volunteering
Our most recent vacancies
Age Concern shops fundraise to provide a wide variety of benefits and services for the older generation. These funds are used LOCALLY as well as nationally. We are a busy, friendly town centre shop and our volunteers do a variety of jobs, providing good customer service and a pleasant shopping experience. You will have the opportunity to meet people, make new friends and really make a difference to the lives of local, older people. A minimum commitment of two hours per shift is required.
Contact Leon Fijalkowski on 01423 563851
Avalon Breakaway
Everyone needs a holiday, not everyone gets one. Avalon Breakaway can change this by enabling people who need support on holiday to have the same opportunities as the whole community. We organise tailor-made holidays at affordable prices, for older people, people with different abilities and people with mental health and health problems.
Volunteers accompany someone with extra support needs on holiday. Our holidays vary in length from 2 to 10 nights and may be in the UK or abroad. Most holidays are in small groups with other volunteers and service users and each trip is organised and run by a Breakaway leader. Holidays include outdoor activities, art and cultural visits. Clients range in ages from 18 to the elderly. Volunteers are not required to help with any personal care or lifting - this is done by trained carers. You will only be asked to provide support and friendship on a buddy basis to enable the service-user to enjoy their break to the full. Full training is provided. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to someone's holiday, whilst meeting other people and visiting new places.
Contact Mary Scurr on 0800 783 8549 or email maryscurr@avalonservices.org.uk
Barnardos Grove Road Project
The Barnardo's Short Break Service recruits, assess and trains carers to provide a short break for disabled children. Administrative help is sought to help us recruit new volunteer carers, researching names and addresses for senidng out information, making appointments, taking displays out into the community. If you have a day a week or two or more half days we would be very glad to hear from you.
For more information contact Anne Richardson on 01423 524850
Bullying Online
Bullying online at www.bullying.co.uk is a charity helping parents and pupils deal with school bullying. It is part of the National Grid for Learning and used as a teaching resource, by health professionals and the police.
Would you like to become part of a world leading charity? Bullying UK is recruiting trustees to join our board. We support over 1.2 million people a year and have a high profile in the national media. We want to recruit three new trustees with a variety of skills who would become a key part of the charity so commitment is essential.
1. Ideal for someone with fundraising or events organisation experience.
You will have experience in local or national fundraising and possibly event organisation also. You will be able to spot opportunities to marry Bullying UK's message and work to positive fundraising activities and, on occasion, may be asked to help liaise with volunteers carrying out fundraising work and to select volunteers suitable for specific events.
2. Governance and Charity Law
We retain the services of a legal professional to advise the charity on major issues but there are many day-to-day charity issues where a trustee with sound knowledge of charity governance and employment can make a great contribution. You would write the charity's annual report for the Charity Commission.
3. Administrative
You would be responsible for ensuring administrative tasks are completed and this is a vital role. It includes taking responsibility for ensuring the accounts are completed monthly for our accountant, that bills are paid, paperwork is up to date and preparing agendas and writing minutes for trustee meetings.
For more information contact John Carnell on 07989 392823
Cards For Good Causes
Cards for Good Causes make charity Christmas cards widely available, achieve the highest return to the charities, value all volunteers and staff and appreciate their contribution to the success of the organisation.
We are looking for volunteers to staff our small Christmas card shops in Knaresborough for one morning or afternoon per week. The friendly local manager will give you all the help and information you need. You will be trained in the procedures, particularly in operation of the electronic tills and re-stocking of cards and the small amount of paperwork required.
The shop will be open from 20 October until 15 December, Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.
Contact Shelley Mills on 01423 705745 or email shelley.mills@cfgc.org.uk
Christchurch Lunch Club
For many years there has been a lunch club for older people at Christ Church in Harrogate. If the lunch club is to continue, they need someone to take the lead as a chef - helpers will come forward to support the club so you wouldn't be single handed. If you are interested in running a lunch club please contact the Volunteer Centre.
Contact Harriet or Caroline on 01423 509004 or email caroline@harrogate.org
Crashpad
Crashpad is a service offering multi-agency approach to tackling youth homelessness in Harrogate & District. They are seeking mentors for Crashpad Service users who can offer practical short-term support (upto 12 weeks) to a homeless young person (or a young person at the risk of becoming homeless due to family relationship issues) by linking them with other services, accompanying them to appointments and relieveing feelings of isolation. You would meet regularly with a young person to support them in achieving some of the goals they are working towards.
