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New Move for Volunteering!!
Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil is working in partnership with Integrated Adult Services on a new Volunteering Project. The Social Inclusion Volunteering Project renamed “Evolve” was initially funded for one year but has now received another year’s funding (until 31 March 2007) so it can carry on the great work it started last year, focusing on volunteers providing social support to vulnerable adults.
This support can be provided either on a one to one basis befriending an individual in the community, or in Sandbrook Day Centre supporting clients with learning and physical disabilities to participate in activities. The clients are identified by Integrated Adult Services and volunteers are recruited, trained and supported by Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil. Volunteers engage with the client by befriending or mentoring, and provide support through leisure and social activities or through home visits for clients isolated through illness. The project is a joint initiative between Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, VAMT and supported by Merthyr Tydfil Local Health Board and National Public Health Service.
The second element of the project, ‘Moving More Often” is a low level physical activity programme developed by the Department of Health in partnership with the British Heart Foundation and the Welsh Assembly Government. It was piloted in Wales (2004) following successful delivery of the programme in England in 2002. Volunteers are recruited, trained and supported to deliver the programme to frailer older persons and vulnerable individuals based in a range of care settings including nursing and residential homes.
Elaine James is the full time Project Co-ordinator and Frances Barry is the part time Support Officer who will be mainly focussing on the Moving More Often aspect of the project. If you are able to offer a few hours per week and are interested in volunteering for the project or, if you require further information please contact Elaine James or Frances Barry at VAMT.
