and 2pm, when you can drop in without an appointment and speak with the Volunteer Coordinator and our own volunteer here at PCVS and start your volunteering journey.

Nene Park have great volunteering opportunities for Young People in the New Year. For ages 11-16. If you are passionate about the environment and would like to have a positive impact in protecting and enhancing the environment in your local area why not become a Young Ranger?

See the image for further details and to book a place contact [email protected]

***New Opportunities***
Members needed for Independent Monitoring Boards – HMP Peterborough and HMP Whitemoor
Do you believe everyone in custody deserves to be treated fairly? Are you looking for a role which gives insight into a world that few people see? If so, we are currently looking for new members to join the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at 12 prisons across the East of England.

The IMB helps to ensure that proper standards of care and decency are maintained. Applicants do not need any special qualifications or experience as we will provide all necessary training and support. You need to be over 18 years of age and live within approximately 30 miles of the prison. You need to be enthusiastic, open minded, possess effective communication skills and have the ability to exercise sound, objective judgement.

This is an unpaid, voluntary role, but we pay your travel expenses and in certain circumstances, some loss of earnings and childcare/carer costs. Please visit the IMB website for further information and to apply: Prison volunteering vacancies - imb.org.uk

If you live or work in Peterborough, Fenland or South Lincolnshire and have experience and interest in diverse communities, you can find out more at http://ow.ly/yssW50LJCNS

Volunteering Opportunities

Do you want to make a difference and support the British Red Cross? You can do both when you join one of our many British Red Cross volunteering opportunities.

The Coronavirus pandemic has meant that people need our support more than ever. By joining our volunteering team, you can be there for people when they need it the most, whilst making a difference to others lives.

If you can spare a few hours per week you can help get people in your community. For more information email us at [email protected]

**New Opportunity** Action for Children.
Independent Visitor volunteering opportunity
We are looking for Independent Visitors in Peterborough to work with children aged between 5 and 18 years who are in Care. This vital work will see you mentor these young people, building long-term friendships that help them to access hobbies and build life skills.

For further information contact: [email protected] Tel No. 07773113603

Amazing Feedback for the The Christmas Dinner - Peterborough

If you are interested in volunteering this year, check out their page.

Feedback from one of amazing volunteers and steering group member Christmas 2021
Help us make some more Christmas memories for our local care leavers and remind them they are loved and cared for by their community x

NEW Organisation to Peterborough and NEW Volunteer Opportunities!

Into University Academic Support Programme provides free tutoring and support to young people in a stimulating classroom environment. Young people receive help with homework, coursework, revision and study skills.

Volunteer Tutors are an integral part of the centres. Volunteers act as role models, supporting academic progress and providing inspiration and encouragement to young people from the local community.

If you would like to know more about these roles please contact [email protected] or take a look at the intouniversity.org/volunteer page.

Are you looking for a new challenge? There are New Volunteering Opportunities with Embrace CVOC.

Voluntary Service Support role and Voluntary Business Support Role.

Embrace Child Victims of Crime supports young victims and witnesses of crime to recover from their trauma and rebuild their lives. We particularly support those affected by all kinds of abuse, violence and exploitation. We provide emotional support and counselling and practical support including food and school uniform vouchers to help families harmed by crime and living in poverty and struggling because of the cost of living crisis. To find out more visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk or contact [email protected]

Centre 33 was established in 1981 in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to provide advice and support that helps young people to fulfil their potential. They are currently looking to recruit Trustees. They hold 4 board meetings a year which you would be expected to attend and prepare for. Commitment would be initially for 3 years. If you would like further information contact [email protected]

Next Week! We hope to see you there.

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice are hosting their Starlight Hike at Ferry Meadows this year on Saturday the 22nd of October. They are looking for volunteers to be Route Marshals and for other activities such as registration of walkers and car parking duties for those not wishing to be on the route itself.

This is a great opportunity for some one off volunteering time and the team and all the amazing people taking part have a great time while raising much needed funds and remembering their loved ones.

If you would like to be involved as a volunteer please contact the team on [email protected] to find out more information.

Thank you to everyone who turned up today - we came we walked, we shivered and we got warm with coffee!

Carol from AGE UK, Debbie from Alzheimer's Society, Debbie from EAAA, Tina from Care Network, Emma from Paston Farm Community Foundation, Briony from Nene Park Trust and PCVS Volunteer Coordinator Sarah all got together for a walk around Central Park.