Contact Judy Field on 01423 522915 or email crashpad@barnardos.org.uk
Crime Reduction Initiative
We help people to break free from harmful patterns of behaviour by delivering innovative services which have a measurable impact on both health and community safety issues. You would be providing supportive assistance to help clients through difficult periods in their lives by helping them to work towards objectives and goals - personal, social and educational. You would also enable clients to access advice on issues such as accommodation, benefits, employment, training and substance use and encourage them to make positive and constructive use of their leisure time and choices about their lives. Accurate and up to date records of work with clients need to be kept and any issues feedback to the Project Coordinator. A minimum commitment of one hour per week for up to one year is required.
Contact Paul Haley on 01423 507185
Elizabeth Finn Trust
Hampden House on Duchy Road provides sheltered accommodation for older people. They welcome people to come into the house to have afternoon tea with their residents, to help them with things like letter writing, or to play games such as bridge, dominoes or scrabble, or perhaps to go for a short walk. You could make a real difference, especially to those who have no other visitors.
Contact Daphne Johnson on 01423 566964 or email caroline@harrogate.org
Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group
Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group provides therapeutic riding and carriage driving for children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities. Everyone connected with FPDRG is a volunteer, and they are currently seeking someone who could help put together a regular newsletter and generally help with communications - keeping everyone in touch with each other. They're a friendly bunch to be part of!
For more information contact Les Evans on 01423 509222 or email admin@follifootparkdrg.org.uk
Gateway Club
Gateway Clubs provide social activities for people of all abilities. Would you like to help members who meet at Hyper on East Parade on Mondays between 7 and 9pm? They would welcome your support with activities and outings.
For more information contact Liz Newby on 01423 871918 or email caroline@harrogate.org
HADA (Harrogate Alcohol and Drugs Agency)
HADA is dedicated to providing non-judgmental services for individuals in the Harrogate District who are experiencing problems as a result of their own or someone else's drug and/or alcohol use. HADA is looking for additional Trustees to join their Management Committee, specifically a Treasurer who would work closely with the Director and Administration Manager to prepare forward budgets and quarterly accounts for the Agency. You would take the lead responsibility for ensuring that appropriate annual financial reports are made both to the Charity Commission and to Companies House. You will also be responsible for assisting the Management Committee in ensuring due governance in the discharge of public funds. The Treasurer will also prepare accounts for six Committee Meetings per year which are held bi-monthly at 5.30pm on Wednesdays.
They are also glad to hear from anyone who is interested in joining the committee, so helping to provide services to those who have problems, their families and friends, and also ensuring that public money is spent correctly and wisely
Contact Richard Cyster on 0113 289 3984
Harrogate & District Sea Cadet Unit
The Sea Cadet organisation aims to encourage valuable personal attributes and high standards of conduct in young people, using a nautical theme based on the customs of the Royal Navy. It introduces cadets to an organised, disciplined and stimulating environment where they can learn new skills and progress towards good citizenship whilst having fun.
Adult Instructors with the Sea Cadets take part in exciting, challenging and worthwhile activities with committed and enthusiastic youngsters. The well used Sea Cadet phrase of "Serious Fun" describes exactly what you can share in with them.
Members of the Unit Management Committee are also sought. This is a diverse, rewarding role touching upon all the managerial and organisational aspects of running a small business, with elements of finance, fund raising, property management, facilities management, staffing etc. The committee meets once a month (Thursday evenings) for regular meetings. Actions of the committee are completed outside of the meeting either by working from home or visiting the Unit as necessary on an ad hoc basis
For more information contact Paul Wearmouth on 01937 830799 or email pwearmouth2007@btinternet.com
Harrogate and District Talking Newspaper
For most people who can see to read, a daily or weekly newspaper is part of their way of life. For those with a visual handicap, the alternative is audio tape. "ROUNDABOUT" is a cassette tape of local news and information produced by the Harrogate and District Talking Newspaper Association. The 90 minute tape is sent to over 250 readers and is recorded once a week at the 'Roundabout' studio in Ripley.
There is a wonderful team of volunteers who read and carry out all the other tasks required to ensure the tape goes out to everyone who wishes to receive it. At present there is a need for additional “Editors” Each week the Editors select items from the local newspapers for the readers to include – this can either be done in your own home, or at the studio in Ripley on a Friday following publication of the Harrogate papers.
