December 7, 2017
I often talk to people who are interested in working in the community in some way, perhaps volunteering with the elderly or young people or with homeless organisations.
Volunteering can be an incredibly powerful way to help improve your own confidence, self-esteem and feelings of worth. You can clearly see the impact your time and effort makes with the people or organisation you work with.
Here are a few links to help you make a choice about where you might provide assistance or time. Some of these are specifically aimed at people living in and around Brighton & Hove. I have included more general UK links at the end. Please feel free to contribute other suggestions in the comments.
Befriending an elderly person in Brighton and Hove
“For many older people loneliness is an unwelcome feeling of loss. The fear of loneliness alone is said to cause more anxiety than a lack of money or deteriorating health. In fact, loneliness is proven to cause early loss of life which is why services like ours are needed to help elders to feel connected with their community, with volunteer befrienders and each-other.” ( www.tttb.org.uk).
Contact Time to Talk to discuss ways you can help.
Time to Talk Befriending – Hove Tel: 01273 737710 http://www.tttb.org.uk/
email info@timetotalkbefriending.org.uk
Volunteering and befriending vulnerable adults across Brighton and Hove.
Brighton and Hove Impetus are an independent organisation delivering a range of services aimed at improving the wellbeing and quality of life of vulnerable adults across the City. They support people with learning disabilities, people with mental health issues, older people, people with physical disabilities and people with autistic spectrum conditions.
Volunteer roles include: Home visitor, volunteer drivers, phone support – further information can be found on the BH Impetus website http://www.bh-impetus.org/
Brighton and Hove Befriending Coalition “a group of organisations that provide befriending services to a wide range of people at risk of isolation and loneliness in the city” http://www.bhbefriending.org/
Call 01273 229005 email contact@bhbefriending.org
Volunteering with organisations working with homeless people
The Clock Tower Sanctuary provides a friendly, bright, centrally-located, safe space for homeless young people to engage with their peers. t: 01273 722 353
Details on how to volunteer with CTS here
BH Community Works has a volunteering search platform for local volunteering opportunities in Brighton and Hove.
UK wide links:
“vinspired is the UK’s leading volunteering charity for 14 – 25 year olds. vinspired helps young people to make their mark on causes that they care about, whilst learning new skills and talents along the way. vinspired recognises that volunteering can help young people thrive, and transform the communities they live in. It teaches them vital skills, like teamwork and problem-solving. It prepares them for their future.” (https://vinspired.com/ )
Age UK – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/
Do it – https://do-it.org/