Voluntary Action South West Surrey


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Cranleigh Riding for Disabled

Mission Statement

Through the commitment of volunteers, RDA enables people with disabilites to ride to benefit their health and well being and to achieve their goals 

Riding offers a degree of independence that many disabled people cannot have in their daily life.
 
There are also medical advantages - the warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider's body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, reducing spasticity and improving balance, posture and co-ordination. The movement of the pelvis influences the lumbar region and is transferred up the spine thus encouraging control of the trunk and head. Riding a horse makes mobility possible.  From the elevated position on its back, riders have an opportunity to see more than would otherwise be possible for them. The experience our riders gain through the contact they have with our ponies also helps to create a great sense of achievement and confidence. We hope that this will, in turn, make their lives easier and more fulfilled.

General Interests

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Dance Woking

Mission Statement

Established in 1994, Dance Woking is an innovative dance organisation that provides high quality opportunities to watch, perform and take part in dance, providing new experiences that inspire artists, audiences, participants and communities.

WHO ARE WE FOR?

Our work is primarily for Woking and the surrounding Surrey towns and villages.

We serve and support networks across the age spectrum from schoolchildren, to students and recent graduates, to young people outside training and education, and the perennials.

Dance lovers across the county and into London rave about our regular live public performances.

And our pop-up and festival appearances in shopping centres and local parks bring our public spaces to life.

WHY DANCE WOKING?

Our work brings unexpected and lasting benefits through dance to real communities at grass roots level where it has lasting impact.

We are a thriving and nimble business firmly rooted in Woking and Surrey, soon entering our fourth decade of inspiring dance.

We’re alert to local collaborations and equipped to offer more, especially with our funding partners at the Borough Council.

We work with other regional agents in housing and health, in sport and in schools; and we have successful alliances with independent dance artists and choreographers, and with specialist dance schools and mainstream education providers.

General Interests

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Farnham Community Farm

Mission Statement

Founded in 2008, Farnham Community Farm, previously known as Farnham Local Food, is a community-run project supported by volunteer labour. Our aim is to provide fresh, locally-grown vegetables for people in and around the Farnham area.

Here’s some of the things we are proud of:

•    We care about the environment and our produce has virtually no food miles.

•    Our vegetables are the freshest in town, usually picked on the same day they are collected.

•   Same day freshness guarantees our veg maintain valuable nutrients which are lost in mass produced supermarket veg that has travelled for miles to reach your table.

•    We can grow varieties purely for taste rather than transportability.

•    Although not certified, we use organic practices to grow our veg which means everything is free of pesticides.

•    All our members have the opportunity to actively help out with the scheme.

We currently have places within our scheme if you would like to buy produce weekly.  There are a three different sizes of veg share available at competitive prices, please refer to our weekly veg bag page for more information.

As with all community projects we always need more help in all areas of our scheme.  If you think FCF is something you may enjoy being part of then come along and see us. All ages, all abilities, everyone is welcome.  We hope to see you there.

General Interests

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Farnham Swimming Baths Trust

Mission Statement

To benefit the inhabitants of Farnham and its neighbourhood by the provision and maintenance of an open space, including gardens.

Principal activity is the maintenance and enhancement of the Victoria Gardens in Farnham.

General Interests

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Frensham Pond Sailability (Farnham)

Mission Statement

To provide recreational and competitive sailing for people with a disability or long term illness.

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Girlguiding Surrey West - Herons Wey (Farnham)

If you love the outdoors and would like young people to get the chance to enjoy it too, then welcome to Herons Wey.  Herons Wey is a 52 acre campsite in Tilford owned by Girlguiding Surrey West since 1977.  Completely run by volunteers, we are looking for as much help as we can find to maintain and improve what we offer.  We look forward to meeting you.

Mission Statement

Girlguiding is the largest organisation for girls and young women in the UK.  The aim is to sustain and promote a stimulating and enjoyable programme of activities.  These will help girls and young women develop their potential and enable them to play an active role in their community.

General Interests

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Guildford Health Walks

Mission Statement

The goal of Guildford Health Walks is that everyone will have access to a short, free and friendly health walk within easy reach of where they live, to help them become and stay active; and we couldn't do this without all the amazing volunteers that make our health walks possible. 

From volunteer walk leaders and assistants, volunteers do a fantastic job in supporting and developing the national Walking for Health initiative. I'd love for you to be a part of that too!

Guildford Health Walks currently has five walk groups in Guildford. The groups are: Boxgrove Park, Merrow Down, Shalford, Shere, Spectrum leisure centre, Worplesdon and Whitmoor Common.

The walks are aimed at people recovering from illness, or people wanting to get a bit more active.

Leading walks is a fun way of giving something back to your local community. You will make new friends and discover lovely outdoor places. 

General Interests

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Guildford Sea Cadets

Mission Statement

We are a very well established Sea Cadet unit that has been in operation since 1942. We were recognised in 2010 as one of the best units in the southern area. This is not only because of our central location, right in the heart of Guildford, but because of our ethos and commitment to provide top notch activities for young people.