Contact Lee Edinger on 01423 770656
Harrogate & District Women’s Aid
HDWA offers support and information to women and children affected by domestic abuse, in the refuge or in the community, through outreach, fundraising. and public relations. They are currently seeking new Management Committee Members They are looking for people with a strong commitment to their aims and are particularly interested in individuals with experience in the field of HR. Previous board or committee membership experience would be an advantage but is not essential. Membership requires a commitment of up to 12 early evening meetings a year.
Contact Anne Gladstone-Buchanon on 07810 542527
Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library
The Toy Library provides toys, information, and resources to loan to carers, families, play groups, nurseries, childminders, special needs groups etc. They are seeking additional members for their Committee – particularly people with administrative and/or financial skills, or who can provide IT support and advice. There is one paid worker for the Toy Libraries and the Management Committee is vital to the effective provision of this service. The Committee meets four times a year in the evenings, but it is helpful if members of the committee are also able to attend occasional you library sessions.
Contact Carol Spencer on 01423 568 344
Henshaws Society for Blind People
Henshaws Society For Blind People provides services to visually impaired people of all ages across the North of England, in a way that is caring, practical and imaginative. Locally to Harrogate services include a further education college for visually impaired students (Henshaws College), the Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, housing and family support.
Could you befriend someone living in one of Henshaw’s tenanted houses – providing companionship and maybe going out together occasionally?
Contact Clare Godden on 01423 799612 or email claregodden@henshaws.org.uk
The H.O.P.E Centre
The H.O.P.E Commmunity Centre aims to become a multi-cultural community centre, offering assistance to foreign nationals in the form of resources and sign-posting in North Yorkshire and also a Learning Institute, offering a variety of classes that will help their users integrate into the local community. The acronym H.O.P.E. stands for Healing, Overcoming, Prosperity, Empowerment.
They are seeking three volunteers at the moment:
1. A Handyman Are you good with your hands and want to get out and give something back to the community? We need you for minor maintenance like changing a light bulb, fixing a 'wonky' shelf, changing a plug, the odd lick of paint from time to time, changing carpet tiles, replacing soap dispenser/hand towel dispensers. You will need to have your own tools for the job and be available on an 'as and when needed' basis.
2. Treasurer Are you a strategist and go-getter with the willingness to speak your mind, at all costs? Can you offer at least two hours per week? We are looking for an open and honest Volunteer Treasurer with the necessary skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences. The overall role would be maintaining an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability, and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. As this is a new charity, you would have the freedom to mould and develop this role using your experience, skills and own initiative to implement the necessary financial controls as required under UK GAAP (Accounting Standards Board), Charities Commission and Companies House. The Treasurer will be expected to report to the Board of Trustees and at the AGM. There would be two hours work per week with ad-hoc monthly evening meetings, reporting to the Board of directors and Management Team.
Contact Charlotte Kruger on 01423 817622 or email charlotte.kruger@harrogatehopecentre.com
Hospitality Action
Hospitality Action is the trade charity for the hospitality industry, We offer a range of services to past and present employees within the industry, We have a very successful and popular Family Members Scheme for people who have retired from the industry. We keep in touch with them via a bi-monthly newsletter, lunches, birthday gifts as well as volunteer visits. We currently have Family Members who would greatly appreciate social visits from volunteers. It would involve a chat and a cup of tea. We are looking for caring volunteer visitors to join our team and to visit Family Members who are lonely or isolated. You will have warmth, a sense of humour, empathy and listening skills and in return you will receive appreciation and the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution has made a positive difference to someone's quality of life. A commitment of two hours a year plus travelling time is required.
Contact Helen Dickinson on 0870 351 0160 / 0203 004 5507
InteractInteract is an inclusive group for people with a wide range of abilities who come together once a week to experience their own creativity through drama. Members make new friends, have fun and explore drama through games and exercises. They also put on productions. They meet on Mondays at the Junction on Mornington Terrace from 7-9pm and welcome people of every ability.
For more information contact Mary Scurr on 01423 529153 or email maryscurr@avalonservices.org.uk
Leukaemia Care
As a CARE Volunteer you will be a listening ear for someone who is affected by Leukaemia, Lymphoma and allied blood disorders, particularly someone who has contacted our 24hr CARE Line. Support may be offered by telephone or face-to-face in the caller's home or at the hospital. You would also work to raise awareness of Leukaemia CARE and provide information to patients, carers and medical professionals with regard to the services offered by the charity.
