Volunteer Centre Western Isles

Workplan for 2012-13

Our Vision is of a community where everyone volunteers. Where volunteering is recognised as integral to the health, wealth and vitality of the Outer Hebrides. Where the Volunteer Centre Western Isles provides a high quality localised service that supports the growth of volunteering in all islands, in every community, in each home, to any individual.

Our Values:

• We are passionate about volunteering: we will support and encourage it in all its forms.

• We are committed to development – of the individual, the organisation and the community.

• We are supportive, friendly and non-judgemental in our dealings with ourselves and others.

• We are committed to giving a quality service and pursuing excellence in all that we do.

Our Mission: To actively support, promote and encourage volunteering.

Index

Vision, values and mission statement Page 1

Current Picture Page 3

Comments on progress towards our vision in 2011/12 (taken from final year report) Page 5

Long Term Outcomes Page 10

1) Everyone in the W.I. volunteers Long Term, Mid Term Outcomes and Activities Page 11

2) Volunteers have a good experience and are welcomed wherever they go Long Term, Mid Term Outcomes and Activities Page 12

3) Volunteering is recognised as integral to the health, wealth and vitality of the western Isles Long Term, Mid Term Outcomes and Activities Page 13

4) The Volunteer Centre Western Isles provides a high quality localised service that supports the growth of volunteering Long Term, Mid Term Outcomes and Activities Page14

Monitoring and Indicators of Achievement Page 15

Priorities for 2012/13 Page 16

Working to support the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership and the SOA. Page 16

Working as part of the Interface for the Western Isles and supporting the Strategic Plan for CCIG Page 18

Resources and lead roles in delivery Page 19 2

Current Picture: (main source: http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/factfile/index.asp unless otherwise stated)

Location and environment: The Western Isles are an isolated, peaceful and unspoilt chain of more than 29 islands, off the North West coast of Scotland. (Also known as the Outer Hebrides).The Western Isles is home to a wide variety of interesting species and habitats and beautiful landscapes in a relatively compact area. The environment is recognised internationally as being of global importance.

13 islands of the Western Isles are currently inhabited and are usually grouped into the following 4 main groups, Lewis with the largest population and the main town of Stornoway, Harris which is joined to Lewis but is very much considered an island in its own right and incorporates Scalpay. The Uists a chain of islands joined by causeways and Barra and Vatersay the most southerly islands connected to Eriskay and South Uist by an hour’s ferry journey.

The Western Isles are connected to mainland Scotland by a number of ferry routes and airlinks. The costs of which are currently discounted through the Air Discount Scheme and Road Equivalent Tariff. The cost of fuel is 14% higher than in mainland urban areas (Rural Price Survey). Of all council areas, the Western Isles has the highest estimated percentage of households in extreme fuel poverty (27.3%, compared to 7.5% Scotland-wide). (ScotPHO - Health and Wellbeing Profiles 2010)

Over 72% of the data zones in the Western Isles are within the 10% most deprived zones in Scotland in relation to Geographic Access / Telecommunications.

Population Profile: Western Isles has an estimated population of 26,180. The population is relatively ‘elderly’; the percentages aged 75+ and 85+ are the highest of any LA area in Scotland. The live birth rate is significantly lower than the Scotland average. Only 0.4% of the population aged 16-64 are overseas nationals registered for a National Insurance number (Scotland 1.3%).

Between 2006 and 2031, the Western Isles is projected to see a large decline in the key age groups of 0-15 years (-25%) and those of working age, 16-64 yrs (-11%). By this date, 33% of the population is expected to be 65 years and over.

Migration and Achieving a Sustainable Population: While in recent years the Outer Hebrides is estimated to have experienced positive net in- migration (more people moving to the islands than leaving) it has not been enough to combat the persistent year-on-year negative natural change (more deaths than births). Despite, a higher than average fertility rate (2nd highest in Scotland in 2006), annual births are projected to 3

decline by 50% in the next 20 years as our age structure is currently skewed to older age groups, leaving a significant deficit of young people and young families within our population structure.

Our legacy of an ageing population profile has created a momentum so well established, that based on current trends, our population is set to continue to decline and age at a worrying rate. While we cannot modify the natural change patterns already set in place, by reducing out- migration and encouraging complimentary in-migration we can help to ensure our communities, services and workforce are sustainable for the future.

