Volunteering encourages people feel connected in their community and to support their local groups and organisations. For some it can also lead to employment. Through their work behind the scenes Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) has found that some people need a little extra support to get involved and they are now launching a new Supported Volunteering initiative this autumn.
VAO is currently recruiting volunteer mentors. These mentors will be trained by them to work with those who require more support. They are also making contact with the groups and organisations who could potentially host the volunteer and their mentor.
Morven Brooks, Chief Executive at VAO said:
We know that volunteering in the community provides a host of benefits. It can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing or help you gain the skills needed to find sustainable employment and develop your career. For some however, there are barriers that stop them from getting involved and this is where our new service can support. Individuals can be partnered with a mentor who can accompany them when they volunteer, helping them to gain confidence and learn the skills needed to continue on their own.
No One Left Behind funding from Scottish Government and support from Orkney Islands Council has made it possible for VAO to employ 2 part time coordinators to oversee the development and delivery the service until December 2026. The coordinators’ first step is to find and train the mentors.
Hannah Rendall, one of VAO’s Supported Volunteering Coordinators at VAO said:
We are looking for volunteers from across Orkney to join our mentoring team. They may have volunteered before and know how rewarding it can be, or have the skills required to support another person and be looking for a new challenge. With just a few hours a week or a fortnight, they will be in the position to make a huge difference to someone’s future.
Katherine Rendall, who works alongside Hannah as a Supported Volunteering Coordinator, added:
We are excited to get started with training and building our mentoring team, and to begin introducing mentors to their volunteers and the charities, community groups and voluntary organisations they will be working with. We hope this service is going to bring real value to mentors, volunteers and our wider community.
To discuss becoming a volunteer mentor or for more information about Supported Volunteering, get in touch using the form below or by calling 01856 872897 option 1.
