CHIT CHAT CHIT CHAT

VSB Belfast & Castlereagh Volunteer Centre, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DB Tel: 028 9020 0850 Fax: 028 9020 0860 E-mail: info@vsb.org.uk Web: www.vsb.org.uk www.volunteernow.co.uk

November 2007

“Every new friend is a door to a new world” Christmas can be a wonderful time, full of family and friends, tinsel and lights, presents and fun. It can also be a very difficult time particularly for those who are alone. Many older people are isolated and lonely throughout the year but as Christmas approaches, with the lack of contact from family or friends coupled in some instances with mobility problems, feelings of loneliness can be made much worse.

To help reduce isolation VSB runs a Volunteer Befriending Scheme which recruits volunteers to visit older people. The company volunteers provide is all important – a chat over a cup of tea, help with writing a letter or maybe reading to the older person. Social activities and shopping trips are also organised throughout the year to promote independence and increase social contact in a group setting. If you would like you to do something more than just think about those less fortunate this Christmas – call us now: 028 90200850.

It should be noted that as friendships are built up over time volunteers befrienders need to be able to commit for a minimum of 6 months (maybe once a week or once a fortnight). VSB is not the only organisation which needs to recruit new Volunteer Befrienders. We have over 70

registered organisations, working with older people, younger people, those

with disabilities or special needs, needing to recruit new volunteer Befrienders - a

few examples are listed below. If you would like to find out more about these or any

other vacancies we may have please contact us.

Praxis Care Group: befriender needed to help reduce social isolation of someone experiencing mental ill-health

Sense NI: volunteers needed to befriend older people (50+) who are deafblind

Prison Link: befriending families of those remanded/sentenced to imprisonment.

Realizing Potential: volunteer mentor to work directly with young people.

Alzheimers Society: volunteers needed to befriend people in the early stages of dementia living in their own homes.

Age Concern: volunteers needed to help in Age Concern groups

Aspergers Network: groups work with adults and young people with Aspergers Syndrome

Child Brain Injury Trust: volunteers needed to befriend children and young people with an acquired brain injury.

Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some

“Visits are really important. I think people don’t realise how difficult it is to make contact with people when you’re not as mobile as you used to be. It really means a lot to me.” Volunteer Befriendee

“I volunteered a long time ago when my friend told me about the scheme. I think a lot of people do not realise that you get as much out of your volunteering as you put in – in particular you make new friends! I would miss the visits if they stopped - I think it’s a nice thing to do.” Volunteer Befriender

Santa aka VSB Director , Bill Osborne and his trusty "helpers" Deirdre Murphy VSB and Nuala McKeever (VSB Patron) stopped by the Charity’s headquarters to load up boxes of "Magical Reindeer Food" which the staff and volunteers had spent the day packing on behalf of NI Children’s Hospice. These very special packs will be on sale around the Province with all proceeds going to the Children’s Hospice.

“Thank You” Transport Buddies! To mark the successful completion of the Transport Buddying pilot scheme VSB held a thank you event to recognise the work of volunteers and the progress of clients. Findings of the pilot identified it as a worthwhile project. The Department of Rural Development’s Janet Watson thanked all those involved, highlighted the benefits of the scheme and confirmed a further 6 months funding. Social workers, family members and those interested in the scheme gathered to see 30 of those involved in the pilot receive a presentation, certificates for the volunteers and small gifts for the clients. Tommy O’Hara from Sailorstown Creative Writing read old time stories and volunteer Jim McKendry, a fiddler for 60 years provided the musical entertainment!

The Transport Buddying Scheme supports people to gain enough confidence to use public transport on their own. New volunteers are urgently needed for the T r a n s p o r t B u d d i n g Scheme in North and West Belfast, Ards Peninsula, Dunmurry and Lisburn– if you think you could help contact: Angela on 028 9020 0850 or email angela@vsb.org.uk

Calling all Budding

Journalists! How would you like to get involved in the writing, editing, design and production of Action Magazine? Action is produced by young people for young people and explores current, topical issues. It provides young people with information, advice and a chance to put their views forward. The next edition will be on the Bill of Rights. If you would like to get involved contact roisin@vsb.org.uk