Employment: Local Area Labour Markets in Scotland Statistics from the Annual Population Survey 2010 were published on 10 August 2011. The publication provides analysis on the labour market, education and training. One of the conclusions for the Outer Hebrides is that employment rates were steady at the start of the recession in 2008, but there have been large subsequent reductions in 2009 and 2010. Some of the main findings are: The Outer Hebrides showed the largest increase between 2009 and 2010 in economic inactivity rates for people aged 16-64 (up 6.9%), in comparison to Clackmannanshire (down 4.9%). The level for the Outer Hebrides in 2010 was 4,500 (28.4%). The employment rate level for 2010 was 11,400 (68.7%). The Outer Hebrides had the highest percentage change over the last 2 years, - 8.7% (- 1,600).

The Outer Hebrides had the highest level of employed people over 16 under-employed at 13.8% in comparison to 5.7% in City of Edinburgh.

Employment rate for disabled people (16-64) is lowest in the Outer Hebrides (32.1%).

Resident population aged 16-64 in employment 10,900, of which 88.2% live and work in the council area. 37.9% are employed in the public sector, of which the majority are women (55.9%). 62.1% are employed in the private sector, of which the majority are men (75.4%).

Educational Attainment* The proportion of adults with no qualifications in the Western Isles is 13% above the Scottish average. (NHS Scotland - Community Health Profile 2004). In contrast to this the Western Isles has the highest proportion, in Scotland, of school leavers with 3+ SCQF Level 6 or 1 or more SCQF Level 7 qualifications at 43%.

The 2001 census indicated that 6% of the working age population were participating in further or higher education compared to the Scottish average of 9%. However the Scottish School Leaver Destination Report for 2002/03 showed that the Western Isles is above the Scottish average for school leavers with positive destinations with 41% entering higher education, 21% entering further education and 11% entering training although the HE/FE entry rates, as a percentage of the Scottish average, have dropped from 175% in 1998/99 to 119% in 2002/03.

Life Expectancy & Mortality Male life expectancy at birth is significantly worse than average, and female life expectancy at birth is not significantly different to Scotland. Mortality rates for all causes (all ages), and coronary heart disease, cancer and cerebrovascular disease (under-75s) are not significantly different from the Scotland average.

Behaviours An estimated 24.0% of adults smoke in the Western Isles, similar to Scotland as a whole (25.0%). There have been 95 deaths from alcohol conditions in the last five years, and there is a significantly high proportion of the population hospitalised with alcohol conditions. However, the rate of patients hospitalised with drug related conditions is significantly better (lower) than average. While the Western Isles Council area has one of the lowest reported rates of sporting participation, 16% of working adults report active travel to work (Scotland 14%).

Social care and housing Of all council areas in Scotland, the Western Isles has the highest percentage of older people receiving free personal care at home (8.2%).

Crime and the environment The crime rate and most other crime indicators are significantly better than the Scotland average. This is a rural area, and has the highest percentage of all CHP areas for people living in the 15% ‘most access deprived’ areas in Scotland (85.0%). 73.0% of adults rate their neighbourhood as a very good place to live, compared to only 52.0% Scotland-wide.

Volunteering The 2007 Outer Hebrides Community appraisal found: Just over half (55%) of Outer Hebrides residents say they have undertaken work or activities on a voluntary basis in the past 12 months. Around a quarter of residents say they have undertaken voluntary work with a voluntary organisation, charity or community group, while a similar proportion have undertaken voluntary work with a church, religious or faith based group. The latest 2009/10 SHS figures show a slight increase in this figure to 57% almost double the Scottish figure of 30%.

However, the need remains to highlight volunteering as a positive force in the community and to encourage participation with both existing and new volunteers.

With an ageing population and general out -migration of young people, there is still a need to encourage more involvement among the younger age ranges. Our recent survey shows that up to 75% of the 16 – 25 age groups say they volunteer at some point in the year, with many regularly giving of their time.

Asked what would encourage them to undertake work or activities on a voluntary basis in the future, the Community Appraisal found that just under a third say if the work fitted in with their interests and skill and if it fitted in with their other work commitment. Other things that residents say would encourage them are if they had more time and if they could volunteer when they felt like it. However, nearly a third of residents say they are not interested in volunteering.

Men are more likely than women to say they are not interested in volunteering in the future (33% compared with 25%). Additionally, attitudes to volunteering differ by age. Older residents (aged 65 and over) are most likely to say they are not interested in volunteering. Conversely, younger residents (aged 44 and younger) are more likely to say they would be encouraged to volunteer if the work fitted in with their other commitments; if 5

they had more time; if it was good fun; if it would help improve their skills; and if they had more confidence. In addition, younger residents (aged under 35) are more likely than all other age groups to say they would be encouraged if they knew more about the opportunities available.