The lovely Kay (volunteer) joined us, we chatted about everything volunteering and how tough volunteer recruitment is at the moment in the sector. If you are interested in any opportunities on this page or would like to talk about volunteering please contact us via the page or via [email protected]

For anyone who uses the Millfield Community Fridge please be aware that the fridge will be closed from October 4th-17th.

For anyone looking for a Volunteering Opportunity on Christmas Day, The Christmas Dinner project is a great way to give back.

Volunteer Opportunity

Peterborough Soup Kitchen has been providing much needed food & drink to disadvantaged and homeless people for almost 40 years.

Without our loyal and dedicated volunteers, we simply couldn't operate.

If you would like to get involved, we are always looking for more volunteers to support us.

Our volunteers commit to a minimum of 4 hours per month, and there are other activities such as cake baking & fundraising that are much needed too.

Not only is this a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the community it is also a chance to learn new skills and meet new people.

Additionally, we also offer Food Hygiene training.

Interested? Please see https://www.peterboroughsoupkitchen.org.uk/volunteer for more information and to volunteer.

So you want to Volunteer?

Come and talk with Volunteer Coordinators from Age UK, Paston Farm Community Foundation, Alzheimer's Society, Sacrewell Farm, Barnardo's, Family Action, East Anglian Air Ambulance about the opportunities that they have available to prospective volunteers.

Have you been to one of our Volunteer drop in sessions? They happen on the last Wednesday of each month from 11am to 1pm. The next one is tomorrow the 31st of August - come and say hello and have a chat about volunteering and what opportunities are available for you in Peterborough.

Are you looking for a new challenge?
Do you want to improve your skills?
Been out of the workforce for a period of time and need recent experience?
Have you thought about Volunteering?

Join us at our Volunteering Drop in Sessions the last Wednesday of every month. The next one is on Wednesday 27th July! Everyone is welcome to drop in at our PCVS office, 32-34 Cromwell road, Peterborough between 11am and 1pm.

Come along and have an informal chat with our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Woodbine. who has a wealth of knowledge and experience of volunteering herself and will share what current opportunities exist locally, answer any questions and help people find the right opportunity for them. She would also be happy to share her own experiences in her personal volunteering journey! We look forward to seeing you there.

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteer CPR Demonstrators

About East Anglian Air Ambulance

We are a 365 day-a-year lifesaving service working across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Since the charity’s launch in 2000, the dedicated, highly skilled medical crews on our specially equipped helicopters have helped to save the lives of hundreds of people unfortunate enough to be involved in accidents or medical emergencies in this region.

About our CPR and Defibrillator Courses.

Every year approximately 12,000 people in the East of England suffer a cardiac arrest whilst at home, work or play. Currently only about 60% of these receive any form of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before the arrival of the ambulance service and less than 5% have a defibrillator deployed. Early bystander CPR can treble the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest. Coupled with the early use of a defibrillator this can improve survival rates from 2% to around 40-70%. East Anglian Air Ambulance aims to save more lives and minimise the impact of trauma and medical emergencies in the community. To achieve this, we are delivering CPR and defibrillator awareness training to community organisations and workplaces across East Anglia.
About this role

Due to the demand for our CPR sessions, an exciting opportunity has arisen for volunteers. We are seeking people willing to become Volunteer CPR demonstrators to deliver our free 1-hour CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions to community groups across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Ideally, you will have experience in delivering CPR or CPR training and hold a basic life support or first aid certificate. You’ll receive training from one of our Critical Care Paramedics in how to deliver the course and ongoing monitoring and support will be provided.

What will I be doing?
• Delivering our free high-quality CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions to community groups across the county in which you are based (Normally within an hour's drive of your address)
• You will be able to respond to requests for training which come into EAAA but will also have the opportunity to work with community fundraising to identify opportunities, and to use you own local knowledge and contacts to liaise directly with community groups via phone or email, informing them about the course.
• You may be handling small amounts of money and donations. We will advise you on our cash handling procedure. In the future we hope to be able to use Tap to Donate machines and QR codes as more convenient ways for attendees to make donations
• Communicating regularly with the EAAA CPR Coordinator to ensure all bookings are processed correctly, and visits are followed up where necessary.

When can I volunteer?

