Volunteer Centre West

Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1156302 Impact Report 2017-18

Volunteer Recruitment in 2017-18

THIS year, we have given 354 near future,” – Jo Vipan, individuals advice and infor- Thames Valley Restorative mation on volunteering. 117 Justice. of these enquiries were made “We have recruited two in person and 237 online/via excellent administrator phone. There are currently v o l u n t e e r s f o r o u r 420 opportunities on our da- organisation thanks to the tabase. Volunteer Centre. They have Online enquiries: added a huge amount of value This year, approximately 93 to our organisation in their per cent of our online enquir- first few weeks of work,” – ies were received through our Grace Ryder, Scheme Manag- bespoke enquiry form on our er, Home-Start West Berk- website, or via e-mail. The shire. remainder came via other “Many thanks for taking so searches. much time and trouble going Flexiteering: through things when we This year, a further three met,” – volunteer Vic. volunteers joined our flexiteer “The ‘Big List’ is useful be- mailing list, bringing the total cause I find that various vol- up to 141 people with specific unteering sites’ filters don’t easily allow for the possibility skillsets offering their time in Chris Read, short, flexible bursts. of something unexpected coming up!” – volunteer Joel. Volunteer Quotes from organisations to Volunteer Jane came in to the Recruitment Officer whom we have referred Volunteer Centre for advice potential volunteers: on volunteering opportunities. “We received three volunteer “Free impartial, information Following this, she rang to enquiries via our advert with and guidance about how, say that she had commenced the Volunteer Centre. All where and when people can volunteering with the Nation- three individuals were volunteer is at the core of our al Trust. She commented that selected to attend our four- charitable objects. This short her first couple of shifts had day Restorative Justice report indicates that this been very enjoyable and that F a c i l i t a t o r T r a i n i n g service is valued and appreci- it was “exactly the role [she] Programme in March 2018 – ated by potential volunteers wanted”. so we hope that they will real- and beneficiary organisations ly benefit our service in the alike,” – GP.

In the year to 31s March 2018, of the 354 people that we supported with advice about volunteering www.volunteerwestberks.org.uk www.volunteerwestberks.org.uk 274 gave their age range. The results of this graph frequently surprise readers. Page 2 Volunteer Centre Overview by the Chairman of the Trustees

VOLUNTEER Centre West Wellbeing Board promoted a down to the hard work of our Berkshire (VCWB) continues ‘Knowledge Event’ held at treasurer, Chris Armitage, to thrive and take on new Newbury Racecourse and and his continual monitoring challenges despite the uncer- attended by 87 local organi- of our financial status and tainties faced by all charities sations, each of which pro- also, of course, our director, in a rapidly changing world moted its own activities and Garry Poulson, for his strict and financial stringency. how it could help others in financial control of our day- The development of the char- associated fields. This re- to-day proceedings. ity’s role as the council for sounding success will un- voluntary service (cvs) for the doubtedly be held again in In conclusion, I must formal- West Berkshire area contin- the future. ly thank our director for his ued apace, and the charity’s continuing enthusiasm and participation as a member of Whilst developing its new support in rising, as always, West Berkshire Council’s role, VCWB has not ignored to whatever challenges come Health and Wellbeing Board, its traditional role within the his way and, of course, our led to it taking the lead role community, and its more hard-working staff and vol- in establishing the West familiar activities continue to unteers, without whom we “Volunteer Berkshire Suicide Prevention go from strength to strength. could not provide the ser- Action Group. Chaired by The Handybus vices so valued by the com- Centre West our director, Garry Poulson, service is now fully integrat- munity in which we live. Berkshire this pro-active group has ed with the Newbury service Finally, my thanks go to my (VCWB) taken positive steps to high- and, after some legal delays, fellow trustees, who give of light the problems associated the three Handybuses are their time and expertise so continues to with mental health in the now under the complete con- freely in guiding this most thrive and take workplace. It held a very trol of VCWB. We are excellent charity. on new successful workshop in Octo- grateful for the generous ber 2017 attended by 60 support of Donnington New In presenting my annual challenges participants from 50 employ- Homes for their continuing report, I do so in the despite the ers large and small to hear of financial support in funding knowledge that Volunteer uncertainties the active steps that could be this valuable service. Centre West Berkshire re- taken to identify the dangers mains on a firm footing, well faced by all of workplace stress. The Community Car Scheme able to face the future in serv- charities in a continues to thrive although ing the community of West A survey of needs of the with a slight diminution in Berkshire. rapidly changing Community and Voluntary passenger journeys over the world and Sector held in the autumn of last year. Volunteering ad- Brian Phillips, financial 2017, highlighted a number vice has been given to more of areas where small organi- than 350 clients with in ex- stringency” sations were seeking help cess of 400 volunteering va- and advice to assist them to cancies on our books. Some function more effectively. 18 clients have been support- Accordingly a number of ed through the VCMe short training sessions have scheme which provides sup- been held and a more com- port to those with mental prehensive programme is health issues seeking to vol- being developed to address unteer. the needs identified. Our Befriending project con- Another area which has tinues to exceed targets and, emerged during the year is along with the Village Agents that small charities and vol- scheme, has particularly untary organisations, along targeted in the east with local authority profes- of the district during the year. sionals working in the field, We now have 26 Village Chairman of the Trustees felt they did not have ade- Agents active across the quate knowledge of the ex- district. tent of the voluntary sector in the area and the extent to Finance for a small charity is which assistance was availa- always a challenge, and from ble from other organisations. a budgeted deficit of £44,000 In March therefore, VCWB at the beginning of the year, along with West Berkshire our out-turn of a small sur- Health and plus is, in large measure, Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1156302 Page 3 Director’s Report