Comments on progress towards our vision in 2011/12 (taken from final year report)

Outcome One: At the end of the year, we are pleased to see that good numbers of new volunteers continue registered with all offices. Levels of promotional activity continue to be high, with displays, events and ongoing publicity in all areas. We supported a large number of one off activities in the community over the year to date, recruiting 412 volunteers for them alone. We have regularly visited local schools and supported young people through their WAVE, MV and DoE Awards throughout the islands. We have developed and issued info packs on volunteering to school leavers. All development staff are engaged in support for the MCMC 16+ group and we have been able to support 3 young people in Uist and 1 in Barra. By working with the volunteer, other agencies and the organisation we are working towards successful outcomes.

Volunteers Week was well supported throughout the islands, with all areas hosting an event or activity to mark the week. Ness hosted 2 events: one intergenerational highlighting the contribution of older volunteers and the other focusing on skill-sharing; Stornoway hosted a volunteers tea party and displayed 40 case studies around the town for a week; Harris held a celebration for the WAVE Award for Harris Disabled; Uist hosted a thank you tea party for volunteers in East Camp, gave out certificates to Daliburgh Thrift Shop volunteers and held a clean-up at Gerinish; Barra held a clean-up in Castlebay and hosted a ceilidh for Feis Bharraigh with and for volunteers. All were badged with European Year of the Volunteer. As part of the European Year of the Volunteer our Barra worker worked extensively with a volunteer from Belgium placing him in three volunteer placements which have had a positive impact on the local community.

Make A Difference Day events took place in 4 locations: In Stornoway, we worked with the HILLS Project planting bulbs in several areas of Plasterfield. The 7 participants were given MADD Certificates and we supported the HILLS Projects aims of ‘healthy living and integration’ by negotiating free Leisure Facility access for the group up to March 2012 and provided new sports clothing with extra funding from the Voluntary Action Fund. Halloween parties were run for young people in both Uist and Barra with our support and we planned, implemented and promoted a skill sharing session involving 21 volunteers in Ness.

Numbers of volunteer interviews in the Stornoway office continue to be high, with 59 interviews over the year. Placement success rate is averaging around 66%. The Stornoway worker has directly emailed 17 volunteering opportunities to volunteers with positive results. Stornoway also now recruits successfully for one off events, thanks to e mail promotion to previously registered volunteers. We have also supported organisations with promotional work, including preparation and mounting of displays in the VC window.

Due to staff changes in Uist and Harris resulting in the offices being empty for over 2 months, a number of pieces of planned work were affected, including numbers of MV/WAVE participants. New staff have been in place since January and work has been successfully followed up. The Uist office achieved a lot of youth work and promotion of youth volunteering over the year, including in schools: we now have good support from the head teacher in Lionaclete School. Awards were given to young volunteers over the summer. There has been a high level of interest in clean-up activities in Uist and Barra, and we have supported 5 local clean-ups and recruited high number of volunteers for the events: the new worker is 6

developing this further for the coming Spring Clean with all 5 primary schools. We used Facebook to reach young people in Uist, with considerable success: this works well for local area activities, and is very popular with young volunteers as a way of keeping in touch about their MV progress. We hope to pick up on this again in all areas in the coming months. We have again continued our work with Community Education, with some excellent partnership work, where Community Education set up the activities and the VC recruits volunteers to help with them. This joint working is happening in all areas, and remains one of our flagship partnerships. Our Harris worker helped 34 primary children achieve the WAVE under 16 Award, an example of the sort of contribution the VC can make to the Curriculum for Excellence. This volunteering is popular with the children. We have also been very successful in recruiting and registering more volunteers for the half marathon and are encouraging Sports Harris to be more active in managing this event. A joint event to award MV, WAVE and Duke of Edinburgh awards was held with Community Education in March, attended by 150 people

In Ness, we have recruited volunteers for 7 organisations and involved them in a wider range of activity, including securing a qualified 1st Aid trainer to enable additional training in the area. In November we supported the Xmas fair, which involved 33 volunteers and we also ran a stall called ‘A Taste of Festive Food’ to celebrate European Year of Volunteering. This featured people from other cultures sharing samples of their festive food. We have achieved a very successful piece of work in the community with setting up of the post funeral lunches in response to community need. A total of 23 volunteers are now actively engaged in this, including some who had previously declined to get involved in the community. The organisation of this activity is now done mainly by the volunteers themselves, marking another successful transition from VC to self management.

Outcome Two: We have continued to work with organisations, giving direct support to 171 volunteer involving organisations over a wide range of activities. (Basic support is given to over 300 in any one year.) Examples include: In Ness, working with organisations for Make a Difference Day, giving specialist skills a showcase for others to try or appreciate; an informal networking opportunity via the Xmas Fair; support for the Ness Hall committee with the organisation and running of a fundraising event to allow refurbishment of the Hall. In Stornoway and Barra, we have given information and advice to several groups on good practice and how to keep their volunteers and have also worked with Feis Bharraigh helping them plan for the volunteer effort needed to run a series of fundraising events this year.

