New volunteering opportunities for September 2010

Volunteer Drivers If you occasionally have a few hours to spare, can drive and have your own car, then you could volunteer with a local branch raising money and awareness for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Drivers are required to drive guide dog owners, with their dogs, to & from fundraising events and speaking engagements within the West Berkshire area. There is also the option to get involved with the events whilst waiting to return people home. Training on the transportation of dogs would be provided and out of pocket expenses offered. Drivers are required throughout weekdays & weekends, including evenings.         Ref VCWB 46

Shop volunteers If you are a book lover or enjoy collectables, perhaps you have a passion for fashion or enjoy cleaning and ironing! Whatever your interest, you could work as part of a dedicated team of volunteers to help raise money to change the lives of children throughout the world. Energetic and enthusiastic people of all ages are being sought to take on a variety of roles to enable the shop to continue its good work. This is an ideal opportunity to really make a difference as you can take responsibility for a department that interests you. The skills required will depend on your area of interest – but there really is something for everyone! Ref VCWB 297

Outings & events organisers A group has recently been set up for people in the West Berkshire area suffering from life threatening brain tumours. This will enable them to be offered support, either via the internet, or at group meetings. So that group members can continue to receive the support they need, two volunteers are required to join the committee and take on the roles of organising group social outings and arranging a few small events that will raise both money and awareness. Both roles will suit creative thinkers with a friendly nature, an empathy with the nature of the group, as well as good communication & organisational skills. Ref VCWB 305 & 306

Thatcham group coordinator Make a difference to the lives of older people in the Thatcham area who would otherwise feel isolated by becoming a co-ordinator for a group that arranges tea parties. These monthly Sunday afternoon parties bring people together for an afternoon of sharing stories, friendship, conversation & laughter! Ideal for a well organised individual, with a few hours to spare each month and an understanding of the needs of older people.  Ref VCWB 288 Fruit orchard project volunteers If you enjoy the countryside, then you could get involved with carrying out simple orchard surveys in the West Berkshire area. This work will contribute to a heritage map of traditional orchards, and help conserve biodiversity. No experience is required, but an interest in the subject would be helpful. Access to a car would be desirable, but not essential. Full instructions and maps will be provided. Ref VCWB 304 Local railway history enthusiast Share a passion for local history & geography with a local author who is compiling a unique history of the Berks & Hants railway line between Reading & Westbury. A volunteer is required with a few hours to spare each week until the end of December to assist with the completion of the book. This will involve working with the author to bring together all the information ready for possible publication and archive creation. Ref VCWB 308

For information about these and more than 350 other volunteering opportunities please call Volunteer Centre West Berkshire on 01635 49004