Volunteering

The project offers volunteering opportunities, training and support for people who have been out of the work environment for some time, have mental health issues, personnel issues or are looking to retrain. Volunteers provide vital support in the running of our basic services, befriending clients and helping with our training sessions. Mentors provide support for individual clients during periods of change and personal development and to help prevent the cycle of homelessness again. The project has trained 12 volunteer/peer group mentors and has piloted a new City and Guilds Certificate in ‘Supporting the Development Needs of Homeless and Vulnerable People’.

In 2005/06 we had: 1062 volunteer sessions, 8 client volunteers, 23 training sessions

We have a volunteer force of over 30 men and women of all ages and with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience who provide support to the team at St Petrock's.

Taking on a New Challenge Most people know me as the Cook at St. Petrock’s, but I’ve just taken on a new role as volunteer co-ordinator! I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and becoming more involved in every aspect of recruiting, inducting, training and managing the volunteers. The co-ordinating has started well and kept me busy. We have recently recruited ten new volunteers, mostly from Exeter University. The new set of skills of the volunteers are being utilised well and they are fitting into the organised chaos of the centre! Best wishes, Linda

Volunteers

Profile : David I have been a volunteer at St Petrock's for 7 years and I find it very rewarding to be able to help people who are trying to gain more control over their lives. I am often struck by how hard I would find trying to cope with the difficult backgrounds and circumstances that some people have to cope with. I joined the management Committee a few years ago to help give a 'shop floor' perspective of how things are going, and I believe the new St Petrock's is already achieving a more positive and broader approach to the range of problems encompassed under the homelessness. David.

Profile : Ann MacMenim I’ve been a volunteer at St Petrock’s for some 4 and a half months now – thinking at first I would just help over the Christmas period. I realised very early on that the rewards for me of sharing a few hours a week with the clients and staff were enormous and so I decided to help on a regular basis. I feel I am part of a large, mostly happy family. Many of the ‘family’ members have varied problems and there are ups and downs, like most families. I certainly feel privileged to play a very small part in this amazing project. Ann

A Vital Part of Our Work

• They provide companionship and support for the Centre users.
• Offer practical help with preparing and serving food, helping with the laundry and clothes store.
• Support educational activities and meaningful occupation sessions.
• Have an enjoyable time working as part of the Centre Team.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you will be asked to provide two character references, be inducted and trained alongside established volunteers.

As a volunteer you will be asked to commit to one regular session a week for a minimum of six months.

For further information about volunteering work at the Project, either download the application form and return to 10 Cathedral Yard, Exeter, EX1 1HJ or contact Linda Sillifant on 01392 422396 or e-mail linda@stpetrocks.org.uk.