WITH our role of supporting The level of intensity of these brought new staff and we the voluntary and communi- meetings is increasing. New have been fortunate to have ty sector comes a great deal challenges and opportunities recruited an excellent of partnership work and rep- are on the horizon. Later this replacement for Jacqui. Sa- resentational work. year West Berkshire Council mantha Raw has settled well will be announcing the into the role. Laura Hunter is Attending meetings as a full second round of adult social supporting our voluntary member of the Health and care funding via its voluntary sector support project and Wellbeing Board at West sector prospectus portal. As her great IT skills have made Berkshire Council is one yet we are not aware of the improvements to our regular such board, and there are funding levels or work bulletins and events. Along various sub-groups to include streams that the council with Sara Hanson and falls prevention committees, wishes to commission. I will Chris Read the team is work- and the MEAM (Making endeavor to keep the sector ing very well to provide ex- Every Adult Matter) group, informed. cellent and friendly service to whose role it is to reduce the the clients and organisations Garry has often said effects of homelessness and As my chairman of trustees that we support. The office to support the homeless. has mentioned in his report volunteer team, who are the sky is the limit Also included are various we must continue to remain listed in this report, are a transport groups and,, im- focused on delivering family and their service when it comes to portantly, working with the services that meet real needs above self is demonstrated CCG (clinical commission- within West Berkshire. every day. community ing Group) in their desire to Services that are adequately work ever closer with the resourced, properly run and, I am grateful to my chairman involvement. Well voluntary sector. importantly, understood by of trustees, Brian Phillips, their intended beneficiaries, whose dedication to the here he took it quite At all of these meetings my so that we meet real need. charity and support to me role is to listen and advise The project reports contained has been immense, and to literally by within the context of volun- within this document illus- the varied skillsets that our tary sector involvement and trate the type of essential excellent board of trustees undertaking a free- to ensure that the sector’s services that we provide. As bring. I thank them also. voice is heard in the right a charity we are proud that Thanks also to Chris fall parachute jump, places, or to create pathways we have kept our feet on the Armitage, treasurer, and to for both the statutory and ground in the way that we Andy Parsons and Patsy from three miles up, voluntary sectors to work help people and organisa- Giles for their unstinting together. This work requires tions within the many and time and dedication to mak- in aid of Berkshire keen ears and eyes in order varied communities in West ing the books work. I’ve a that the expectations of our Berkshire. great team around me. Vision’s Blind Clubs sectors are translated into a Thank you to you all. language we can each under- I was sorry to lose a good in Newbury and stand and, vitally, to manage friend and office manager of Garry Poulson, expectations within these 12 years in January – Jacqui Thatcham raising conversations. Letsome – but the new year Director, VCWB. £1,109.

West Berkshire Suicide Prevention Action Group established

IN May 2017 West Berk- shire employees. In addition to acknowledge all of the shire Health and Wellbeing signage has been fixed to support it has received from Board entrusted the Volun- road bridges, work has been the various groups with a teer Centre to take on the done to create information particular mention for Jerry work surrounding sui- materials, talks have taken Dixon, of Newbury Samari- cide prevention in West place at comedy clubs and tans. The group has been Berkshire. Garry Poulson work has been undertaken supported by West Berkshire rose to the challenge, devel- with SOBS (survivors of be- Council’s Health and Well- oped a working group com- reavement owing to suicide), being Board. Garry’s work prising 22 organisations. the group has worked with has received notable com- The group has set about un- the horse-racing industry, the mendation by Darrell Gale, dertaking practical approach- Royal County of Berkshire author of the Berkshire Sui- es. Chief amongst these was Show, and Youth counsel- cide Prevention Strategy, for to establish employer train- ling services and articles have the way in which the West ing and, at the first event, 50 been written for the press. Berkshire group has worked employers attended repre- Five meetings taken place. on the recommendations senting 11,500 West Berk- The Volunteer Centre wishes within the strategy. Page 4 Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