We collected information for dissemination to organisations through our newsletters, e bulletins and website, including training opportunities, funding and legislative updates. We held meetings with organisations to discuss their support needs eg. recruitment processes, effective communication, policies, suitability of opportunities for promotion and issues relating to geographical restraints. As part of our Volunteers' Week activities we contacted and encouraged organisations to take part in the range of thank you and celebration events. We have worked with Job Centre Plus, providing them with undated information on local volunteering opportunities and dealing with referrals from them.

We have also supported both local and national volunteer involving organisations with recruitment campaigns, the circulation of information, assessment of opportunities for promotion, issues relating to geographical restraints and support with accreditation schemes. Much of this is relating to events and one off activities that we are supporting and it is gratifying to see the range of organisations with which we are in contact. In Stornoway, we supported organisations with targeted recruitment, with considerable success. Some organisations have become stronger and

more sustainable thanks to VC work, eg, Feis Bharragh and Barrafest, the Post Funeral Lunches and senior citizens club in Ness, Isles FM volunteer management in Stornoway, Sounds in the Grounds regarding how they should recruit and communicate with volunteers.

We gave a lot of support to Mòd Ionadail Bharraigh, the first local MOD on Barra for some years. With a large amount of volunteer effort, this local mod will go on to be an annual event. Others are now using the VC services on a regular basis to help plan and run activities such as the Castlebay Youth Café clean up and to help them develop good management practice. Others are new partnerships such as Storas Uibhist tree planting by volunteers and the Voluntary Arts Weekend in Stoneybridge, North Uist and Sounds in the Grounds in Stornoway.

Harris has awarded the first WAVE Award to a Harris organisation - Harris Disabled. Other WAVE Awards have been slower to progress, and managers have now decided they need to be more proactive in encouraging this with organisations, as smaller organisations need more support to work through the award.

Summer events in Uist included a number of environment activities, sporting events and educational support through the Curriculum for Excellence. Eriskay Community Shop staff worked with the VC to run a coffee morning and quiz for the Sean Batty STV appeal: 6 volunteer were recruited and over £150 was raised –another good example of partnership work. We have been asked to assist Community Education with its Holiday Event in summer 2012.

We have guided Western Isles Sensory Centre through policy development and acceptance, recruitment and training, volunteer support and supervision and their WAVE Award, the production of a promotional DVD, Handbook and volunteer inductions and volunteer training in British Sign Language. 8 volunteers have been recruited and given induction.

Outcome Three : We have worked to increase the profile of volunteering at strategic level meetings and through participation in a range of working groups/ networks. This has enabled us to raise awareness of volunteer contributions and achievements locally with a range of partner organisations. After review of working groups for the CPP, it was decided to change action teams to short life working groups as needed: the Community Capacity Building action team has therefore been discontinued in previous form. However, we are still in the process of setting up a Student Internship research project, which is aimed at third sector organisations engaged in capacity building and have secured LEADER funding towards this. There has been much work on this project to date and, if successful, this would contribute well to raising awareness of capacity building in the islands. Staff are now engaging with 16+ Learning Choices and this has opened new possibilities for partnerships.

Collecting 40 case studies for use in Volunteers Week has given us a bank of material to use for display and promotional purposes as well as research information that can be used to back up our work. Having a temporary researcher to support this work was helpful. Staff have also appreciated the impact of using the case studies and we are gathering a good range of specific types for evidence. We were unable to undertake another survey this year but we have gathered feedback throughout the year from vio’s and volunteers.

New organisation and opportunity numbers are good thought the overall registered numbers has fallen dramatically due to withdrawal of national registrations by VDS. We now hold mainly local organisations and opportunities, which are the ones of greatest interest to local volunteers. 8

Volunteer numbers are good, particularly as the Harris office registered new volunteers for the half marathon for the first time. There has been a good range of publicity for the VC through activities and promotional work, including displays in libraries, schools and notice boards. Press coverage for Volunteer’s Week and other activities has been good. All staff contribute regularly to the VC newsletter, which covers a range of articles and volunteer achievements. Have made some new contacts such as with new Employability project, First Steps, and met with the co- ordinator to register the organisation and discuss ways of getting involved and supporting their clients.

