“Volunteering has helped get me out of the house and meet new people. I feel confident enough now to move forward and get back into employment and join in activities within the local community”.
Our Inclusive Volunteering Project, is delivered across the 4 localities in the borough. It was first developed because many people with additional support needs who were wishing to access voluntary work who were coming up against barriers e.g. people with mental health problems, learning and physical disabilities and others who faced stigma and social exclusion.
The project links people who are interested in volunteering to a range of volunteering opportunities in the Borough, in fields as diverse as arts, music, health and social care, youth work, environmental and advice/ information services. Our aim is to match an individual’s capabilities and potential, with opportunities that they will find fulfilling and beneficial to their lives.
The Circle of Friends Peer Support Group
We also support the ‘Circle of Friends’, a peer-support group for service users who have additional support needs (predominantly people with mental health, physical and learning disability issues) who volunteer in various settings in the community. Its main purpose is for volunteers to come together for social support, training and group projects. We have supported the group in writing funding bids.
Community CVS delivers Inclusive Volunteering as part of an borough partnership of voluntary groups providing integrated Information, Advice and Guidance.
If you have additional support needs and want to become a volunteer please come in and speak to us. We run 4 drop in sessions.
- Tues Boulevard Centre 10-12,
- Thurs Darwen Café Hub 12-2:00pm
- Fri YSYC 11-1:00pm
- Every fortnight at Blackburn Job Centre (Beginning & end of the month)
Alternatively you can ring to speak to Yasmin Patel on 01254 583957 or fill in our on-line volunteer enquiry form, adding a note if you would like us to know about any additional support needs that you have.
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