The Village Agent – Community Navigator Service

MOST of us are very inde- garden, befriending and as- ‘Social Isolation Infor- pendent but suddenly cir- sistance with the completion mation’ event with our Be- cumstances can change and of forms. To assist with this friend and VCME services at we need a little help; we then growing demand, Citizens Sainsbury’s in Calcot. We discover we do not necessari- Advice Reading held a train- recruited a Village Agent ly know what help is availa- ing morning in February for from this event and chatted ble. Village Agents aim to a selection of Village Agents, to members of the public, put residents in touch with on the benefits forms most about how our services can the services that allow them requested. Our Village assist. We also held two to enjoy the community in Agents have been successful Village Agent Open Days at which they live and to be in enabling clients to obtain the Volunteer Centre in Oc- able to stay in their own Attendance Allowance and tober and March, the latter In 2017/18 homes for longer. even appealing against some was one of the snow days of the decisions made. which led to low visitor num- nine New Village The aim of the project is for bers. We did, however, have trained volunteers to visit A grateful client’s card said: more successful engagement Agent socially isolated individuals “I have just received the let- at the Racecourse Volunteer in West Berkshire, then navi- ter…confirming that we have ‘Knowledge Event’, where community gate them to the possible been granted the attendance we were able to network with solutions which, in turn, allowance back dated to No- the other services and the Navigators; encourage maintaining inde- vember 2017. I am writing public together. pendence. to thank you very much for 360 clients, some all your help and time you We are very proud of Cathe- In the year up to March 31, gave with the above. We rine, our Village with complex 2018, we have trained nine both send our best wishes.” Agent, who has been award- new volunteers and, there- ed the Freedom of the Town fore, have maintained our We have also assisted clients of Hungerford for her volun- needs, supported; level of 26 Village Agents, in applying for disabled park- teer work within the town. who have undertaken 1,619 ing ‘blue badges’ as well as 1619 hours of volunteer hours, an increase rail cards and bus pass appli- Examples of our work:- of 254 hours on the previous cations to enable them to volunteering year. Our newly-trained travel independently. A lady, who was widowed volunteers in , and feeling lonely, was not by our agents; Purley and Bradfield have Ongoing training continues getting out and about. The enabled us to be more active at our volunteer support Village Agent encouraged 555 referrals to in the east of the area. We meetings with presentations her to attend five local activi- cover the whole of West from a wide range of services ties and provided details of a agencies. Berkshire and have not had such as MacMillan Cancer bereavement charity that to turn anyone away on the Support and Recovery in may be able to assist her. basis of geography. Mind. Village Agents checked on, Village Agents have spoken Once again, in both Comp- and assisted, residents in to 1,047 people at various ton and Hungerford, our , Peasemore, and events and supported 360 Village Agents were instru- (among others) clients, many with complex mental in organising Christ- during the snow, ensuring needs. mas Day lunches for both their current clients were ok. those alone on the day and We have received 125 refer- the volunteers who contribut- A concerned neighbour con- rals from different sources ed to the event. This in- tacted us about a client re- over our direct line, in addi- volved fundraising for the cently home from hospital tion to the referrals made event within their communi- and who had not indicated directly to the Village ties, a lot of forward planning their need for care once Agents. We have then in and, in Hungerford, lunches home. This led to another turn, made 555 referrals to were also delivered and elderly neighbour trying to agencies to support our cli- shared at home with those do quite heavy manual care. ents. unable to get out. Both We contacted Adult Social events were extremely suc- Care, who immediately re- Gill Comley, Our most common requests cessful and plans for 2018 are sponded, and a care package Village Agent for information and assis- already being made. was put into place. Coordinator tance include transport, prac- tical help within the home or In January we held a joint Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1156302 Page 5

Village Agent – Community Navigator Service

ANOTHER client had a hoped to regularly attend, problem with a phone pro- taking some of his projects vider, who was sending in with him. debt collectors for services he had never had. The Village A gentleman referred last Agent liaised with Trading year was revisited. He was Standards and the debt col- on his own having lost his lectors to get the debt written wife. He was ex-Service and off and the client’s credit had been a member of the rating reinstated. The client Royal British Legion. The was hugely relieved. Another Village Agent suggested he Village Agent assisted a might like to rejoin and of- young mum with practical fered to take him down to his solutions to enable her to local branch. The Village attend her son’s nativity play, Agent had asked the chair- which meant a great deal to man of the Legion to keep her. and eye on him and intro-

duce him around. At the A client referred by Adult follow up visit the change in Social Care had a back injury him was amazing; bubbly, and pneumonia. He was cheerful, helping other peo- sleeping on the sofa at a ple around the area and real- friend’s home. He had not ly enjoying life. eaten for three days. A food bank voucher was arranged. A client referred by Adult He was awaiting an assess- Social Care was assisted in ment for his benefits and was finding furniture from the trying to get on the housing Furniture Project for his new list, but because he did not home which was unfur- have a computer he could nished. The Village Agent not place the bid. The Vil- then helped find removal lage Agent assisted him to services to move personal phone to enquire about Em- belongings from storage and ployment and Support Al- to help the client move in. lowance payments instead of Jobseekers Allowance as he has no credit on his phone. In one of the rural areas an older client, whose Aga cooker had broken, was una- It was apparent that another ble to cook. The Village client had become socially Agent assisted with finding a isolated. He was an experi- specialist repairer, arranging enced carpenter and loved for them to attend. She en- gadgets. He had mental sured that a hot meal was health issues. At home he prepared each day for the had a woodworking work- client until the Aga was shop, where he had put to fixed. one side several broken elec- trical items, which he could Gill Comley, not motivate himself to work Village Agent Community Navigators on despite this being one of Hungerford Village Agent Catherine Wooliston s a valued Coordinator his interests. He stated that member of the Hungerford Community whose work has on some occasions he found been recognised by the town this year by the granting of it difficult to go through the This service is Honorary Freedom of Hungerford. The award was made front door to go out. Our VA supported by by the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Graham Barker, and referred him to Hack Space, volunteers and Hungerford Town Mayor, Cllr Helen Simpson. Thatcham and went with Many congratulations to Catherine from all at him to the Reading area Men West Berkshire the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire. in a Shed. He was impressed Council -Public and commented that they had a good set up. Some Health enthusiasm returned and he Page 6 Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

The ‘Knowledge Event’

BY working in partnership Cllr Richard Crumly. We with West Berkshire were pleased that Newbury Health and Wellbeing MP Richard Benyon was Board, the Volunteer also able to attend, as well Centre sought the support as our chairman of Trustees of West Berkshire Coun- Brian Phillips and our Pa- cil’s chief executive of- tron Mr. David Jones. ficer, Nick Carter, with Nick Carter attended and the aim of creating an spoke to Thames Valley TV event designed to inform after the event. inter- sector and statutory Bid writer Sara Hanson sector organisations about successfully applied to the The Knowledge Event the depth, breadth, and Awards for All lottery fund was supported by West complexity, of the volun- and secured £3,800 for the Berkshire Councils tary sector in West Berk- event. Garry was ably as- Health and Well-being shire. Nick Carter sup- sisted by our events and ported the event which training coordinator Laura Board resulted in West Berkshire Hunter, who joined the Council funding the venue team in the new year. Feed- for the event at Newbury back has been excellent Racecourse. with requests for a repeat event in The VCWB team set 2019. about creating the ‘Knowledge Event’ which was held on a wet day in March. Some 87 organi- sations attended ranging from Youth work to can- cer care, transport agen- cies to grant givers, a com- munity radio station to the village agent scheme, and everything in between.