Managers continue to actively chair C-CIG and promote ethos of participation and genuine partnership. Tasks undertaken to date include preparation of the strategic plan and creating a dropbox for partners to use. The VC also regularly sends out information to volunteer involving organisations via Vbay and both VC and C-CIG web sites. The VC is now sitting on CPP as chair of C-CIG and participating in the Executive Group and CPP outcomes groups (as before), on behalf of both VC and C-CIG. This has considerably raised our profile with CCP partners and is for mutual benefit. VC manager now sits on the board of Lews Castle College; this opens up new possibilities of partnership at strategic level. Other strategic level meetings include: HMIE inspectors; Area Manager for Red Cross; publicised and attended BLF meeting regarding CPP bid; 3 Voluntary Action Scotland networking meetings; PFPI meeting and Older Peoples partnership meeting. Managers also took a lead in promotion of European Year of Volunteering and other marketing devices.

One case study has been chosen to illustrate a successful placement:

Earlier this year one of our staff met with a gentleman who had previously spent 20 years working in the building industry before being unexpectedly laid off. Having been used to starting work early every morning for the last 20 years he was at his wits end with nothing to do. Our development worker met with the gentleman and set about finding him a suitable volunteer placement. Given the gentleman’s background in the construction industry, we suggested he try the Staran Project, a local organisation that provides gardening services to local elderly residents: after an initial information meeting with the organisation and a few background checks he set about volunteering with the project. After just a few months the gentleman had made such a good impression that he was offered full time employment with the project. He says: "Thank you for all your help, advice and encouragement. I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone as it gives you a focus to your day and may lead to a more productive and successful outcome, while doing good in the community."

Outcome Four : All staff have had regular supervision and have been surveyed as to their job satisfaction and training needs. Supervision is used as a reflective time to review work and have detailed discussion with the managers. Managers hold regular discussions together on progress, and monitor effectiveness of practice. A team meeting was held in Berneray in May, and again in Leverburgh in September, when a day of team building was also arranged. Staff expressed satisfaction with new style work plan and find it useful. Managers give ongoing support to help staff gain familiarity with the new reporting requirements from the government. After the first 6 monthly report for the Scottish Government, we made modifications to our reporting : we already gather most of the information required and we expect it to encourage staff to think carefully about the outcomes and evidence of their work. In March, we held an interactive session to review our values, vision and mission in relation to our work at the work plan annual review meeting. All staff contributed to the annual report and are encouraged to use positive highlights of their year for their own satisfaction as well as promotional work.

Having a researcher to support the information gathered on Vbay was helpful: she updated various contact lists such as community councils and the information available for use in the job centre.

Managers continue to prepare funding bids and secured an extra £600 from VAF for costs associated with MADD events in October. This was used to support one off events to make a positive difference in the community. The funding bid to Lloyds TSB was unsuccessful for the first time for 10 years.

Other internal management is ongoing eg. Meetings with chair and treasurer; finance management; arranging AGM and board meetings. One of the managers attended the Quality Scotland award ceremony to receive EFQM C2E on behalf of VC. New board members have been recruited and are taking an active interest in the organisation.

Long Term Outcomes

Volunteers Volunteering is The Volunteer

have a good recognised as Centre Western

Everyone in experience integral to the Isles provides a the Western and are health, wealth high quality

Isles welcomed and vitality of localised service volunteers wherever they the western that supports the

go Isles growth of volunteering

Outcome One: Everyone in the Western Isles volunteers

Outputs/Activities Short Term Outcomes Mid Term Outcomes Long Term Outcome

Promote Saltire Awards Develop and promote People are volunteering All community and youth new volunteering groups, schools and awards eg 500 hours through Volunteering Hold ceremonies to colleges support and Award for older vols Award schemes celebrate achievement promote Volunteer award schemes and present awards

Visit schools, colleges, Volunteering is seen as a youth groups and positive destination There is a strong culture Attend 16+ meetings; to community groups to of volunteering in the Everyone in highlight volunteering as promote volunteering Western Isles a positive destination the W.I. Volunteers are actively Run short term events involved in communities that involve volunteers. All local opportunities to volunteers Use campaigns for making a variety of volunteer are of a high promotion- Vol week, events happen. standard and are MADD, Older People Day registered with the VCWI Meet prospective A diverse range of

volunteers – provide volunteering brokerage service opportunities is available Identify/develop new in the Western Isles opportunities to Everyone can access the volunteer Marketing of volunteer information and support opportunities available Information on they need to volunteer volunteering is available Facebook, website, in a variety of formats leaflets, posters, Promotion of and is easily accessible to displays, press items volunteering through all about how to volunteer the media 11

