Voluntary Action South West Surrey


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Brightwells Gostrey Centre (Farnham)

Sending our warmest and well wishes to you all during this extremely difficult time. Whilst our social centre has sadly closed for the time being, we are still very much here for the older community of Farnham. We have continued to extend our daily meal service, offering a freshly cooked meal at lunch time with the option of a frozen meal for the evening, as well as afternoon tea.

 

Mission Statement

Brightwells Gostrey has been in the heart of the community for older people for over 30 years.  We provide a warm and friendly environment for senior citizens to meet. Offering a variety of vital activities and services including freshly cooked meals, daily activities, craft workshops, grandparent and toddler groups, outings and much more. We are proud to bring a sense of belonging, companionship, fun and enjoyment to those in their golden years.

We also provide a Community Meal Service, ensuring those who need it, regularly receive a nutritious freshly cooked meal and pudding. All dishes are prepared from scratch in our kitchen. However, it is far more than just a meal we are delivering.  Our team of volunteers are a friendly face to many, helping to reduce social isolation, something which has become so much more important in the recent months.

General Interests

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Canine Partners

Are you looking for a rewarding, fun, new challenge? Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of disabled people by partnering them with assistance dogs. We are looking for caring homes in Berkshire area, to raise, socialise and train puppies and young dogs up to the age of 18 months before they go on to become life-changing canine partners. Ideally, within 45 minutes’ drive RG12. Find out more caninepartners.org.uk/puppy-parents

Mission Statement

We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing. 

General Interests

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Canterbury Care Centre (Guildford)

Mission Statement

S W Association For Mental Health

(Canterbury Care Centre)

 

The Canterbury drop in day centre runs a service for adults who are suffering, or have suffered with mental illness who live in the South West Surrey area (Guildford, Farnham, Haselmere and surrounding villages).  On offer are social activities, a friendly atmosphere, informal help and advice, creative arts and writing, massage and physical activities.  Refreshments and lunch are also provided.  The centre is open on Mondays from 10am-3pm and Thursday and Friday from 10am-1pm.  You may drop in to the centre or be referred by your GP, Social services or Guildford CMHT. A lunch is provided at low cost.

General Interests

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Catalyst (Guildford)

Mission Statement

Catalyst is a non-profit organisation working with people who are dealing with issues stemming from drug and alcohol misuse and mental health.

Guildford-based for over 30 years, we work throughout Surrey and its borders in partnership with a wide variety of statutory and non-statutory organisations and bodies to provide support.

Kindness Integrity, Commitment

General Interests

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Cherry Trees (East Clandon)

Cherry Trees supports some of the most vulnerable children in Surrey, as well as their families. Our home from home respite care is a lifeline to over 100 families. As a volunteer, you can be part of the Cherry Trees community, making a difference every single day. 

Mission Statement

Our purpose

To be a force for good by transforming lives through exceptional home from home care for children with all disabilities and their families.

Our Vision

Our doors will always be open to families in need throughout the South East, by being a much loved and supported charity.

Our Values

Our aim at Cherry Trees is to offer the opportunity to children with learning and physical disabilities, most of which are severe, to enhance their quality of life by providing a safe, home-like environment whilst also providing their parents with a meaningful break.

General Interests

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Citizens Advice South West Surrey

Mission Statement

We help people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

We have a town centre location in Haydon Place, Guildford, offering a telephone,  and appointment service five days a week.

We use the information we gather carrying out this work to campaign for social justice, so that individuals do not suffer through a lack of knowledge or an inability to express them selves effectively.

We provide an increasingly vital front-line service for those in the greatest need in our local community.

The benefits of our work are not limited to improving our clients’ financial situation but also contribute to improving their health, reducing their stress and improving their confidence in dealing with their own problems.

General Interests

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Creative Response Arts (Ltd) (Farnham)

Mission Statement

Creative Response is a small local charity offering arts-based workshops for people experiencing mental health, learning and physical difficulties. 

 

In our central Farnham studio, practising artists work collaboratively with members from across Surrey and surrounding areas, guiding and facilitating the creation of paintings, drawings, sculpture and ceramics. 

 

We are passionate advocates of the benefits of the arts for mental health and well-being, and our team are proud to have been serving the community for over 25 years. 

General Interests

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Crossroads Care Surrey

LOOKING TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK?