Networking was the aim. 87 The day created an atmos- phere of exploration and education about one another's services. Add this to three useful training organisations sessions on General Data Protection Regulation, marketing and bid writing attended the and a picture developed that people working in the social care sector are ‘Knowledge frequently unaware of just how much is going on. The event was opened by Event’ on two-times chairman of West Berkshire Council, March 29 and Quentin Webb, the High Sherriff of Berkshire, Graham Barker, the then held at Town Mayor of New- bury, Cllr David Fenn, Newbury and Mayoress, Marion Fenn, the then Mayor of Thatcham, Cllr Ellen Racecourse Crumley, and her consort Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1156302 Page 7

An article for the Newbury Weekly News by Garry Poulson, chairman, Suicide Prevention Action Group THE profound and shocking a family member, friend, col- under the leadership of Garry Resources: event of a suicide of a close league, or employer, may be able Poulson, has brought together relative, spouse, friend or to do to alleviate some of the around 20 organisations with the colleague is amongst the greatest stresses in their life. key aim of bringing about practi- Talking Therapies emotional trauma that a human cal solutions that might prevent could suffer. The effects of a People’s struggles may be due to suicide, and to raise awareness 0300 365 2000 suicide amongst us are long personal relationships, deep of organisations within West lasting and leave many unan- financial worries, workplace Berkshire who are there to sup- Samaritans swered questions for those left stress, poor mental health, or a port people who may have been behind or a severe emotional combination of all of these affected by a suicide. For exam- please use trauma for those that may have things. We can all ask questions ple, Racing Welfare, the Coro- 116 123 been unwittingly implicated as or make suggestions such as ners’ Courts, local Police, Time witnesses to such an event. ‘have you thought of making an To Talk, Samaritans, SOBS appointment with Citizens Ad- (Survivors of bereavement due to Citizens Advice What could we have done? vice West Berkshire who are suicide), West Berkshire Public West Berkshire What did we miss? If only I had trained to advise and guide peo- Health Board, a retired GP, listened to them. If only they had ple with a myriad of personal Newbury Weekly News editor 0300 222 5941 told me how they were feeling. problems?’ If their anxieties are Andy Murrill, West Berkshire These are the rational questions around relationships then organi- Council Highways, Newbury that may arise after the event. If sations such as ‘Relate’ are avail- MP Richard Benyon, a member Relate in Newbury you are an employer, do we have able and for younger people in of the district council James 0118 987 6161 a policy at work to support West Berkshire we have an or- Frederickson, Public Health people who are coping with ganisation called Time To Talk, officers, the Berkshire Healthcare stress and anxiety, is there a well that specialises in listening to Foundation Trust, and The SOBS (Survivors -being element to work place young people. Samaritans in Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. of bereavement by appraisals or opportunities for Newbury is an organisation staff to discuss workplace stress- whose very role it is is to talk to In October 2017 the Suicide suicide) es? people who are suffering and Prevention Action Group invited 0300 111 5065 their 24/7 service is there for us West Berkshire businesses to Research shows that people are all. attend their first, free suicide afraid of raising the subject of prevention training morning Time To Talk suicide with someone who may It is incumbent upon employers called ‘Start The Conversation’. 01635 760331 have said that they had thoughts to take time to talk to staff if, for Experts from the Charlie Waller of ‘ending it all’. example, they have displayed Memorial Foundation and the different behaviours from the Berkshire Healthcare Founda- Charlie Waller Rationality, along with a loss of norm. Asking them how things tion Trust delivered a session perspective, usually departs are at home may reveal areas of giving employers very practical Memorial Trust those people who are thinking severe stress that an employer messages about how to spot the 01635 869754 about taking their own life. could take into account. It may signs of stress and anxiety in the Research shows that people who be that a partner has left the workplace which could, in some want to take their own life don’t household with children. Per- circumstances, lead someone to Racing Welfare in want to die. How odd that may haps the family home is about be have suicidal thoughts. Those sound. But the research tells us repossessed owing to cata- 50 employers represented 11,500 that people actually want their strophic debt problems. Employ- employees in West Berkshire. It 01488 670034 circumstances to change and in ers can help in a number of is the suicide prevention action their moment of irrationality ways. Perhaps by discussing group’s intention to deliver two they feel that the only way to options with staff, perhaps guid- more sessions in 2018. The dates The West change their life is to end it. ing them to expert services, may- and venues for this free training Berkshire Suicide be time off to help solve their will published in the next few Prevention Action It is ok to talk to people about problems. Overtime may help weeks. If you are an employer how they are feeling. It is ok to with money worries, or perhaps or person responsible for staff, Group are ask people if they are considering an employer could fast-track training or have an HR function members of the taking their own life. These ques- them to an in- house counselling and would like to attend one of tions do not raise the idea of service and, of course, ensuring forthcoming training mornings National Suicide suicide in the mind of the person that their employee goes to see then Garry Poulson, chairman of Prevention who is suffering, rather it raises their family doctor who will be the Suicide Prevention Action Alliance. an opportunity for them to talk able to refer to expert services Group, would be pleased to hear about their current circumstanc- within the NHS such as Talking from you. He can be contacted es and why they may be having Therapies and others. via email [email protected] suicidal thoughts. It is ok to ask if they are thinking about taking In May 2017 local charity Vol- If you or someone you know is their own life and have they unteer Centre West Berkshire seeking help and advice, listed planned it. A common reaction established the West Berkshire here is a small selection of the to this may be ‘good god no! I’m Suicide Prevention Action resources that are available in not that bad and I wouldn’t want Group in partnership with he West Berkshire. These organisa- to do that to my family’. West Berkshire Health and Well- tions will be able to assist and or being Board. The key aim was direct you to organisations who This is good because at least you to act upon the recommenda- are able to help. will know that their life may not tions made by Darrel Gale, a be in danger. If their answer is consultant and director of Public GP ‘yes’, it may then prompt further Health and the author of the questions about what their cir- Berkshire-wide suicide preven- cumstances are, and what you as tion strategy. This new group, Page 8