Outcome Two: Volunteers have a good experience and are welcomed wherever they go

Outputs/Activities Short Term Outcomes Mid Term Outcomes Long Term Outcome

Support VIO’s through WAVE VIO’s have good All local VIO’s registered volunteer management with VCWI have achieved Encourage new sign ups practices WAVE standards Volunteers to WAVE Proactive contact with

vio’s to keep in touch have a good with changes VIO’s know what services Forge new links with the VCWI offers and how The VC has a good experience VIO’s, register new VIO’s to access them. relationship with local Continue to work in VIO’s and are partnership with VIO’s Support VIO’s with any All Local VIO’s are

aspect of volunteering registered with the VCWI welcomed and advertise their VIO’s are better able to opportunities through us recruit volunteers suited wherever Support community to their organisation and Share information with events that rely on opportunities VIO’s through email, they go volunteers. VIO’s receive a good flow newsletters, website, of relevant information facebook, meetings VIO’s are better able to Volunteers are VIO’s volunteer access resources to recruited for local VIO’s Publicise VC services managers are able to support them and their events. access quality training and networking Run training for opportunities with each Volunteer Managers VIO’s have an understanding of Run network meetings VIO’s able to buy in volunteers, their

for volunteer managers Market VMP to volunteer management motivations and how to organisations from VC support them

Outcome Three: Volunteering is recognised as integral to health, wealth and vitality of the western Isles

Outputs/Activities Short Term Outcomes Mid Term Outcomes Long Term Outcome

Clear evidence of volunteering’s positive Citizens of the WI are impact on life is seen aware of the positive Gather and use case impact of volunteering studies and statistics everywhere Volunteering Promotional work and on their lives for marketing marketing is recognised

Act as a two way Community planning as integral to conduit for information partnership takes Volunteering is account of volunteering recognised in high level between the CPP and Active leadership the health, third sector in policy decisions policy documents for the and development WI e.g. SOA of C-CIG wealth and

partnership Gather evidence of vitality of the volunteering trends The VCWI is the source of information on Major reports on the western Isles volunteering Western Isles include reference to the impact Promote volunteering Manage Student of volunteering at strategic level Internship Research Project meetings Policy makers and

community leaders are The VCWI is recognised Produce publications aware of the importance as the source of promoting the positive of volunteering information on impact of volunteering volunteering and influences policy makers

Outcome Four: The Volunteer Centre Western Isles provides a high quality localised service that supports the growth of volunteering

Outputs/Activities Short Term Outcomes Mid Term Outcomes Long Term Outcome

Commit to improving communication flow The between all offices Improve financial The VCWI offices and monitoring; managers services are accessible to Volunteer meet with treasurer Funding secured all Staff training given in regularly Centre appropriate areas eg MILO Western Isles Appropriate technology VCWI staff is of a high MILO installed in all and resources are quality, have the Staff reports produced provides a offices and fit for available to staff resources they need and and submitted on time purpose are motivated. high quality localised Organisation is reviewed Staff are trained and feel supported and improvements Staff recruitment, service that The organisation has a made on a regular basis. appraisal, supervision. clear purpose and vision supports the which are shared by all staff and board growth of Team meetings, Board are Work is monitored e bulletins knowledgeable and volunteering against leap work plan committed EFQM bronze award Active leadership of achieved the organisation by Board meetings held managers and board EFQM C2E achieved

Monitoring and Indicators of Achievement

INDICATORS OF ACHIEVEMENT OUTCOME 1: Everyone in the W.I Volunteers Figures for 2011/12 There is an increase in the number of enquiries from individuals dealt with in 12/13 compared to 11/12 854 + 27 anon: total 889 There is an increase in the number of Volunteering Awards achieved in 12/13 compared to 11/12 MV 50hr: 23 100hr: 7 200hr: 4 There is an increase in the number of young people newly registering with us in 12/13 compared to 79 11/12 The VC and Volunteering has a high level of visability (quantity of press releases/promotional events 35/56 run/displays/leaflets/posters) There is an increase in the number of new opportunities registered on VBay in 12/13 compared to 57 11/12 There is an increase in Number of volunteers recruited for one off events in 12/13 compared to 11/12 412 There is an increase in Number of presentations on volunteering given in 12/13 compared to 11/12 SHS shows and increase in % of people in the western Isles Volunteering 57% (2009/10) INDICATORS OF ACHIEVEMENT OUTCOME 2: Volunteers have a good experience of volunteering and are Figures for 2011/12 welcomed and valued wherever they volunteer There is an increase in The number of enquiries from organisations we receive in 12/13 compared to 1175 11/12 There is an increase in The number of organisations signed up to WAVE standards in 12/13 5 compared to 11/12 There is an increase in Number of One off events supported in 12/13 compared to 11/12 58 INDICATORS OF ACHIEVEMENT OUTCOME 3: Volunteering is recognised as integral to the health, wealth and Figures for 2011/12 vitality of the Western. We have collected more case studies demonstrating the positive effects of volunteering in 12/13 48 We have collected more survey results demonstrating the positive effects of volunteering in 12/13 9 new organisations, Opportunities and Volunteers have registered on Vbay in 12/13 Org: 20 Opp: 57 (264 in total plus one off events) Vols: 185/35 anon Young vols: 79 INDICATORS OF ACHIEVEMENT OUTCOME 4: The Volunteer Centre Western Isles provides a high quality Figures for 2011/12 localised service that supports the growth of volunteering There is an increase in the number of hits on our website in 12/13 compared to 11/12 23,759 The production and distribution of our Annual Report Produced July 11 Staff are fully trained, competent, confident and happy in their work Monitored at supervision Continuous improvement is embedded in the organisations practices and is monitored against the Monitored at supervision EFQM framework