Help – Train - Succeed! Six young volunteers completed the “Jump on Board” taster training in September which gave an overview of the skills needed to sit on a voluntary Management Committee. Other training which has taken place over the last year has included Anti Racism, Disability Awareness, Conflict Awareness, Mentoring, and First Aid. The training was provided through VSB’s Millennium Volunteers programme which offers young people between 16 and 24 years of age the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised “Award of Excellence”. Volunteers achieve the Award after completing 200 hours of volunteering but certificates are also achieved after completing 50 and 100 hours of volunteering. If you’re already a volunteer, or would like to learn more about how to become involved, contact roisin@vsb.org.uk

Councillor Diane Dodds Praises Local Initiative Councillor Diane Dodds was the key note speaker at the launch of the Greater Shankill Senior Citizen’s Forum in September which was attended by over 110 community, voluntary and statutory representatives and older people. The launch was the culmination of months of work by VSB and volunteers from older peoples groups to address the need for a unified local voice for older people in the Shankill area. Mrs Dobbs highlighted some issues facing older people: social isolation, pensioner poverty, community safety but also paid tribute to the contribution that many older people can make not least their contribution to the formation of the new Forum. The Forum will meet on a monthly basis and those interested in joining please contact Frank at VSB on 028 90 200859.

Councillor Diane Dodds (second from right) with members of the new Greater Shankill Senior Citizens Forum.

“What Do You Like Most About Volunteering? …” When asked at a recent focus session “What do you like most about volunteering and how would you sell volunteering to a friend?” a group of young people said they liked meeting new people, having fun, doing something different, making a difference, helping people, gaining new skills, and it’s good for your CV!

If any of this appeals to you why not find out more? Young Citizens In Action, VSB’s youth-led volunteer programme, supports and encourages young people to become more active in their community.

Why don’t you log on to our website www.youngcitizens.org.uk, or contact Debbie on 028 9020 0850 or email debbie@vsb.org.uk

Look out for Young Citizens In Action’s poster campaign which will be Look out for Young Citizens In Action’s poster campaign which will be

advertised on the Belfast Metro buses during Decemberadvertised on the Belfast Metro buses during December

40 Years of Changing Lives

through Volunteering! VSB’s Ruby Slipper fundraising Ball – to celebrate 40 Years of Changing Lives through Volunteering - was the last ball in the City Hall before it closed for two years to undergo major refurbishment work.

Three hundred and seventy guests enjoyed a gourmet meal followed by a Charity Auction engaging the sharp repartee of John Linehan. Compere for the evening was VSB Patron, Nuala McKeever who kept everyone in line in her own inimitable style!

The evening was rounded off with dancing to ‘Nightswing’ featuring Siobhan Pettit. The evening raised over £35,000 for the charity.

The Art of Giving - northern artists support

Action Cancer VSB and Action Cancer invite you to a 'private viewing' of their joint fundraising exhibition on Thursday 22nd November 5pm - 9pm at VSB's Square Space Gallery, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast. This exciting show will feature a variety of paintings by a over 20 well known local artists including Colin Davidson, Jonny McEwen, Jane Swanston, Brian

Ballard....

The exhibition will continue throughout December.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm

Investing in Volunteers VSB has recently embarked on the process to achieve the Investing in Volunteers Award. The Award is a quality standard with in the volunteering network which ensures good practice in the management and involvement of volunteers. VSB highly values volunteering and the contribution that they make to the community and as such we are committed to ensuring that our policies and procedures are

of the highest standard that we can achieve. We hope to gain the Award by next Summer and will keep you informed of our progress.

Do you remember the time? … Over the next year VSB will be carrying out a social history project and need your help. Have you, or some one you know volunteered at any time over the last 40 years? If so, we would love to hear from you….perhaps you have benefited from the support of volunteers, or witnessed at first hand the difference they have made to someone’s life. We want to gather stories - funny or touching - your experiences may inspire others to get involved.

Send your story to VSB, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, or log on to our website: www.vsb.org.uk (please remember to include your contact details).

This project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund

It’s really important that we have correct information on all of our volunteers and we are currently updating our database. As we have 3300 volunteers this is a huge task. If your contact details or circumstances relating to volunteering have changed please let us know – either email info@vsb.org.uk phone Belfast: 028 9020 0850 or Bangor: 028 9127 0486 or write. We will be con-tacting volunteers in the near future and if you get a letter, phone call or email please reply with all your details. This will help us speed up the process and will allow us to provide you with the service you need!