Newbury Community Car Scheme

IN 1974 and based in a little office in Newbury’s Plaza In the year to March 31, 2018 building in the Market Place, the Newbury and District 296 individuals supported by Volunteer Centre (as we were 36 volunteer drivers took people to the following destination areas then called) established the Newbury Volunteer Car Newbury 1,148½ Scheme, local people help- Thatcham 163½ ing local people to get to appointments of all kinds –to Reading 327½ the doctor, hospital, clinic, Oxford 76 dentist, optician, and other Basingstoke 99 essential appointments. This was, and still is a, vital ser- Swindon 2 vice for the elderly and less Other 45½ mobile residents of the town. In 1974 Mary Baker, a (Client’s home to client’s home) 12 school teacher, became one of the first drivers. Some 44 years on we are very proud Total 1,874 that Mary is still one of vol- unteer drivers and she hasn't Appointment types reached our upper age of 80 Hospital/Clinic 1,016½ yet! Surgery 246½ Our office volunteer team, and volunteer driver pool, Dentist 52 continues to provides a much Optician 6 - loved and appreciated Day centre 180½ service. Clubs 18 The number of boxes of Shopping 32 chocolates and biscuits pre- Relative/Friend 8½ sented by grateful passengers to the office at Christmas is Hairdresser 18 reward and encouragement Other 284 enough to continue with this (Client’s home to client’s home) 12 service. Total 1,874 For volunteer drivers who prefer not to use their own car, or who don’t have one, the charity owns this very fuel-efficient Skoda purchased four years ago with the support of Newbury Round Table, Jones Robinson Estate Agents and Sovereign Housing Association. Pictured right and below is our Chairman vehi- cle which is adapted for single wheelchair and family use.

Community Car Chairman Vehicle Page 9

Newbury and Thatcham Handybus Newbury Shopmobility IN April 2017 Newbury Handybus is now in its 32nd IN the year to March 31, Enabling people’s equality Handybus took over the op- year of operation. 2018, Shopmobility enrolled of access to the town is the erational activities of 1,004 new users of the core objective of the service. Thatcham Handybus to ef- The organisations and scheme, 80 people rejoined We are aware that Shopmo- fectively merge the manage- locations that we support on from the pervious year, and bility schemes remain a ments of the Handybus ser- a regular basis are: 195 people took equipment vital service in town cen- vices, their passengers and West Berkshire Stroke Care, for longer-term hire (ie. more tres, and whilst some ser- volunteers in each of the two The Torch Club, Mencap than a weekend). vices around the country towns. Thatcham Handybus Gateway, New Horizons, have reduced their hours, or had resolved not to become Cameo Club, Parkinson’s Daily Hires been forced to close, we bus operators and VCWB felt UK, Blind Club, the VIP Daily scooter loans 1,004 have worked hard to contin- that we had the capacity and Club, Touch To See, Steady Daily wheelchairs 173 ue a full service. willingness to take on Steps, Carnarvon Place, Power chair loans 35 Thatcham. Our small fleet Audrey Needham House, The service would not be now comprises one 11-seat Marshalls Court, Longer-term hires able to run without the accessible Mercedes Sprinter Groombridge Place, Blake support of West Berkshire in Thatcham and two in and Co, Harvest Green, Scooters 809 Council and our volunteers, Newbury. Each of the vehi- Burchell Road, Widows Manual wheelchairs 1,228 who add value to the grant cles are now eight years old Club, Avon Bank Lodge, Power chairs 1 47 for the service. and have covered approxi- Geological Society, St Nico- mately 70,000 miles each. las’ Churchg, Newbury Total days equipment used Handybus currently benefits Friends Together, Argyles 3,396 Newbury from 32 volunteer drivers Nursing Home, Mallard This is two per cent down on Shopmobility and in the year to March 31 Close, Eight Bells for Mental the previous year. we have undertaken 1,024 Health, Cats Protection and is open passenger journeys. Drivers Senior Days Out. The service has undergone have undertaken 2,510 hours personnel changes in the Our wheelchair accessible Mon to Sat of voluntary time and we final quarter. We are sorry vehicle (Chairman) have undertaken 9,943 that our coordinator of 10 9.30 am to 4pm undertook: passenger trips. years, David Seward, retired 356 single trips, involving 01635 523854 following a bout of poor During the year we have 195 volunteer-driver hours Thanks to assisted 28 groups, undertak- health. We wish David a and 2,577 miles driven. long and healthy retirement. en 364 regular shopping jour- West Berkshire Council neys and taken people on 25 Volunteers This necessitated the recruit- special outings. ment of two new, part-time Our drivers, without whom coordinators, Lindsey and for its continued Trevor Lisseman, our there would be no Handybus Julian, who now join Ann support for the less service, are listed on the back Handybus coordinator of five Shears, creating three part- mobile visitors to the years, continues to handle all of this report. time posts instead of two town. In addition their calls, and the driver coordi- spread over the same six recognition of the nation and bus servicing days. This allows greater from the busy Bolton Place flexibility for staff cover. The economic benefit this office. service enjoyed the support brings to the town of