Priorities for 2012/13

Launch of the Saltire Award Implementation of Milo and staff training Award ceremonies CCIG support and development

Working to support the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership and the SOA.

The work of the VCWI outlined in this document directly supports the SOA vision of a prosperous, well educated and healthy community enjoying a good quality of life and fully realising the benefits of our natural environment and cultural traditions. Volunteers are not only critical to the provision of many services in the Western Isles, but the act of volunteering has been proven to benefit both the mental and physical wellbeing of the volunteer. Volunteering can also be a valuable step into employment offering the volunteer the opportunity to gain new experiences, learn new skills and assisting the volunteer into further education or employment.

Volunteering and the 7 SOA Local Outcomes:

1. Volunteering and population: The populations of the Outer Hebrides are stable with a better balance of age, gender and socio- economic groups.

It is an OHCPP priority to tackle the issue of long-term population decline and demographic change, and what it means for future service provision and the ability to maintain services in the islands such as social care and health care. Volunteers are not only critical to the provision of services in the Western Isles but the act of volunteering can also have an impact on the demand for services. “The case for increasing involvement of older people in volunteering is based not only on the premise that the benefits will be felt directly by the volunteers themselves and their communities but also on the expectation that their increasing involvement and activity will result in reduced demands on the statutory health and social services. A recent publication by the English Association of Directors of Social Services and the Local Government Association refers to this as “inverting the triangle of care” – giving priority to the promotion of well-being as a means of preventing or delaying the need for more costly intensive services.” 50+ Volunteering a Vital resource. A document produced by the National Forum on Older volunteering in Scotland.

2. Volunteering and economy: The economy of the Outer Hebrides and the economies within the Outer Hebrides are thriving.

Recent research suggests volunteer hours donated each year in the Western Isles alone would cost in excess of £3.5 million to replace with paid workers on the minimum wage. Voluntary organisations also draw considerable funding to the Western Isles and the voluntary sector is a significant employer in the Western Isles.

3. Volunteering and access to education/training and research: The people of the Outer Hebrides are well educated well trained and well skilled

In a recent survey of local VIO’s carried out by the VCWI almost 50% said that volunteering had led to/assisted their volunteers to find paid employment and 96% said their organisation could not operate without their volunteers. We asked people who had recently asked us about starting to volunteer about their experiences so far 95% of the volunteers said volunteering had had a positive effect on their lives and 56% said they had chosen to volunteer as a route to work/gain experience/improve their CV and 19% to learn new skills/access training

4. Volunteering and health The physical and mental health and wellbeing of the people throughout the Outer Hebrides is improved

Volunteer activities can strengthen the social ties that protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust. (THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING -A REVIEW OF RECENT RESEARCH From the Office of Research and Policy Development, Corporation for National and Community Service)

According to a Duke study of individuals with post-coronary artery disease, those individuals who volunteered after their heart attack reported reductions in despair and depression, two factors that have been linked to an increased likelihood of mortality in this type of patient. In addition, these individuals reported a greater sense of purpose in their lives. (Sullivan and Sullivan, 1997).Those individuals suffering from chronic pain experienced declines in their pain intensity and decreased levels of disability and depression when they began to serve as peer volunteers for others also suffering from chronic pain. (Arnstein et al., 2002)

The government’s new strategy ‘Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland’ argues that good mental health is arguably the highest priority for us as individuals and for the nation as a whole. Three key components for positive mental health are social interaction, control over your life and good physical health. Volunteering offers all three. In a recent survey of local VIO’s 95% said that volunteering had increased the confidence or improved the self esteem of their volunteers and 75% said that volunteering had improved the physical or mental health of their volunteers.