They are also seeking people to help fundraise for this very worthwhile cause? Volunteers spread awareness of Leukaemia CARE by distributing posters and other promotional material, and help with maintenance of cans, collection and banking of monies, selling annual draw tickets, distributing and co-ordinating Christmas card brochures or becoming involved in any other fundraising events.
Contact Dawn Knott 01905 755977
Mencap
There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Most are treated as 'different' and don't have the same control over their own lives as the rest of our society. That's why Mencap is here. Mencap are looking for volunteers to help with fundraising in the Harrogate area
Contact Kelly Railton on 0191 230 8101
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society
The Multiple Sclerosis Society aims to support all people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis including their family members, friends and carers. The Harrogate Branch is currently seeking a secretary to receive and deal with any post, inform the National Centre of alterations to membership, send details of the AGM to members, help plan and organise flag days and supermarket collections and write keep in touch with the local press. These responsibilities are discussed in committee meetings which are held monthly on Monday evenings, 7pm - 9pm.
Contact Julia Ellison on 01423 522311
North Yorkshire Youth Offending Team
The Youth Offending Team aims to prevent re-offending by young people aged 10 - 17 years old. It is a multi- agency team (made up of representatives from the police, Probation Service, Social Services, health, education and drugs and alcohol misuse agencies) who work with young people and their families on a voluntary and statutory basis.
Would you be able to provide young people with extra support and be a positive adult role model? Mentoring provides a one-to-one personal relationship that can help to divert young people away from offending (and other negative influences) and provide them with opportunities for success.
Or perhaps you could work alongside young people who are carrying out tasks as directed by the Court or the YOT? We are seeking practical people who would like to improve their mentoring skills and have the opportunity to develop relationships and provide a positive influence.
Contact Paul Whalley on 0845 0349748
Oatlands Pre-School
Oatlands Pre-School is a voluntary, non-profit making organisation and a registered charity. They are looking for some help either at the pre-school, working with children aged 2.5 to rising 5, or helping on their committee of volunteer parents/cares with various tasks including finding appropriate funding & grants for projects and looking for premises and re-location options.
For more information contact the Volunteer Centre on 01423 509004 or email judith.bottomley@btopenworld.com
Orb
Orb Community Enterprise exists to promote mental health and wellbeing amongst vulnerable people by engaging them in multimedia activities, with an emphasis on social inclusion, basic employment skills and personal development. The enterprise works with local musicians, artists and groups to facilitate and support a wide range of community activities and projects which incorporate drama, poetry, video, sound and lighting.
Orb are looking for volunteers to help with a wide range of activities - Office Support and Administration, Community Events, Artspace Faciltators, Studio Technicians and supervisor, Musicians, IT and Internet developers, Video and Digital Photography Facilitators and Drama. They are also seeking a Treasurer.
Contact Paddy Lund on 01423 500620 or email orbenterprise@btconnect.com
Poppy Appeal
Help is required during the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in October and November 2008. Volunteers are needed to help deliver / collect Poppy Boxes to/from local business' and shops in the Harrogate Area. There are also opportunities for volunteers to sell Poppies at the RAF Band Concert, Harrogate International Centre on Thursday 23rd October at 7.00pm and to sell Poppies in Harrogate Town during the week 1st November - 8th November 2008.
For more information contact Colin Skinner on 561100 or email caroline@harrogate.org.
Riding for the Disabled Association – Yorkshire and Cleveland Region
The Riding for the Disabled Association is a federation of RDA Groups dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through provision of opportunities for riding and/or carriage driving. Groups enable people to improve their health and wellbeing, delivering a real and lasting therapy that, not only benefits mobility and co-ordination, but encourages confidence and self worth whilst having fun. RDA Yorkshire and Cleveland need a new team member to help to organise Christmas card sales from October to mid-December. You will be helping to raise funds for the local Riding for the Disabled Association at Stockeld Park, near Wetherby and be required to work for a few hours per week for a limited number of weeks.
Contact Angela Brooks on 01423 521146 or email brooks41@yahoo.co.uk.