When delivering the CPR courses, we are usually guided by the requests and what dates and times suit the groups asking us to attend. You can though contact the group to discuss alternatives and to agree a date and time that is convenient to both of you.
When liaising with potential groups, we would ask you to please be mindful of not making the phone calls either too early in the day or too late in the evening.
When agreed, the details and booking forms need to be shared with EAAA CPR Co-ordinator

What we are looking for
• Previous experience of delivering CPR training is preferable but not essential as full training will be given
• Confident in public speaking and delivering training
• Flexible with your time and able to attend courses at short notice with an ability to deliver a couple of sessions each month. These are likely to include courses in the evenings and at weekends.
• Must be able to travel across the county you cover to attend courses and have access to your own transport.
• Physically able to deliver all aspects of training, which will involve performing CPR on a mannequin. You will also need to be able to kneel on the floor to demonstrate.
• Friendly, enthusiastic and approachable.

What we can offer

• Full First Aid training and induction provided by EAAA, as well as ongoing support.
• The chance to make a real difference in your local community.
• Join a warm and friendly team of like-minded people.
• Travel and telephone expenses can be paid.

Interested?

Please complete our online application form! For further information please contact [email protected] , call 03450 669999 or visit our website www.eaaa.org.uk

We look forward to meeting you

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Advice Support Volunteer

What will you do?

Our Advice Support Volunteers provide additional help and support to clients following their advice appointment to ensure they continue to move forward with their issues.

In this role, you will:
● complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role
● work with Citizens Advice Peterborough generalist advisers to help clients with specific tasks
● write a summary of the clients’ problems and what action you’ve taken

Some examples of what you could do:
● offer support to clients completing paper and online forms, for example to apply for a benefit, or to complete an application for money or equipment from a charity
● call a utility company with, or on behalf, of a client, to find out how much money they owe
● help a client switch their utility provider
● check in with clients to see how they are progressing with their advice action plans and provide support as required

What’s in it for you?

• make a real difference to people’s lives
• learn about several key issues such as benefits and debt
• build on valuable skills such as communication and listening, use of IT and working as part of a team
• Challenging and rewarding
• Full training given
• Increase your employability
• Contribute to the smooth running of the advice service which makes a real difference to peoples’ lives
• Work with a range of different people, independently and in a team
• We will reimburse expenses too.



What do you need to have?
You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to have:

• A commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service
• Excellent communication skills
• Being friending, open and approachable
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
• Ability to sift through information and extract what is relevant and meaningful
• Basic mathematical skills, including percentages, and the ability to calculate benefit entitlement accurately and speedily
• Respect for views, values and cultures that are different to their own
• An understanding of why confidentiality is important
• Being open to using computers on a regular basis
• A positive attitude to self-development and assessment
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to recognise their own limits and boundaries in the role

How much time do you need to give?
We can be flexible about the time spent; we ask that you attend a 90-minute induction, then volunteer for a minimum of 6 hours per week, on one day or across two half days.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

If you are interested in becoming an admin volunteer and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

Contact details

Helen Jones, Volunteering Development Manager (normal office hours Mon-Fri, 8.30am – 4.30pm)

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.citapeterborough.org.uk/

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteer School Appeals Panel Member
• Are you interested in Primary and Secondary School Education and want to be involved?
• Do you have excellent listening skills?
• Are you able to put people at ease?
• Are you able to make balanced decisions?
• Would you be interested in being part of an important, impartial service provided to parents and schools?

If you have answered yes to any of the above, please consider applying to be become a Volunteer School Appeals Panel Member

Why be a panel member?

For some people the work is helpful for their career, providing them with relevant work experience.

For others, it is rewarding in itself to give people the chance to state their case.
Appellants often become clearer about the options open to them during a hearing and the reasons why a place was not offered at a preferred school.

What is the role?
All parents or carers have the right to make an appeal to an independent appeal panel if their child is not offered a place at their preferred school.

The role of the panel is to decide whether a child who has been refused a place by an admission authority, should be given a place. All parties involved must be afforded an appeal hearing that is transparent, accessible, independent and impartial.

The appeal panel is independent of the local authority and their decisions are binding on all parties, unless overturned by the courts.

An Appeals Panel is made up of 3 trained panel members:
• Lay members – those without personal experience in the management of a school or provision of education in any school (except as a school governor);
• Education experienced members – those who have experience in education, are acquainted with educational conditions or who are parents of registered pupils at school.
The Panel is supported by an independent Legal Clerk who advises the Panel on points of law and procedure and takes notes during the Hearing.

