Voluntary Action South West Surrey

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!

We are looking for volunteers to supervise and train(once qualified) cadets - boys and girls aged from 10 to 18. Activities include canoeing, sailing (including offshore opportunities), PE, shooting, expeditions (including D of E awards), catering etc. Also classroom instruction in engineering, seamanship, communications, etc.

When Required - Uniformed instructors - 2 weekday evenings

                      - Civilian instructors - 1 evening

                      - Casual helpers - as available (U25V)

Areas of interest - Children, Sport and Outdoor Activities, Youth

Types of Activity - Practical work and DIY, Teaching, Training and Coaching, Youth Work

Skills - Interest in helping young people. Willingness to go on courses which might involve a weekend. CRB necessary and Child Protection Courses are mandatory. 18+

Expenses - Travel and food during training activities at the weekend (only for uniformed staff)

Directions - At Dapdune Wharf next to the National Trust on River Wey. Access either via Walnut Tree Close (car park) of Woodbridge Road (park on road) and then via footpath which links the two.

Recruitment Method - CRB Check, Informal Discussion, Interviews, References

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!

Description of Volunteer Role - We are looking for volunteers to help with the management, fundraising, publicity, insurance, safety personnel and other policy aspects of running a flourishing youth organisation run entirely by volunteers.

Volunteers would be required for one evening per month for committee meetings and occasional visits to the unit for other purposes.

The Management Committee meets about 10 times per year and the AGM is from 7.15 to 9.15pm, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday. There are also some ad hoc meetings when VIPs visit on a Monday or Thursday (probably 2 per year)

When Required - Time Flexible

Commitment: Part Time

Areas of Interest - Children, Sport and Outdoor Activities, Youth.

Types of Activity - Community Work, Fundraising, Marketing, PR and Media, Trusteeship and Committee Work.

Skills - None other than a desire and enthusiasm to help the youngsters of today become the responsible adults of tomorrow.

There are occasional courses run by the Sea Cadet Corps to attend. Also a CRB check is necessary and a child protection course every 3 years. 

Directions - At Dapdune Wharf, next to the National Trust on the River Wey. Access either via Walnut Tree Close (Car Park) or Woodbridge Road(Park on Road) and then via footpath which links the two.

Recruitment Method - CRB Check, Informal Discussion.

Children and Young People’s Activity Sessions Volunteer Role Profile 

The Organisation

LinkAble is a Woking based charity that has been supporting children, teens and adults with learning disabilities for over 30 years. We are passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live joyful and purpose-driven lives. The LinkAble community enjoys activities every day of the week and during school holidays in our fully accessible and inclusive centre in Woking. 

Aims of the Role

To support the running of our busy play and activity sessions for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities. Sessions run during the day, in the evenings, at weekends and in school holidays.  We are seeking a team of volunteers with availability at different times.

Key Tasks

• Take part in session briefings so you know what is expected and know how best to get involved.
• Help set up sessions, ensuring the environment is safe and clean, setting up toys and equipment.
• Welcome children, young people and adults to the session and ensure they feel welcome.
• Interact with children, young people and adults as directed by the Group Leaders and sessional staff to enhance their experience.
• Support with getting drinks and snacks ready for children and young people’s breaks.
• Support groups who are going out to community activities or day trips.
• Clearing away toys and equipment and ensuring the environment is safe.
• Driving one of our charity vehicles if you’re happy to do so and meet our insurance requirements.

Required Skills

• Committed to empowering children, young people and adults who have learning disabilities to enjoy play, activity or social sessions.
• Keen to learn about communication, sensory or calming strategies that support people we support to get the most out of sessions.
• Committed to safeguarding principles and reporting and to following the Safeguarding Policy.
• Commitment to equality and diversity and following policies and procedures

Benefits to you

• Work as part of a friendly and welcoming team

• Gain skills in supporting children, young people and adults with learning disabilities.
• Reference provided for all volunteers who have been in post for 6 months.
• Satisfaction from supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives.
• Paid DBS check, induction and training.
• Expenses paid according to our volunteer policy.