Our superb location, perched on the banks of the River Wey near the National Trust's Dapdune Wharf, is so close to the water that you can touch it. And this fits well with our aim; to give young people the opportunity to get out onto the water, gain confidence and have a lot of laughs at the same time.

We want to keep our cadets active both on an off the water. Long evenings in the Summer months mean loads of time on the water: Kayaking, sailing, rowing and driving power boats. Then when the nights draw cold and you think that all we can do is in a classroom you find we keep active: rock climbing, leadership games and activities and sports games.

We currently have 65 cadets, male and female aged between 10 and 18, of whom 16 are Royal Marine Cadets.

We have a wide range of facilities and instructional staff which means we can offer you the opportunity to learn new skills in a safe environment whilst having loads of fun!

General Interests

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Puttenham Barn

Mission Statement

http://www.puttenhamcampingbarn.co.uk/images/barn%20open%20day%20small.jpg

 

Puttenham Barn is run by a small environmental charity called Project Oasis North Downs (POND).

Its mission is to provide simple inexpensive overnight accommodation in a 250 year old barn, in an environmentally responsible way.

It is aimed at walkers, cyclists & people enjoying the surrounding beautiful countryside.

The Barn has many environmental features including solar panels (on its bike shed!), rainwater harvesting & local varieties of apple trees in the garden.

We aim to open at weekends, during school holidays and on as many other nights as we can between Easter & October.

 

Volunteering Opportunities

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Sport Godalming

Mission Statement

Sport Godalming is dedicated to developing and encouraging participation in sport by promoting events and the provision of first class facilities in the area, to raise awareness of local sports issues and opinions and to support local sports organisations and individuals.

General Interests

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St Nicolas 9th Guildford Scout Group

At present (Autumn 2020) we are running a modified programme under strict COVID-secure conditions to protect leaders and young people.  We are looking (now and long-term) for two key people:

Assistant Cub Scout Leader

One evening a week (Monday, 6.45pm-8pm) in central Guildford.  Working with the Cub Scout Leader and several Young Leaders from our Explorer Scouts.  Approximately 25 Cub Scouts follow a well-organised programme of Scout Association learning activities and games.  Occasional weekend camps and plenty of outdoor adventure activities in the summer term.  Boys and girls, aged 8-10.

Training is provided by the Scout Association, and our experienced leadership team ensures all volunteers are properly supported.

More information on www.stnicolas9thguildford.org.uk/our-sections/cub-scouts-8-10-5

 

 

Assistant Beaver Scout Leader

One evening a week (Wednesday, 5.45-7pm) in central Guildford.  Working with the Beaver Scout Leader and Young Leaders.  24 children (boys and girls) aged 6-8.  Combining indoor games and projects with outdoor experiences including the chance to camp once a year.

Training is provided by the Scout Association, and our experienced leadership team ensures all volunteers are properly supported.

More information on www.stnicolas9thguildford.org.uk/our-sections/beaver-scouts-6-8

Mission Statement

We prepare young people with skills for life. Through our programme of activities, camps and expeditions we encourage young people aged from 6 to 18 to do more, learn more and be more.

 

General Interests

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Surrey Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE Surrey)

Mission Statement

Purpose:

We are the Surrey Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). Our aim is to protect, promote and enhance the countryside and natural environment of Surrey.

Mission:

We work with local communities and their elected representatives to find positive and lasting ways to enable our countryside and nature to thrive - today and for generations to come.

Vision:

Our goal is for a beautiful and vibrant countryside that sustains our wildlife, contributes to public health and wellbeing, and enriches all our lives.

General Interests

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Surrey Care Trust - Swingbridge Community Project (Guildford)

Mission Statement

Tackle disadvantage, social exclusion and hardship in local communities and to help people improve their life chances. We will reach out to people to equip them with the skills to improve their economic situation, to reduce their social isolation and to convince them that they have a valuable contribution to make to society.

 

Amongst the ways this is achieved are:

 

Helping people to help themselves for the longer term by providing life-changing opportunities through education and training.

  • Running innovative programmes designed to keep disaffected and vulnerable young people in education, either at mainstream school or at one of our own learning centres, so that they achieve the skills and self-confidence they need for a successful and fulfilling life.
  • Offering second chance learning and training to people of all ages whose lack of skills limits their opportunities and leaves them economically vulnerable.
  • Making training and education programmes available to offenders and ex-offenders, both to improve their own life chances and to create safer communities by helping to reduce re-offending.


General Interests

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Surrey Hills Society

Mission Statement

Surrey Hills Society - Discover and help conserve our National landscape The Surrey Hills Society is an independent charity formed 15 years ago.  It promotes the positive enjoyment and care of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is in the course of being rebranded as one of the UK’s National Landscapes. We encourage those who live, work in, or visit the area to explore and learn about the special qualities and distinctiveness of the area.  The Society also uses its extensive network to actively promote the conservation and enjoyment of the Surrey Hills.