What will I be doing?

• You will be sitting on independent admission appeal panels
• Ensuring that parents feel they have had a fair and independent hearing, have been given every opportunity to put their case and have been taken seriously
• Volunteers must be able to listen to two sides of a case and weigh up evidence objectively and impartially.

To ensure impartiality, panel members must not be elected Members or employees of the County Council who work in education, or on the governing body of the school concerned with the appeal. However, they can be on the governing body of an unconnected school. They must also not be involved in the management or provision of education in any school.

What skills or experience do I need?

The following qualities will help you to undertake the work of the Panel:

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Ability to read and assess information and identify key points
• Ability to listen to key information
• Ability to ask questions to obtain information and clarify points being made
• Ability to analyse information and use it to form opinions and conclusions
• Ability to obtain and weigh up evidence to reach a reasoned and evidence based decision
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Willingness to take advice
• Willingness to develop your own skills

Equal Opportunities

• Ability to demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities
• Ability to consider people’s behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs

Panel members will be expected to develop an understanding of:

• The admissions process and the guidance /legislation
• The role of the Legal Clerk

Will I receive training?

All volunteer Panel Members receive initial and annual refresher training. You will also be fully supported by the Appeals Service.

How much time do I need to give?
This can vary depending on the level of commitment you wish to give. While appeals are held throughout the year, the peak months are between April and July. The appeals are arranged for half a day or a full day.

Location of Hearings
Hearings are currently virtual using Microsoft TEAMS but this will be reviewed in September 2022.

More information
If you require further information or would like an informal to chat to discuss the above, please contact [email protected]

Last chance to apply!

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation are a fantastic organisation that we here at PCVS continue to work with on a regular basis, please share the advert with any young people who may be interested in developing their skills.

📢 Applications close at midnight on Sunday for our Young People's Panel 📢

The Young People's Panel is a new initiative to better integrate the perspectives, priorities and opinions of young people, aged 18-29, into our strategy and day-to-day work.

This voluntary role offers the chance to gain experience of committee work and develop a better understanding of issues facing communities in Cambridgeshire. We hope panellists will also be able to develop confidence, leadership and communication skills to help them in their professional development.

Find out how to apply at: www.cambscf.org.uk/vacancies

British Heart Foundation are looking for volunteers in their shops, we have a local shop here in Peterborough City Centre which is also actively seeking volunteers. Why not apply online via their new application process. The team at the Peterborough shop are really welcoming and look forward to hearing from you.

Volunteer In Our Shops Make A Difference

Are you looking for a new volunteering challenge? Safe Soulmates have some fantastic new opportunities supporting people aged 18+ with additional needs. Please see the Safe Soulmates page for further details.

Our online socials were pivotal during the pandemic in providing essential social experiences for our Soulmates. However, as time has passed and our face-to-face meet-ups and activities have restarted, we have found that many Soulmates still benefit from our wide range of online group activities. The online activities we offer range from; film club, to chatty hour, to protected ladies'/ men's hour (available to all of those who identify as such), to quiet zone catch-ups. Our timetable has been designed around our Soulmates' needs, resulting in a fluid and ever-changing dynamic range of activities. We encourage collaboration across our organisation, and we love it when volunteer's come up with suggestions for new groups!
 
Online Socials Support Volunteer support could look like:
 
* Supporting our online facilitator to host break-out rooms,
* Helping monitor the zoom chat box,
* Get inspired by creating and hosting a new group,
* Assist our online facilitator by providing support at one of our existing groups,
* Being ready to empower, encourage and support Soulmate-run groups.
 
Does any of this sound like you?
 
Are you confident with Zoom?
Can you provide encouragement and empowerment?
Can you create a trusting and judgement-free environment?
Are you open-minded?
Do you lead with empathy?
Are you respectful of individuals with complex and diverse needs?
Do you have good communication skills?
Are you patient?
 

The PCC Transitions Team are looking for a Volunteer to assist a Young man aged 20 to access a volunteering opportunity in his local Community. This would be for four hours each Wednesday for approximately 2-4 months or until he is confident to access the sessions on his own. Travel expenses are negotiable with the team and you would be required to undergo a DBS check. If you would like further information you can contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Open from 11am to 1pm today for Volunteer Drop In's. Come and chat to Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Woodbine about volunteering opportunities in Peterborough.

32-34 Cromwell Road, Peterborough PE1 2EA.