Programme for Government 2007-2010 The Draft Budget and Programme for Government 2007-2010 has been announced by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister and they are seeking comment on the proposals. The Programme for Government sets 5 priorities with approximately 40 key goals. It is clear that the dominant objective is to grow the economy. The Programme for Government also identifies two cross-cutting themes, “A Better Future” – fairness, understanding and equality of opportunity and “Sustainability” – building a sustainable future. In the draft budget DSD indicate a number of areas for the sector – Implementation of Advice Services Strategy, Establish a Charities Commission, Revision of the Compact, Continue to increase volunteering and active citizenship, social capital and community capacity.

It is important that you make a response to the proposals and NICVA has organised a number of workshops across Northern Ireland for early December – dates and location are available on their website: www.nicva.org

Chit ChatChit Chat promotes the work of the Volunteer Centre which is funded through the Department for Social Development, The Community Foundation and South & East Belfast Health & Social Services Trust

VSB North Down & Ards Volunteer Centre, 91 High Street, Bangor BT20 5BD Tel: 028 9127 0486 Fax: 028 9127 5335 Web: www.vsb.org.uk www.volunteernow.co.uk E-mail: ruth@vsb.org.uk

Santa and his Reindeers are coming to town! VSB staff & VSB Practical Service Volunteers spent a very enjoyable afternoon packing reindeer food for the Northern Ireland Hospice. The packs will be on sale throughout Northern Ireland in the run up to Christmas – make sure you get your pack and support a very worthy cause.

“Just took delivery of your completed packs of Reindeer Food yesterday. Many thanks to VSB for your help on this project. I did a tally and your group packed just over 3000 sachets which equates to £3000 you will help us earn this Christmas. Please pass on my thanks to the rest of your team, it means a great deal to all of us at Hospice to get this help.” Geoff Scott, Events Fundraiser, NI Hospice Care

Volunteer Transport “I look on volunteering as a privilege. I am pleased and proud that I am able to do something for people outside my family circle”

Philip Campbell has been working as a volunteer driver for 17 years providing a vital service to young people who have been referred by social services and older people who cannot use public transport. Drivers are required to use their own car and are reimbursed for mileage expenses. There is an increasing need for more volunteer drivers – if you think you could help and would like more information please contact our Bangor office on 028 9127 0486 or email ruth@vsb.org.uk

This service is funded by The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

VSB also runs a Volunteer Driving Scheme in Belfast - for more information phone 028 9020 0850

Retail Therapy! Ulster Cancer Foundation - Market Street, Bangor, British Red Cross - High Street, Bangor, Northern Ireland Hospice - Main Street, Bangor, Save the Children - High Street, Bangor, Simon Community -Mill Street, Newtownards, Abaana – High Street, Bangor

War On Want - Abbey Street, Bangor, British Heart Foundation - Main Street, Bangor

Oxfam – Main Street, Bangor High Street, Holywood High Street, Newtownards Age Concern - Central Avenue, Bangor Action Cancer - Market Street, Bangor Cancer Research UK - High Street, Newtownards, High Street, Holywood are all looking for new volunteers to work in their Charity Shops.

Duties include greeting and assisting customers, sorting items, operating the till and keeping the shop tidy. Volunteers are usually required to complete 3-4 hours per week morning or afternoon. For more information please contact our Bangor Office: 028 91270486

Got a few hours to spare to help fundraise? Support Awareness Drugs Initiative (SADI) need volunteers to pack bags for them at Marks & Spencer, Bangor on 20 December - 9.00am to 9.00pm. Whatever time volunteers have to give will be greatly appreciated.

Spinal Research, Samaritans, The Meningitis Trust, North Down YMCA, The Cedar Foundation, Abanana, Action MS, Assisi, Alpha 5 – Helicopter Doctor all need volunteer fundraisers. Contact our Bangor Office for more details: 028 91270486

Do you have the passion and drive to support young people? NIACRO urgently needs volunteers for their Independent Visitor Scheme which supports children and young people living in the care system who have little or poor quality contact with their parents. Volunteers meet their young people 2-3 hours once a fortnight for activities such as ten pin bowling, cinema, football. This voluntary role requires commitment over time and as many of the young people referred have a difficult time trusting people a vital role is played by volunteers to show that adults can be reliable and trusted. For more information contact Sinead McGreevy 02890320157 ext 213 email: sinead@niacro.co.uk