In June 2019 the Society was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which is the highest award for volunteer groups to recognise outstanding work done in their communities and is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations.

Our mission is summarised by four words: Conserve, Inspire, Educate and Enjoy.

For further information visit our website.

General Interests

Surrey Hills Society Show Volunteers

Volunteers wanted for the Surrey Hills Society stand at local shows

 

We are looking for volunteers to help with our stand at various local shows at a variety of locations across the Surrey Hills. This could be for one show a year or several. A willingness to work outdoors is essential and an ability to engage with members of the public is useful.  Knowledge of the Surrey Hills and the Surrey Hills Society is helpful but not essential as this can be learned.  There is support available from a team of experienced volunteers who manage the Society.

The Society attends a variety of shows with a gazebo such as the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, artisan fairs, village shows and farmers markets to showcase the work of the Society and to be the public face of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. These take place at a variety of locations but usually have a broad reach across the county. 

We are also looking for lead volunteers to help organise the gazebo at these shows and to lead a team of volunteers on the day.   A level of fitness to help erect a gazebo and carry items of equipment is needed as well as a car to transport the kit. This role involves assisting in the planning as well as picking up with kit and setting up the gazebo as well as engaging with members of the public and fellow team members.

The minimum age for general show volunteers is 16 and for lead volunteers it is 18.

Date posted: 16th February 2023

Trustees for Surrey Hills Society

Our Trustees

The Trustees and Management Team for the Society are all unpaid volunteers and are appointed for a term of three years.  Most of our Trustees have been in office for several years and some are required to step down at our next AGM in October because our articles require them to do so after three terms in office.

We are looking for new trustees with strategic vision, independent judgement, and a willingness to commit to the leadership of the charity as we move forward with our vision.  All our trustees have a passion for the Surrey Hills and our interests include the importance of conserving and maintaining the landscape, alongside the enjoyment and understanding of the ecology, culture, and heritage of one of the most beautiful areas of the British Isles.  There is a strong team ethic, and we are looking for like-minded people, who are prepared to work with our Surrey Hills Family and our network of partners to promote the Society and its objectives.

Our trustee board meets approximately every three months and is responsible for setting the overall direction of the Society and overseeing our governance and finances. Meetings are sometimes online, but we aim for regular physical meetings, and these tend to alternate between the East and West ends of the County.  Our Events Committee organises about 50 events for our members each year and we engage with several hundred volunteers with the help of a full-time Project and Volunteer Coordinator.  We are also extending our outreach activity to promote health and well-being in the countryside and enjoyment of the Surrey Hills by minority groups and those that might otherwise be excluded.  Whilst not all our trustees are involved in our day-to-day activities, we have a wide variety of opportunities in which you can become involved e.g. walk and event planning, volunteer and conservation activities, media and communications and finance and administration.

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from those with backgrounds, which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. 

Date posted: 20/04/2023

 

Part-time Conservation Project Assistants

Position Overview: We are seeking motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team as voluntary part-time conservation project assistants. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on local conservation efforts while gaining valuable experience in assisting with volunteer initiatives. You will play a vital role in organising, leading, and inspiring volunteers to contribute to various conservation projects across the Surrey Hills. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with leading and supervising practical conservation sessions ranging from tree planting, hedge planting, tree popping, butterfly surveys, dormice surveys and scrub clearance.
  • Ensure practical tasks are completed safely and efficiently. 
  • Collaborate with local community groups, schools, corporates, and other stakeholders to expand volunteer participation and community outreach.
  • Contribute to the Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteers Programme providing suggestions for improvement based on volunteer feedback and experiences.

We are looking for the following:

  • Passion and enthusiasm for conservation and environmental protection, with a strong desire to engage and inspire others, particularly those that may face barriers to the countryside.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with volunteers, staff, and stakeholders of diverse backgrounds.
  • Committed and reliable.
  • Familiarity with local ecosystems, conservation practices, and environmental issues is an advantage but not essential.
  • First aid is an advantage but not essential.
  • You must have access to a car to travel to various locations across the area.

Position Details:

  • Part-Time: Flexible to accommodate other commitments. Weekend and weekday working available.
  • Expenses - Travel expenses will be paid for.
  • Location: Various sites across the Surrey Hills including areas surrounding Guildford, Haslemere, Dorking and Reigate.
  • Duration: Ongoing. However, our busiest time is during the autumn/winter.
  • Application Deadline: No deadline but we would like to enrol people as soon as possible.
  • How to Apply: Please fill in the application form and we will get in touch with further information on how to apply. This will likely be a short paragraph on why you are interested in the role. 

 

You can find out more about the Surrey Hills Society and our Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteers programme by clicking on the hyperlinks.

 

Surrey Hills Society is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

 

A group of conservation volunteers

Date posted: 12/09/2023

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