5. Volunteering and stronger and articulate communities The communities of the Outer Hebrides are stronger and more able to identify articulate and take action and responsibility regarding their needs and aspirations

Volunteering is one of the major ways in which communities come together and take action to address their needs and add extra interest and value to their lives. This ranges from small groups providing a benefit to the wider community (eg production of a small local newsletter), providing much needed services (eg Youth Clubs), tackle isolation and support older people (eg senior citizens groups). By developing confidence and self esteem they become empowered and enabled to speak out as a community of interest. The SOA 2009-10 states: “The sustainability of fragile communities in the Outer Hebrides are more than most dependent upon fully engaged and participative citizens. The 2007 community appraisals survey found that a majority of residents are involved in volunteering activity (55%)” (SOA 2009-10)

The VC works with all age ranges, including with schools and youth groups, to establish a culture of active citizenship. It is also part of our work to gather and share info on volunteering trends. We are an active partner in the third sector interface, Co –Cheangal Innse Gall and together we support communities across the islands.

6. Volunteering and natural and cultural resources The people of the Outer Hebrides derive maximum benefit from the natural and cultural resources of the area whilst at the same time safeguarding those resources to benefit future generations

We currently have 73 voluntary groups registered with us that directly work to support and develop our natural and cultural resources and in a recent survey carried out by VCWI 96% of local VIO’s asked said their organisation could not operate without their volunteers.

7. Volunteering and quality services The services of the Outer Hebrides are of high quality continuously improving and reflective of local needs.

The VCWI has achieved the Committed to Excellence award from the European Foundation for Quality Management and all our work is planned, monitored and evaluated using the LEAP process.

Volunteering and the work of the VCWI will contribute towards the following 3 of the OHCPP’s priorities for 2011/12:

• More people in long term employment • More people in education, training and research to equip them for employment in the Outer Hebrides • Improved services for older people throughout the Outer Hebrides

Working as part of the Interface for the Western Isles and supporting the Strategic Plan for CCIG The Volunteer Centre Western Isles is a member of the partnership Co-Cheangal Innse Gall. CCIG is the Western Isles Interface for the Third Sector. The Volunteer Centre work plan feeds directly into the strategic plan for CCIG in particular supporting the following Outcomes:

Outcome One: People in the Outer Hebrides are aware of the positive role of volunteers in the islands and find it easy and rewarding to participate themselves.

Outcome Four: The third sector is engaged with the CPP process and helps to shape services which make the Outer Hebrides a better place to live, work, learn and play.

Work outlined in Outcomes two and three of the CCIG strategic plan is delivered by our partners: Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay, Harris Voluntary Service, Volunteering Hebrides and Outer Hebrides Social Economy Partnership.

Resources and lead roles in delivery

The Volunteer Centre has 5 offices and employs 1 manager and administrative assistant and 5 development workers as follows:

Lewis Uist Harris Barra North Lewis VCWI - 95 Cromwell Street, VCWI - Tagsa Building, VCWI – Community Centre VCWI – Am Bothan, VCWI - Dell hall, Ness Stornoway, 01851 700366 Balivanich, 01870 602604 Tarbert, 01859 502575 Northbay, 01871 890775 01851 810353:

32hr Volunteer Development 30hr Volunteer Development 17.5 hr Volunteer 17.5 hr Volunteer 16hr Volunteer Officer- Roy Macphail, Officer, Gordon Macdonald Development Officer, Mairi Development Officer, Karen Development Officer Joan Robertson Carrey Mackinnon Morrison 35hr Manager – Kirsty Macdonald/Terri Davies,

16hr Admin – Angie Macdonald

Key to activities:

Promotional activities: leaflet distribution, posters, displays, email campaigns, social network campaigns, attendance at events, media releases, visits to schools/groups clubs etc.

Media: Local papers, radio, websites, social networks.

Evidence: case studies, quotes, photos, surveys, evaluations, vbay records

Strategic meetings: SOA outcome groups, CPP, Health board planning groups, CLD strategy groups, national networks, Interface meetings.

Publications: leaflets, newsletter, annual report, funders reports.

Policy makers: Community leaders and activists, MP’s MSP’s

Evidence collection: Staff must have evidence available to show their work and its effects when asked. It is not necessary to collate lots of evidence in one place, as long it can be accessed at short notice.Photos. Copies of submissions to press, radio, web and newsletters. Sign up sheets. Emails. Feedback forms. Vbay records. Evaluation sheets. Minutes of meetings. Personnel records. Case Studies. Phone records. Posting records. Funding reports.