As part of #volunteersweek, Salcare is thanking its fantastic team of volunteers with a meal and celebration event provided by the staff for all our volunteers.
Jacqui Bell, Director of Service for Salcare explained ‘we couldn’t operate without our hardworking volunteers, they are a massive asset to the organisation and the services we provide. The value of volunteering is huge in our sector, in terms of the services they are able to deliver, and the experience and sense of ‘giving back’ that the volunteer can achieve. We have so many members of staff that initially started with us as volunteers, demonstrating the high value we place on experience when employing people. We’d like to give a huge thanks to all our volunteers, past and present, you are all amazing!!’
Salcare provide a range of volunteering opportunities in the Shop, Community Pantry & Café and Warehouse. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with us, please contact us on 01773 764562 or enquiries@salcare.org.uk
Volunteer Case study (C)
Background
C, a single parent, was receiving support from Derbyshire Recovery Partnership (DRP) for alcohol dependency issues and, as a consequence of an emergency protection order, had lost custody of their 2 children due to the effects of their dependency. C had also been the subject of legal action around ASB whilst they were dependent.
They had high levels of anxiety and low self-esteem and were worried that they may go back to previous coping strategies through alcohol.
C. attends the 12 steps of AA with Alcoholics Anonymous regularly.
How did you come to volunteer?
DRP suggested that C should look for other activities that would be positive and steer them away from risky coping strategies by referring them to Amber Valley CVS for volunteering opportunities, which resulted in an introduction to Salcare. C was introduced to the volunteer team at Salcare and felt they could take on a role in the community café, preparing and delivering a café menu 3 days per week.
How has volunteering helped you?
‘I’ve made some big steps to building a new life so I can get my kids back.
Volunteering with Salcare is amazing, I feel safe and all the people at Salcare are so open, honest and non-judgmental at my background. I feel more confident to make a new start and stay drink free, I have made some new great friends and a sponsor for my AA sessions. I even got some new qualifications that can help me find work in the future.’
C. has also accessed support through our ‘Move-on’ group (wellness after abuse peer support workshop) and support with her legal case through Salcare McKenzie Friends service (legal support) and support with accessing their benefits and essential food through our community pantry.
ENDS
WHAT IS VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK?
Volunteers Week takes place 1-7 June every year. It’s a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you. Volunteers’ Week is supported and celebrated by small grassroots organisations as well as larger, household-name charities. Together they run hundreds of activities across the UK, which showcase and celebrate volunteers and their contribution to our communities. Volunteers’ Week 2023 is a time to celebrate and inspire. We aim to highlight that our diversity is our strength, show that there’s more than one way to volunteer and encourage people to be the change that we want to see.