 

We at Crossroads Care Surrey have a variety of voluntary roles available.    

 

Crossroads Care is Surrey's leading charity providing respite care support to Carers. We've been working across Surrey for over 30 years, with our core purpose being to improve the quality of life of unpaid carers and those they are caring for. 

 

COVID-19 Emergency Response

As a result of Coronavirus, Crossroads swiftly implemented a response by providing essential shopping and prescription collection services to carers and to other vulnerable people that were isolated at home. We provided regular wellbeing calls to check in on people to see how they were coping and to offer support with shopping. We're now developing a volunteer based Outreach Support and Telephone Befriending with Digital Tech project largely in response to Covid, but which enable us to continue to support people who need it with shopping and prescription collections, and also with support in learning and using digital technology.  We are seeking new volunteers who are interested in providing Outreach Support and / or Telephone or Digital Befriending.

 

As an Outreach Support Volunteer you would support people living in the same borough as yourself with shopping and prescription collections. We would provide you with appropriate PPE and pay any related fuel costs.  

 

As a Befriender you would support carers and other older people, or those being cared for, who are feeling isolated and alone and who would benefit from having someone to speak to simply to chat about life, the weather, local services and events etc. We're interested in hearing from volunteers who are relatively IT savvy and would be able to connect to our Cloud based phone system to make telephone or virtual calls to clients. We'd also like volunteers to get involved with an exciting new Befriending with digital tech project, through which you would be able to support people in learning to use, or building confidence in using laptops, smart phones and tablets. Even if you're not computer savvy, but would benefit from being a befriender yourself, please get in touch.

 

We are also now looking for people that are interested in supporting the development of the charity as a Trustee. We are looking for people with relevant and transferrable skills in keys areas including accounting & finance, HR & culture, marketing & fundraising and operations.  Find out more and apply through our website at https://crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk/about-us/#trustee

 

And we are always looking for people that are interested in other volunteering roles, including by offering support in care or club settings, in the community, with fundraising, or in the head office.

 

If you are interested in becoming part of our Surrey wide team and being involved in providing support to your community, please email us at enquiries@crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk to request a volunteer pack.

 

We'd love to hear from you... if you have a good understanding of what it's like to be a carer and are looking to give something back through volunteering.

Mission Statement

Crossroads Care Surrey is an established charity of over 30 years, offering a range of support services to carers and the people for whom they care.  We are committed to supporting people at an earlier stage in their care journey and recognise there can be a considerable length of time between a person needing some care and support periodically and them needing full time, round-the-clock care.

 

 

Community Support Volunteers will support Crossroads Care Surrey by providing the delivery of essential shopping for cared for people and carers that are struggling with the weekly shop or collecting prescriptions. With access to your own vehicle, you will receive requests made by the Community Support Co-ordinator to complete a shopping trip to help the people Crossroads Care Surrey support in your community.  

 

Befriending Volunteers will support befriending service to the people we support, enabling them to benefit from knowing there is someone there to listen, understand, be their friend and check in on their wellbeing. Calls could last anything from 10 minutes to half an hour and you will need to ensure that you can listen with understanding and patience and then respond appropriately.

 

Our Companion Volunteers provide visits upwards of 1 and a half hours.  Companionship visits are generally provided by our team of volunteers and are geared up towards people in the early stages of their caring journey, and their loved ones who do not – at this stage – require round-the-clock or specialist support.

 

We're also looking for new Trustee's to join us now, so if you're interested in supporting us in leading the development of respite services for carers in Surrey, please enquire through our website www.crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk

 

We are also always looking for people that are interested in other volunteering roles, including by offering support in care or club settings, in the community or in the head office.

 

If you are interested in becoming part of our Surrey wide team and being involved in providing support to your community, please email us at enquiries@crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk to request a volunteer pack.

 

We'd love to hear from you... if you have a good understanding of what it's like to be a carer and are looking to give something back through volunteering.

General Interests

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Dose of Nature

Mission Statement

Dose of Nature is a mental health charity whose purpose is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals through increased engagement with the natural world. Our work is rooted in a wealth of scientific evidence that demonstrates the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature.