Newbury S hop mobi lity of Jacqui Taylor, Malcolm Newbury McGregor and Tom Soffe, A sponsorship deal agreed with Donnington and our longest-serving This story can fitNew 75-125 Homes. Picturedand here import are (left) into your newslet- Shopmobility volunteer, ter. There are also several Angela Neale, who has been words. MD of DNH, Mark Norgate, tools you can use to draw with the service since 1995. Selecting pictures or graphics Handybus coordinator,shapes Trevor and Lisseman, symbols. We are grateful to them all is an important part of adding and VCWB director, Garry Poulson. for their support. During a content to your newsletter. Once you have chosen an period of staff illness we were image, place it close to the pleased to welcome Graham Think about your article and article. Be sure to place the Scutter back to help out. ask yourself if the picture caption of the image near the Graham had been our coor- supports or enhances the image. dinator prior to David. message you’re trying to con- During the year, we had one vey. Avoid selecting images scooter stolen. The matter that appear to be out of con- was passed to the police for text. prosecution. At the time of Microsoft Publisher includes writing, we are expecting the Samantha Raw thousands of clip art images matter to come before Read- Volunteer Centre from which you can choose ing Crown Court. office manager Page 10

Befriend West Berkshire

THE project is in its third being re-matched when their “I like chatting and having year. New volunteers are Befriendee had ‘moved on’. coffee.” recruited and some reluctant- ly move on. Volunteers leave The West Berkshire Council “The volunteer is a lovely for family reasons, or per- training department devel- lady. I feel fortunate to know haps the sad death of their oped a safeguarding adults her.” “I like chatting Befriendee, or sometimes half-day course especially for and having work commitments, and volunteers, which was held “She is very kind indeed. I am moving away. This is the for the first time in January happy with her.” coffee.” natural way for volunteers in for 15 volunteers. Training this type of project. on Dementia has been of One of our befriendees who great value to the volunteers “The volunteer is passed away in March was a Befriendees move on also, and the project co-ordinator. prominent politician in the a lovely lady. I going into care homes, pass- 1950s-1990s. He was be- feel fortunate to ing away, or moving away Sue Butterworth, Dementia friended by Ray, who said he lead for WBC, gave a talk to thoroughly enjoyed his visits know her.” into care. the volunteers, and the Corn when they had banter on We have the full range of Exchange Newbury ran a politics and local issues. “She is very kind referrals including people very thought-provoking after- noon called ‘Listen with your Another volunteer has said indeed. I am with physical difficulties and poor mental health. eyes’, giving insight into she has made a wonderful happy with her.” what its like to be living with friend and really enjoys her The project has had 47 new Dementia. weekly visits. referrals this year. The refer- rals are from 16 different There have been two events Research shows that loneli- areas of West Berkshire: to network with other ness contributes to mental community services/projects. and physical health problems Newbury 13, 1, One in Pangbourne village which require costly health Thatcham 9, Calcot 5, Speen hall and one at Newbury and social care interventions. 1, Pangbourne 2, Hungerford Racecourse. Opportunities to Having someone to look for- 4, Shaw 1, 2, Lam- advertise our project to find ward to seeing reduces isola- bourn 2, 1, Cold new volunteers have come tion, improves self esteem, Ash 1, Kintbury 2, Her- from a volunteer information and brightens the day of both mitage 1, 1, day at Sainbury’s Calcot, an befriendee and befriender. and 1. article in the Newbury Weekly News on loneliness, and West This service is funded by Some 27 clients have been Berkshire councils West Berkshire Council Adult supported in this second year have been contacted to ask Social Care and supports the of the project, mostly having them to advertise our project core cost of the service that weekly visits from their in their parish magazines. the volunteer centre manages matched volunteer. This and assumes full responsibil- makes a total of 61 referrals It’s always good to know that ity for. The considerable add- being supported over the first our work is appreciated as a ed value is provided by our two years of the project. service. Accordingly, feed- excellent volunteer be- Simone Foster, back forms were sent to 15 frienders who give of their Befriend West Berkshire We have trained 54 volun- befriendees, with 14 returns. time to help others. Coordinator teers to be matched to a lone- All with lovely positive com- Simone Foster, ly person, seven of those ments, such as: Part-time Coordinator

Befriend West Berkshire is supported by Volunteers and WBC Adult Social Care Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1156302 Page 11

