Patricia Blackwell, of the Volunteer Centre Dorking, has contacted us to ask whether more of our members would like to consider volunteering to help local community organisations. She says: ‘We act very much as a signpost organisation, helping match individuals to rewarding volunteering opportunities, and we have established good relationships with a range of local charities and not-for-profit organisations that need help.
‘Volunteering opportunities are as diverse as the people that volunteer and can often be flexible, with hours and days to suit the volunteer, allowing them to use existing skills and develop new ones.
‘The types of volunteering opportunities are as varied as the organisations: community volunteering, such as mediation; outdoor volunteering in the areas of conservation and gardening; catering support; driving, for charities such as Dorking Good Neighbours; and mentoring roles supporting people with disabilities or mental ill health are just a few of the many roles we have registered with us.
‘We try to ensure that our volunteers will enjoy their roles, have fun and make new friends whilst gaining satisfaction from knowing they are supporting such deserving local charitable organisations, who truly value their help.
‘As we offer our services for free, we rely on the support of organisations such as the U3A to help us reach out to all members of the community. We look forward to hearing from you, and if you would like any more detailed information please do not hesitate to contact us.’
The Volunteer Centre – at The Point, Lyons Court, Dorking RH4 1AB – is open from 10am to 1pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays and its phone number is 01306 640369.