Next Steps

• Send us your CV or email us detailing your skills and experience.
• We’ll conduct an informal interview to find out about your skills and reasons for volunteering.
• We’ll ask you to come along to one of our sessions and meet the people we support.
• We’ll support you to apply for a DBS which is required for this role.

Location

2 Board School Road, Woking GU21 5HE. A short walk from the town centre.  Limited parking available. Please note that our offices do have some stairs.

The Organisation

LinkAble is a charity in Woking that supports people with a learning disability and autistic people to create the life they want to live. Each year, LinkAble provides over 300 children, young people, and adults access to a wide range of activities that develop skills, confidence, and lasting friendships. 

The Role

Help us raise awareness of LinkAble and support our vital fundraising efforts! We're building a team of enthusiastic volunteers to represent LinkAble at local fairs, fetes, and community events. By joining us, you’ll help spread the word about our work while raising much-needed funds.

Key Tasks

Tasks for volunteers will include any or some the following:

• Setting up and running promotional stalls.

• Holding a tin or bucket at a collection.

• Engaging with members of the public to help promote our services.

• Talks to local groups about our services.

• Serving tea, coffee and cakes at local events.

• Basic administration duties for event organisation.

We'll supply promotional T-shirts and materials. We don't expect you to commit to all events, however attendance of a handful of events would make such a difference, and it's really fun! Once you are on the bank of volunteers, we'll contact you regularly to let you know about events we need help with.

Required Skills

• Personable manner with good verbal communication skills.

• Commitment to equality and diversity and following policies and procedures.

Benefits to you

• Work as part of a friendly and welcoming team.

• Satisfaction from supporting people with additional needs to live fulfilling lives.

• Paid DBS check, induction and training.

• Expenses paid according to our volunteer policy.

Next Steps

• Send us your CV or email us detailing your skills and experience.

• We’ll get in touch and arrange a time to meet with you and tell you about our charity.

• We’ll conduct an informal interview to find out about your skills and reasons for volunteering.

• We’ll support you to apply for a DBS which is required for this role.

Location

Our office is located 2 Board School Road, Woking GU21. A short walk from the town centre. Limited parking available. Please note that our offices do have some stairs.

The Organisation

LinkAble is a Woking based charity that has been supporting children, teens and adults with learning disabilities for over 30 years. We are passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live joyful and purpose-driven lives. The LinkAble community enjoys activities every day of the week and during school holidays in our fully accessible and inclusive centre in Woking. 

Aims of the Role

To support the running of our busy play and activity sessions for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities by driving 1 of our 3 minibuses. Sessions run during the day, in the evenings, at weekends and in school holidays. We are looking for a team of drivers with varying availability but particularly school holidays.

Key Tasks

• Drive one of our minibuses to various local community venues such as Brocketts Farm where are children, young people and adults are visiting.
• Wait at the venue and drive the minibus back to The Link where it will be parked.
• Report any issues with the vehicle or the journey to the Group Leader for the session.
• Complete vehicle checks.

Required Skills

• Physically fit and a careful driver who is confident in driving larger vehicles.
• Volunteer drivers do not need to have completed Midas Minibus training but do need to be over 21, have been driving for 3 years and have a clean driving license. Some vehicles require a D1 license.
• Be confident interacting with children, young people and adults who have learning disabilities, with support.
• Committed to safeguarding principles, reporting and to following the Safeguarding Policy.
• Commitment to equality and diversity and following policies and procedures.

Benefits to you

• Work as part of a friendly and welcoming team.

• Gain experience of minibus driving.
• Reference provided for all volunteers who have been in post for 6 months.
• Satisfaction from knowing supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives.
• Paid DBS check, induction and training.
• Expenses paid according to our volunteer policy.

Next Steps

• Send us your CV or email us detailing your skills and experience.
• We’ll conduct an informal interview to find out about your skills and reasons for volunteering.
• We’ll ask you to come along to one of our sessions and meet the people we support.
• We’ll support you to apply for a DBS which is required for this role.

Location

2 Board School Road, Woking GU21 5HE. A short walk from the town centre. Limited parking available. Please note that our offices do have some stairs.