We deliver ‘nature prescriptions’ to people referred by their GP with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, bereavement, trauma, and addiction. Through a combination of education, first-hand experience, and practical and motivational support, we encourage a greater connection with nature, and inspire lifestyle changes that have a significant and lasting impact on mental wellbeing. Our model is a positive, hopeful and outward-looking approach to mental health.

General Interests

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Family Voice Surrey

Mission Statement

Family Voice Surrey champions the needs and rights of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) families in Surrey: families with children or young adults up to the age of 25 who have special educational needs, chronic illnesses, including mental health conditions, or disabilities.

 

The role of Parent Carer Forums is recognised in the Children and Families Act 2014, providing a platform for us in Surrey as the official voice of parent carers of children and young people with additional needs. We gather parent carers’ views and experiences of local SEND services, and work with families and representatives from the local authority, local schools, and health to improve services and drive change. We also build strong relationships with other Surrey-based organisations working in different ways to support children and young people with additional needs.

 

 

General Interests

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Guildford Borough Council - Community Wellbeing Team

Mission Statement

Do you love gardening? Do you like helping those in your community? Then we have the perfect project for you!

 

We are looking for volunteers to help those in their local community, who are not able to upkeep their gardens. We are aiming to start the project in Merrow during the Springtime. This is a pilot project and in the future, we would love for it to be rolled out across all the wards of Guildford.

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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Halow project (Guildford)

Mission Statement

To make a difference

About us

The halow project is a growing community-based charity, situated in Guildford, Surrey. We support young people, aged 16+, with a learning disability on their journey into adult life.

The young people we work with want the opportunity to:

  • Build relationships
  • Become part of the community
  • Find meaningful employment
  • Have a home of their own

We believe that the young people we support have the right to be part of and respected in their communities and are entitled to a life they choose in ways which best suit them. halow is committed to developing creative opportunities and removing social barriers.

General Interests

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Harry Edwards Foundation

Mission Statement

The Harry Edwards Foundation’s mission is to bring spiritual healing to all living things. As well as offering one-to-one healing – in person and over distance – the Harry Edwards Foundation delivers group spiritual healing experiences online through its LIVE Healing Minutes, Healing Circles, Healing for You sessions and group meditations.

Harry Edwards set the bar for Spiritual Healers globally. We continue his legacy and sustain his standards as a centre of excellence for Spiritual Healer Training.

We are proud to train healers to heal as Harry did through our 2-year Diploma.

General Interests

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Headway Surrey (Guildford)

Headway Surrey are looking to recruit a team of volunteers to assist staff at our new weekly sessions "Friday Friends".

If you enjoy activities such as board games, general discussions, art, cookery, playing cards or genuinely enjoy just chatting to people over a cup of tea, please do get in touch.

Our sessions run at Headway House, Guildford, 10.30-12.30pm every Friday.

Please contact by the email below or telephone: 

clairemoore@headwaysurrey.org       01483 454433

 

Mission Statement

Headway Surrey supports people with acquired brain injuries and their families and promotes understanding of the implications of acquired brain injury throughout Surrey.

 

General Interests

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Hive Helpers

Mission Statement

                                       

 

Hive Helpers' Mission is to:

INSPIRE care for pollinators - through beekeeping and connecting with the local community

IMPACT positively on local habitats - through nature conservation and raising awareness

IMPROVE mental and physical wellbeing - through mindful and empowering outdoor activities

 

Volunteer Roles

Volunteer Beekeeping and Conservation Support Worker - Runfold

BeekeepingWe are a small Community Interest Company looking for people interested in supporting us voluntarily with Beekeeping and Conservation activities.  Some of these activities will take place with clients, which include families, adult groups, child/youth groups and people with additional needs.  You will need to be happy doing physical work outdoors in all weathers, have an interest in nature, and not be afraid of bees (of suffer from anaphylaxis).  You don't have to be a beekeeper or a conservationist - you can learn alongside us.  We value kind, energetic, positive people.

We are based in Runfold, Farnham, on a community farm, in a rural location.  You will need your own transport, as public transport to our site is limited.  Currently we cannot pay travel expenses, however this is something we are looking into providing for our volunteers in future.

Jobs will include: helping to manage and maintain beehives, vegetation management, cleaning equipment, conservation activities such as pollinator friendly planting, assisting beekeepers with hive-opening sessions, also supporting with the honey harvest, crafting, wellbeing sessions and fundraising. 