VCme – supported volunteering for people with mental health issues

THE VCme project seeks to for VCme support during the coordinator was good, and strengthen our community 2017/18 financial year. Nine the placement is appropriate by reducing the barriers and of these were referred to the for me. It’s a happy and re- stigma faced by volunteers service and attended inter- laxed place to volunteer”. who have mental health view alongside a support conditions. It does this by worker, e.g. a member of the ‘C’ took up a weekly admin- recruiting volunteer mentors mental health team. Thir- istration volunteering role to provide support during the teen people self referred, and with a West Berkshire chari- first stages of volunteering. an additional two people did ty, with support from the The project also provides not turn up. Seven new vol- VCme project. She told us: accredited Mental Health unteers progressed to full “It’s going really well. Vol- first aid training to local or- volunteering during the year. unteering has been a good ganisations to give them the distraction as my depression The VCme understanding needed to In the year to March 31, has not been good. It helps provide a supportive environ- 2018, 18 people (some re- me to be doing positive project seeks to ment to volunteers with men- cruited in previous years) things.” tal health conditions. This were supported by the VCme strengthen our knowledge also helps them project. A further five indi- ‘L’ had been experiencing support their colleagues and viduals registered for VCme anxiety and depression and community by families, and gives them use- but have decided not to pur- volunteered with two local ful self knowledge to manage sue with volunteering, typi- environmental organisations reducing the their own mental health. cally because they did not through the VCme project. feel the time was right for She told us: “Volunteering barriers and The Steering Group met them, or their mental health has provided me with a rou- three times to support and had deteriorated. The level of tine, taking me out of my stigma faced by monitor the project and two support given by the project comfort zone. Being amongst meetings have been held to varies based on the individu- a different group of people volunteers who support the mentors. Our al needs of the volunteer. and in a different environ- project co-ordinator has de- Some individuals have bene- ment whilst volunteering have mental livered three sessions on the fited from regular mentor gives you something that you five ways to Well Being meetings, whilst others have can’t get at home, or socially. health course run at our local men- only needed mentor support I’ve felt a sense of achieve- tal health Recovery College at the very start of volunteer- ment and been able to see the conditions. www.recoveryinmind2016.c ing or occasional telephone/ wider world again. The pro- om/free-courses These ses- e-mail support from the pro- cess of beginning volunteer- sions point out the value of ject coordinator. ing has been easy and not felt This service is volunteering in raising self Examples of people who overwhelming, with friendly supported by esteem and giving one a have been supported by the support from my mentor and Volunteers, The sense of purpose and there is project this year: the project coordinator.” Berkshire Community an introduction to the project Following volunteering, ‘L’ Foundation , so that learners know what ‘N’ decided he wanted to use has decided to return to paid Edwards Life Sciences support is available. his own experiences of men- employment. She comment- and Greenham Training: tal ill health to help others. ed: “I wouldn’t have been Common Trust Two Mental Health first aid Through VCme, he took on a able to go straight back to courses ran during 2017 and peer support role with a local work. Volunteering has pro- it is it is anticipated that fur- organisation, progressing to vided a step between my ther courses will run in 2018- independent volunteering medical treatment and em- 19. New mentors are in the and increasing the number of ployment.” process of being recruited. hours spent volunteering Chris Read, Individuals supported by the each week. He commented Part-time VCme project: “the process of finding a Coordinator 22 people were interviewed placement with the project Volunteer Centre West Berkshire Page 12 Who makes things happen in the Volunteer Centre office? The Volunteer Centre office Sue Cox 35 yrs book-keeping and IT team Kate Kenna 25 yrs Chris Armitage 10 yrs Catriona Ottner 16 yrs Andy Parsons, book keeper 20 yrs Mary Marsh 17 yrs Patsy Giles, Handybus book keeper 32 yrs Jean Allen 7 yrs David Woodhead, IT 18 yrs Jean Jones 23 yrs Jeff Goodenough, car Scheme IT 10 yrs Sue Campbell 37 yrs Volunteer Office Car Team Julia Jones 11 yrs Liz Fenton 24 yrs Julian Greaves 2 yrs Jean Fleming 13 yrs Garry Poulson, director 20 yrs Ros Littlejohn 5 yrs Samantha Raw, office manager 6 months Gill Smith 3 yrs Trevor Lisseman, P/T Handybus 5 yrs Katy Hawthorne 32 yrs Chris Read, P/T VCme Recruitment 3 yrs Yvonne Brick 12 yrs 342 Sara Hanson, bid writer, Vol sector 3 yrs Jenny Murdoch 6 months Laura Hunter, events coordinator 6 months

Fund-raising and bid writing years DURING 2017/18, the Vol- and Voluntary Sector unteer Centre successfully ‘Knowledge Event’ held at raised funds for the relaunch the racecourse from The Big of and rebranding of the New- Lottery Awards for All, with bury and Thatcham Handy- substantial support from bus from Donnington New West Berkshire Council. combined Homes and Greenham Trust, The Village Agent Service with a donation from New- received funds from John bury Round Table; the Lewis PLC. Other donations voluntary VCme Supported Volunteer- were made by Newbury ing project from The Green- Round Table, towards mar- service in ham Trust, Edwards Lifesci- keting and promotion, and ences, and Berkshire Com- by Newbury Town Council, munity Foundation; Volun- towards the Community Car our office tary Sector Support Service Scheme, and Newbury Rug- Sara Hanson, from the NHS Partnership by Club donated to the sui- voluntary sector Development Fund and the cide prevention action group. support officer team West Berkshire Community

Voluntary Sector Support and training WE have provided three bid teen people from 13 commu- writing workshops which nity and voluntary organisa- have been held attended by tions were given one-to-one 31 people from 30 organisa- advice to help them identify tions. and access suitable funding Five community groups have opportunities, or to comply been supported with special- with new legislation. In addi- ist advice, and from January tion, we provided a special 2018 – March 2018 eight course on the General Data meetings were clerked. Protection Regulation legis- These groups are West Berk- lation and a ‘Marketing your shire SEND Providers fo- Charity’ course. rum, West Berkshire Chil- dren and Young People’s Laura Hunter Forum Executive, and the Training and events West Berkshire Suicide Pre- coordinator vention Action Group. Thir- Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1156302 Page 13

