Volunteering

Age Concern Pembrokeshire is the only local charity established to support and promote the wellbeing of older people resident throughout the County. We receive numerous queries and referrals, but ultimately classify our Clients according to their 'level of need', an assessment made in conjunction with several partner organisations, to ensure that we focus our limited resources on the most vulnerable, and that we do not replicate the support provided by statutory and other local service providers. To this end, Volunteers are our most important resource and this section helps to introduce you to volunteering.

Volunteering is about giving, but will I get anything in return?

First, you will be supported. Age Concern Pembrokeshire is the first charity in the County to be awarded the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) certificate (October 2008). This is the equivalent of the well-established Investing in People award and has 10 points to meet to gain qualification. Key amongst these is that we have the structure and commitment to enable our Volunteers to perform a variety of functions within the organisation, including planning and governance. IiV accreditation is not an 'award for life' and is reviewed regularly to ensure the objectives and standards are maintained.

What happens if I want to volunteer for another organisation?

We work very closely with other charities and associations to ensure that we promote the overall principle of volunteering, regardless of what cause benefits. We are particularly keen to promote volunteering as a means by which older people can remain active and engaged within the community, particularly by applying their skills and experience in areas where they might be valuable. We are also keen to encourage intergenerational volunteering, whether older people acting as mentors, or children helping the older generation to overcome technical concerns associated with computers or texting.

How do I proceed?

In the first instance, we will have an informal chat to establish the basics. Essentially, this will enable you to ask questions and to understand how your skills and interests could best be applied. You will be asked to discuss what you would like to gain from volunteering for ACP (because your skills and interests might be better applied in another organisation with which we have links). We will arrange for you to meet other like-minded Volunteers, before you proceed to the actual application form. We hold regular induction days at which you would have the opportunity to discuss openly with other Volunteers, the Volunteering Coordinator and Chief Officer. Finally, law requires a Criminal Records Bureau check, which we conduct on your behalf.

This is the final step before you begin to make a difference to people who will value your time more than you can imagine!

To find out more, please write or speak to Jan Williams (Volunteering Coordinator)

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