You will need to undergo an enhanced DBS check and must be over 18 years old. 

22/06/2021

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Momentum Children's Charity

Mission Statement

Helping families of seriously ill children to keep moving forward

From hospital to home and beyond, we’ll be with you and your family every step of the way.

Volunteer Roles

Event Volunteer

Role Purpose

Our Event Volunteer role is vital in ensuring that we can help families of seriously ill children keep moving forward. From Cheer Squads - providing encouragement at cheer points for those participating in challenge events; running stalls at markets and events; helping with bucket collections; attending local events to raise our profile to getting into character as ‘Mo’ our owl mascot. The gift of your time is invaluable to our charity.

 

What we are looking for in our volunteers

We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly, trustworthy people who enjoy being in a group with other volunteers. Depending on the event, you will need to be able to withstand all weather conditions and be happy to be on your feet… or not! Flexibility, self-motivation and the willingness to motivate others are all great traits for Event Volunteers.   

 

What’s in it for you?

You will be part of the Momentum team of volunteers and will meet plenty of other like-minded, friendly people at whatever event you choose to get involved in. You will gain satisfaction knowing that you have made a difference to the participants and raised the profile of Momentum at the event.

 

Hours required

Hours will vary, but it could be anything from 2-6 hours per event. This is an ad-hoc role and we will keep you informed of dates/times that we are looking for volunteer support. We will contact you when we need you and you are under no obligation to accept if you are otherwise busy.

 

Location

The locations will vary but much of our work and events are based in Surrey, Sussex and South West London.

 

How we’ll support you

There will be a key point of contact for you from the Momentum office and we’ll give you all the information you need prior to the event, such as meeting points, required resources and points of contact.

Pebble Painter

All our supported children are given a pebble painted with a character/design of their choice. 

We are always looking for people to paint these pebbles for us.

This is super flexible and can be done at home in your own time!

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National Autistic Society (Godalming)

Mission Statement

The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

Godalming Youth Clubs Surrey Volunteer

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Oakleaf Enterprise

Mission Statement

Oakleaf Enterprises is an independent registered charity whose purpose is to support people with mental health issues to lead independent, productive and fulfilling lives.

The charity’s aim is to transform the lives and futures of adults managing their mental ill-health and help them secure the skills, confidence and training needed to return to the workplace. This pathway is delivered via three main focuses: Work-Related Training, Wellbeing Activities, and Counselling Services.

 

General Interests

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Places Leisure Waverley Healthy Communities

General Interests

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Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People

Mission Statement

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) is a disability charity based in Surrey, with national reach. With more than 85 years’ experience of developing innovative services which support almost 10,000 disabled people a year to achieve their potential and increase their independence.

QEF works with children and adults with physical and learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries. They offer a wide range of expert services, whether it’s providing expert neuro rehabilitation to rebuild a life affected by brain injury, providing assistive equipment and specialist advice to increase independent mobility, or acquiring the skills to drive a specially adapted car.

General Interests

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre - RASASC Guildford

Mission Statement

To provide a clear, accessible pathway for Surrey-based survivors of rape and sexual abuse, through confidential and specialist person-centred services. To work to reduce perceived stigmas associated with rape and sexual abuse through education and awareness raising.

Volunteer Counsellors Needed

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Rosamund Guildford Community Garden

Mission Statement

Receive a warm welcome at Rosamund Guildford Community Garden, where a vibrant community of volunteers comes together. Our mission is to create a nurturing natural space, inviting both novice and passionate gardeners to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and wildlife.

We grow produce in tune with nature, using no-dig methods, slow natural enrichment and non-mechanisation. The Garden has many environmental features including a Roundhouse crafted through traditional methods, a pond fed by rainwater, two polytunnels, beds for growing, wildlife havens and a diverse orchard with a variety of trees. 

We run regular sessions at the garden on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons between 2.30 and 4.30pm. We also have monthly Big Job Sundays for large projects or tasks that require a big group. If you’d like to come and join in one of our sessions, just drop us an email to check it’s going ahead. To become a member of the garden we ask for a nominal sign-up fee of £20 for the year, and you will be added to our garden chat and google group, as well as having free access to the garden outside of the group sessions. It’s best to try out a couple of taster days before committing to becoming a member, to make sure it’s right for you.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at the garden.