Governance

Vice-presidents: Mary Bedwell, President. Charitable Incorporated Organisation: Kath Harding 1156302 David Jones, Patron. Gill Hall VCWB Board of Trustees: 1 Bolton Place, Newbury Brian Phillips, chairman Ian Langley RG14 1AJ Peter Ferguson, deputy Tim Barton 01635 49004 chairman Mary Marsh [email protected]

Chris Armitage, treasurer Jonathan Hopson Twitter: @vcwb1 Mary Marsh Dennis Brown Facebook: Volunteer Centre West Berkshire Malcolm Poynter Sue Campbell Brien Beharrell Sue Cox The former chairman of West Berkshire Council Mike Youdan Liz Fenton writes: Cllr Jeff Beck Katy Hawthorne VOLUNTEERS are the backbone of our community. Ian Nichol Mary Baker The Volunteer Centre director Garry Poulson has led Cllr Margo Payne Patsy Giles from the front, and we all owe him a massive thank you in the managing of the centre. Thank you Garry. The finances: Kaye Kenna The Volunteer Centre aims to bring people, groups, Detailed accounts will be businesses and partners together, and to inspire available upon request after co-operation across all participants with the particular the July 20th, AGM. emphasis on motivating new volunteers to step forward We are grateful to our and help those organisations and groups that interest supporters: them. What a difference that extra assistance makes. You should be able to find the answers to your questions West Berkshire Council by visiting the centre and matching your abilities to the job opportunities. The Berkshire Community I had great pleasure in formally opening the West Berk- Foundation shire voluntary and community sector ‘Knowledge Donnington New Homes Event’ and then meeting those who participated A truly inspiring event. The Greenham Trust Cllr Quentin Webb Newbury Town Council Former chairman, Newbury Weekly News West Berkshire Council 2016/17 - 2017/18. Edwards Life Sciences John Lewis Partnership Big Lottery Awards for All Newbury Rugby Club Heathrow Community Fund Newbury Round Table

This is a list of 210 wonderful people who volunteer for our direct services. We are proud to say that Mary Baker who started volunteering for us in 1974 still is !

The Volunteer office book Volunteer Car Drivers Handybus Volunteer Drivers Befriend West Berkshire keeping and IT team 34 35 Volunteers Angela Logue 5 Mary Baker 38 Chris Armitage Angus Macdonald Carol Stanley Liz Briggs Andy Parsons Bill Boulton Daniell Smith Patsy Giles Matthew Briggs Rachel Rushmer Bob Terret David Woodhead Michael Brooks Alison Sampson Caroline Billington Jeff Goodenough Robin Busby Mary Marsh Chris Morsley Richard Long Sue Campbell Volunteer Office Car Team Clive Loveless Amanda Oliver 14 Simon Carter Roz Morris David Howard Liz Fenton Bob Chapman Maria Bowley David Pietralczvk Jean Fleming Babs Copeland Hilary Reynolds Ros Littlejohn Frank Knott Sue Povey Andrew Edge Gill Smith Helen Bartlett Gabrielle Wienand Sparkes Katy Hawthorne Mervyn Else Rebecca Cusack Gill Garrod Yvonne Brick Ann Evans Maria Pratico John Fleming Jenny Murdoch Peter Fergusson Paul Crookson Julian Foley Julie Evans Sue Cox Duncan Gibb Kate Kenna Julian Weal Lou Moran Louise Gilboy Jonathan Hopson Catriona Ottner Keith Cummings Jean Allen Jeff Goodenough Ros Littlejohn Lesley Garner Mary Marsh Richard Gray Caroline Andrews Malcolm Thomas Lynda Macadam Julia Jones John Holdway Jean Jones Norman Casson Brenda Thomas Bob Hotchkis Sue Chapman Sue Campbell Oliver Hinton Rob Hutchins Rebecca Cook Peter Dibley Village Agent Community David Jessett Maria White Peter Jona Mary Roper Navigator Volunteers Jill Jessett Phil Pool Mary Moore John Marriage Marian Samson 28 Philip Eaton Robert Meyer Bett Clough Phillip Russell Blanche Herman Clare Owen Angela Bates Catherine Wooliston Rex Wearn Kat Weirheim Hazel Owen Penny Brookman Richard Aston John Stevenson Julian Baker Brian Phillips Carolyn Culver Richard Foster Lyn Fisher-Garrett Bob Reid Katie Simmonds Richard Holdaway Jess Boon Peter Richards Jackie Hull Patricia Burnett Robert Ferryman Steph Peters Mandy Smart Jo Ramshaw Roger Ambler Cornelai Fehrenbach Janice Cook Chris Strang Scott Whetton Julian Weal Malcolm Thomas VCme Volunteer Mentors Steven Brown Elaine Cross Stephen Thompson 8 Angela Bates Trevor Lisseman Gary Walsh David Chapman Glenn Peters Wayne Harrison Robert Dawes Brian Barnes Jacqui Letsome Lynda Sylvester Flexiteers Rachel Rushmer Huw Davies Shopmobility Volunteers 31 Greg Smith Kaye Broom 7 Flexiteers are volunteers with Helen Wright Robert Lewis Angela Neale Gill Young Martin Allport specific skillsets who we are able Philip Shears Eddie Newick Mary Leslie-Smith to ask when we have tasks to Tom Soffe Carolyn McAuley fulfil that needs a specialist skill VBase Support Sue Chapman Malcolm MacGregor 1 Heather Whetter Philip Shears Julian Greaves Sarah Wilson Trustees Jacqui Taylor David Green 9 Joanie Dyson Patricia Lisseman

Marilyn McManus

Without these people making their daily, weekly, monthly and annual contributions to West Berkshire there would be no Volunteer Centre. Thank you