Reading Voluntary Action

For the final post in our Volunteers’ Week inspiration series, we are focusing on some of the more unusual opportunities available.

There is such a diverse range of opportunities available in the town, needing different skills and experiences, as well as requiring different levels of commitment.

At RVA we are confident that there is a role for everyone, and if you haven’t found it yet, we are here to help. Why not visit our website and request an appointment to have a chat about the options available (www.rgneeds.me)

Here is our final selection of opportunities:

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is looking for Puppy Raisers who look after a puppy for 12-16 months and guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences, whilst providing a loving home. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/844)

Berkshire Family History Society are seeking a Journal Editor and/or Graphic Designer to produce their quarterly journal. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/825)

Reading Sea Cadets is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join their team as Sea Cadet Instructors. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/859)

Thames Hospice are looking for volunteers to help upcycle donated furniture at their Reading Superstore (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/571)

We hope you have enjoyed these posts and that you have had a fabulous Volunteers’ Week!

Loneliness can affect anyone, and the reasons resulting in someone becoming socially isolated can be complex.

The impact of loneliness can be profound; recent research has likened the physiological and psychological impact to smoking 15 ci******es a day.

Reading is fortunate to have a host of organisations working to combat loneliness and social isolation, and volunteers play a critical role.

Here are examples of how you can get involved:

Enrych Berkshire is seeking volunteers to match with their members to participate in shared activities and pastimes. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/816)

Age UK Reading is seeking volunteers to help improve the quality of life for older people who live in the Reading area by providing friendship and support. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/25)

Berkshire Vision are seeking volunteers to have a weekly friendly chat over the phone with one of their members. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/347)

Take a look at our Reading Volunteer Connect platform to find more roles (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/OpportunitySearch)

As well as a time of thanks and celebration, Volunteers’ Week is also about inspiration. If you have been thinking about volunteering, now is a great time to take the first step! To help you, we will be showcasing a range of opportunities in the coming days that demonstrate the diversity of ways to get involved.

This first set of opportunities focuses on volunteering connected with nature and the great outdoors. A range of research indicates the positive impact that nature connectedness can have on individual wellbeing. In and around Reading, there are a variety of groups harnessing the power of nature and green space to therapeutic ends. There are also groups dedicated to ensuring that the green spaces across our town remain well-maintained and open for all to enjoy.

Here are a few ways that you can get involved with some of those groups as a volunteer:

Ridgeline Trust is seeking volunteers to join their Horticultural Therapy Support volunteer team (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/725)

Five A Day Market Garden is seeking volunteers to support their friendly social and therapeutic gardening group for older folk (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/886)

The Conservation Volunteers Reading are seeking volunteers to join their Biodiversity Action Team, as well as for other projects across the area (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/450)

And you don’t necessarily need to be green-fingered to support these nature boosting groups. Reading Green Wellbeing Network is seeking an Assistant Treasurer (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/888)

Take a look at our Reading Volunteer Connect platform to find more roles (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/OpportunitySearch)