RSPCA - Harrogate & District Branch
The charitable RSPCA aims to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals. The Harrogate & District Branch is self-funding and governed by local trustees. All monies raised go to help animals in the Harrogate, Wetherby, Knaresborough and Ripon districts. The Branch relies on a small but dedicated team of volunteers to carry out vital animal welfare work and raise much needed funds to help the animals in the District. Volunteers and staff play an integral role in animal welfare and without them we would never achieve all that we do in preventing cruelty to animals.
They are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with fundraising events, which could be anything from a dog walk, running a marathon, to a town centre collection. Even with limited time you could help in all sorts of ways. Also, fundraising is not just about flag days and raffles - volunteers are inspired by hobbies and interests to come up with all sorts of profitable schemes.
Do you have good people skills? Home visitors visit the homes of potential animal adopters to ensure their suitability for an RSPCA animal, and to revisit their homes to ensure that the adoption has been a success. Home visitors talk to potential animal adopters to ensure that they have really thought about the implications of owning a pet.
Or would you like to become a trustee for the Harrogate & District Branch. They are looking for trustees who are motivated and committed to animal welfare. The Board of Trustees is responsible for managing the affairs of the branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch. Committee meetings are held bi-monthly on a weekday evening. Additional commitments are ad hoc, including possible weekends.
Contact Claire Porter on 07973 373892
The Stroke Association
The Stroke Association is a national charity concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families through its Rehabilitation and Support Services. It also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke and act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.
In Harrogate they run a You Health Promotion Service in Bilton Grange United Reform Church Hall from 1.30 - 3.30pm on Tuesdays. They are seeking people to help drive members to the group and also to help the the Health Promotion Co-ordinator in setting up and running it. The tasks would include supporting service-users to achieve their goals, escorting wheelchair users and people with mobility problems from their transport and/or car park to the meeting room and assisting with the preparation and clearing away of refreshments.
Contact Jennifer Cowling on 01423 521607
Time Together
Time Together provides a one-to-one specific service for people with a learning disability. We enable people to access services such as education, leisure, work and health appointments and to participate in community activities of their choice. We go to the cinema, bowling, quiz nights at Taylors Tea, treasure hunts, visits to the seaside, The Beautiful Octopus Club, weekend breaks to Centre Parcs etc. Would you join our volunteer Board of Trustees? You would be supported by a trained social worker and the management team. You would come to the office to use the telephones and office space once a week and also attend a Board Meeting every two months.
Contact Heather McGinness on 07740484519
Victim Support
Working for victims of crime, Victim Support aims to offer a comprehensive service to people from all sections of the community who need help to cope with the effects of crime. Could you offer practical and emotional support to victims of crime? Victim Support depends upon many people who give their time to help victims cope with the distress caused by crime. Trained Volunteer Visitors listen to people who seek the help of Victim Support and will also offer practical help in a number of different ways, such as liaising with the police or employers, helping with insurance claims and other related paperwork, etc. Visiting Volunteers are not counsellors, but will offer appropriate emotional support and/or will advise clients on how to access support from other relevant agencies. Victim Support is entirely independent of the Police.
The amount of time a volunteer gives will depend on the current case load, and the volunteers availability. As a volunteer you can also accept or turn down cases to suit your availability in terms of time or geography. It is helpful (though not essential) for volunteers to have their own transport.
Contact Jill Cox on 0845 071 0871 (Office – ask to be referred to Jill)
Yorkshire Housing
Yorkshire Housing is a charitable housing association providing homes and services for around 35,000 people living in and around Yorkshire - an exciting organisation with many opportunities for volunteers. They are currently recruiting voluntary Members to their Board and Committees. They need people who have some or all of the following skills and qualities: entrepreneurial leadership, strategic awareness, financial and risk management, regulatory awareness, the ability to take an independent view, analytical skills, ,general business skills, enthusiasm, commitment. This is a great way to put something back into the community.
To view information on line visit http://www.yorkshirehousing.co.uk/ and go to the ‘Careers’ section.
Contact Gill Baker on 01904 754 448
Not found your ideal role? Click here to search the rest of our listings - or contact us on volunteer@harrogate.org or call 01423 509004 to discuss your ideas further.
Your Contact at the Volunteer Centre:
Should you wish to discuss any of the above opportunities with us, please don't hesitate to contact us:
Harriet Bisson,
Volunteer Centre Manager
Harrogate & Area Volunteer Centre
Community House
46-50 East Parade
Harrogate HG1 5RR
Tel: 01423 509004
Fax: 01423 502126
e-mail: volunteer@harrogate.org