 

General Interests

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Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

Come and join us!  We are a user-led organisation based out of a small office in Burpham and we cover the whole of Surrey and North East Hampshire.  The aim of the Surrey Coalition is to campaign for, and promote the rights of, disabled people to have equality of opportunity and to live independently.  We have volunteering opportunities based in our office, from your home or out and about in the community.  There is something for everyone and we would love to talk to you about how we could use your skills. 

Mission Statement

The aim of the Surrey Coalition is to campaign and promote the rights of disabled people to have equality of opportunity and to live independently.

General Interests

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Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care Helpline

Mission Statement

Surrey Drug & Alcohol Care is a registered charity which has been set up as a result of a need in the county of Surrey for a confidential Freephone help line for substance misusers and those with mild to moderate mental health problems, their families, friends and colleagues, aiming to make a difference to their lives. Trained volunteers respond to the distress caused by substance misuse or mental health on a high quality help line that is accessible, Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, emphasising empowerment and self-help.

Objectives:

  • To provide information about county and countrywide resources and support to persons and organisations helping people experiencing the effects of substance misuse.
  • To promote mental health well being county-wide.
  • To promote, liaise and exchange information with relevant agencies both within the Surrey area and outside.
  • To raise public awareness of the continuing impact of substance misuse.
  • To advance the education of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol amongst those young students in full time education in Surrey and professional groups.
  • Website: www.surreydrugandalcoholcare.org.co.uk

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

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The Therapy Garden (Normandy)

Do you have 5 hours to spare each week?

Then come and help us at The Therapy Garden and join a team of fun, dedicated volunteers!

Mission Statement

The Therapy Garden is a registered charity based in Normandy Village, consisting of one acre of community garden which is managed by a team of horticulturalists, staff and volunteers to provide gardening and horticulture therapy to the more vulnerable members of society. We provide practical horticulture therapy to adults and young people with learning disabilities, mental health issues and physical disabilities.

Our ‘Green School’, enables young people aged 14-19 with learning difficulties such as autism, Down’s Syndrome and Asperger’s to achieve a City & Guilds qualification “Skills for Working Life: Horticulture” in a safe and structured environment. Students are referred to us and funded by mainstream and specialist schools in Surrey and Hampshire and many have gone on to achieve a college place or ongoing employment.

The Therapy Garden is currently organising ‘taster days’ for other groups in the local community such as brain injury and stroke victims and Dementia sufferers and we are able to plan bespoke activities that are tailored to individual client needs.

Volunteering at The Therapy Garden

Client Support Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to work alongside teenage students and adults who suffer from a wide range of physical, psychological and developmental difficulties.

You will received great support from the team and a full induction.  No gardening experience is required, just a desire to be outdoors, have lots of fun and help people.

 

 Please click on the 'Sign up button' for more information

 

Guildford, Farnham,Ash, Aldershot, Pirbright, Woking, Godalming

Volunteer Gardeners wanted

 

The Therapy Garden seeks enthusiastic  gardeners to help grow produce and plants for retail purposes. It would be like having a free allotment! Flexible hours. To plan work in conjunction with our lead horticulturist.

Please click on the 'Sign up button' for more information

 

Guildford, Ash, Pirbright, Farnham

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The Welcome Project

Mission Statement

Our aim and mission 

Unlocking potential and supporting people to overcome life challenges.

One in 4 of us experience mental health problems every year. We believe that nobody should face mental health problems on their own, experience stigma or discrimination. We all have the right to be well both mentally and physically. 

 

What we do

We provide services and support that focuses on people’s needs to regain their power and strength, lead a well-balanced life, maintain and increase their feeling of well-being. We accept referrals from GPs, CMHRSs and other charities, service providers. And people can self-refer as well.

 

Why we do it

We all feel less than fine at some time in our lives and often we can feel lonely, stressed, bored or at our wits end. We are not medics, not trying to sell you anything and not on a mission to convert you, we are just genuinely interested in making your world a better place.

General Interests

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Whitmore Vale Housing Association

Mission Statement

Whitmore Vale Housing Association offers services to people with learning disabilities and we work alongside them to achieve the most out of their life. Through supported living and residential care we can meet a wide range of needs, supporting people with a mild learning disability, to those who have profound and complex disabilities. 

 

General Interests

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