Volunteering

"Sports volunteers play a key role in community sport and nurturing sporting talent, whether coaching or refereeing, driving the mini-bus or volunteering at a large event.  The benefits of their work extend far beyond sport - helping to improve communities, supporting and developing children and young people and contributing to the health of the nation."  Roger Draper, Chief Executive - Sport England

Volunteers play a vital role in the delivery of sport in the West Berkshire area.

Berkshire Sports Partnership (BSP)
The BSP is working with identified focus clubs and development officers for specific sports to encourage best practice in the recruitment and retention of volunteers by sports clubs.  Guidance has been drawn up in relation to Volunteer Recruitment strategies and they are the lead agency for Berkshire for the Step into Sport programme which links young people in volunteering opportunities.
Contact Berkshire Sports Partnership on 0118 939 9006.

Summer Reading Challenge: Space Hop
West Berkshire Libraries have challenged all West Berkshire’s 4-11 year olds to participate in the 2010 National Summer Reading Challenge, Space Hop. The goal is for the participant to read six books from the library throughout the summer, encouraging a lifelong love of books, reading and of course libraries.
Your role: You will encourage the children to take up and complete the Reading Challenge. You will explain how the Challenge works, give out the Space Hop Log Book, Stickers, Book Marks and eventually the Certificates. It’s up to you, but perhaps you will suggest new authors, or different books by the same author. Perhaps books on a similar theme, or maybe books with the same illustrator. What about poetry books, hobbies, fascinating facts, history, picture books for older readers. Perhaps you could make up quiz questions?
For more information contact Ros Preuss or Barbara Magee at Newbury Library
Phone: 01635 519900
Email: rpreuss@westberks.gov.uk; bmagee@westberks.gov.uk
Click here to download the Volunteer Role Description

Buddies
Buddies is a charitable organisation, based in West Berkshire, that aims to ensure that all children and young people aged 5-18 have equal access to leisure activities.  This is achieved by recruiting volunteers to "buddy" children with additional support needs, and by attempting to raise awareness of the importance of making leisure opportunities inclusive.
If you would like to speak to someone please call the Development officers on 07833 127414 or 07810 248305 and they will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Email: info@westberksbuddies.com
Website: www.westberksbuddies.co.uk

Partnership for Active Leisure Scheme (PALS)
PALS offers young people aged 5-18 years with physical needs or sensory impairment the opportunity to access a variety of leisure and recreational activities.  They would welcome kind-hearted volunteers.
51 Long Grove, Baghurst, Tadley, Hampshire
Phone: 0118 981 3933
Email: palscoord1@hotmail.com

Mencap
Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers.  Mencap are always on the lookout for volunteers to help in local fundraising events, helping children and young people in out-of-school events and similar activities.
Call the local group careline on 0845 123 3000

Berkshire Autistic Society (BAS)
The BAS has several projects underway now it has received funding from 'The Big Lottery Fund'.  They are always eager to recruit and train volunteers to be involved with these schemes.
BAS, Ground Floor, 197 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UZ
Email: contact@autismberkshire.org.uk
Website: www.autismberkshire.org.uk

Local Volunteer Centres
Volunteering England works to promote volunteering as a powerful force for change, both for those who volunteer and for the wider community.  The website offers a range of resources for anyone who works with or manages volunteers as well as those who wish to volunteer.  Visit the Volunteering England website at www.volunteering.org.uk.
West Berkshire Volunteer Centre, 1 Bolton Place, Northbrook Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1AJ
Phone: 01635 49004
Email: jobshop@nvb1.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.volunteerwestberks.org.uk
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 1pm

Do-it
A source of information for those already interested in volunteering, and how volunteer-involving organisations can be utilised.  www.do-it.org.uk was launched in 2001 and is a national database of volunteering opportunities in the UK.

Community Service Volunteers
Involves people in volunteering and training opportunities.  With over 40 years' experience to share with other organisations, they can find volunteers to help you create a volunteer programme.  They also offer professional development opportunities.  Visit the website at www.csv.org.uk/volunteer.

National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS)
The network of over 350 councils for voluntary service throughout England, promoting voluntary and community action by supporting the member CVS by acting as a national voice.  Visit the website at www.nacvs.org.uk.

National Inclusion Play Network
The National Inclusive Play Network is for groups and individuals who are committed to including disabled children and young people in play and leisure.
Kids National Development Division, 6 Aztec Row, Berners Road, London, N1 0PW
Phone: 020 7359 3073
Email: pip@kids.org.uk