Volunteering through v
| "Undertaking my v volunteer role is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Parjeet, volunteer |
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Are you between the ages of 16 and 25, living in England and looking for an exciting volunteering opportunity? We are developing new volunteering placements thanks to funding from v!
What is v?
v is a charity in England that encourages 16 to 25-year-olds to volunteer. They work with other charities, including the British Red Cross, to provide and advertise volunteering placements for young people. They pay for travel and lunch expenses as well as training and events. Learn about v events and opportunities in your area.
What is the v programme like at the Red Cross?
Our full-time v programme is creating new opportunities in a range of services and activities, all across England. The placements last a minimum of 13 weeks (but can be longer) and volunteers commit to around 30 hours a week. Because our voluntary services are so varied, you will not sit in an office for 30 hours a week unless you want to. We are keen to talk to you about your skills and experience, and to learn what you want to do and how you want to develop. There is also the possibility that some of the roles may be tailored to suit you.
We are also developing v placements which are part-time (a couple of hours over a number of weeks) and short-term (one-off events to give a taste of different types of opportunities). These are going to be piloted in specific areas of England from summer 2008.
How would I be helping people?
Our voluntary services are so varied that your opportunities for helping people are endless! You could:
- set up groups to teach first aid
- put your fashion sense to use in a Red Cross charity shop
- provide support to young people who are responsible for caring for an ill or disabled relative.
What skills and training do I need?
The skills you need will depend on the particular placement you choose to do and will be discussed with you before you start your placement. We will provide all the training and support you need.
Why are volunteers needed?
Our services in the UK are run almost entirely by volunteers. In fact, we have nearly ten times more volunteers than staff at the British Red Cross. Without volunteers we would not be able to give people the help they need in a crisis.
How do I apply?
When enquiring about a volunteering opportunity, please make sure to include your date of birth, as well as details about your preferred location, when you could start, for how long and what you are interested in.
For a full-time v placement, please contact Karen Moore at 020 7877 7262 or email KMoore@redcross.org.uk.
For part-time and short-term v placements in Devon, contact Marie Nichols at MNichols@redcross.org.uk.
For part-time and short term placements in the London area, contact Emma Johns at EJohns@redcross.org.uk.
For part-time and short-term v placements in Sheffield, contact Helen Allan at HelenAllan@redcross.org.uk.
For all other enquiries, please contact Samantha Robertson at srobertson@redcross.org.uk
True story: Back in the classroom after uni
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| When Parjeet Rai graduated from university, she knew she wanted to work in an environment that allowed her to use the skills and knowledge she had developed from her geography degree. | | |  | |
| When a v opportunity popped up to deliver lessons on international humanitarian law in schools in Shropshire, she jumped at the opportunity.
She remembered: “My initial apprehensions were mostly concerning a lack of confidence as it was all so new to me. However, the great thing is that I have been encouraged to get involved in every stage of the process – from the lesson planning through to the feedback and evaluation.
“Sarah, my project manager, recognised both my strengths and the advantages of having me deliver lessons to my peers. Implementing my own ideas for the lessons was simply brilliant and having witnessed the positive results it has instilled a lot of confidence in me.
“I have no hesitations in saying that applying for and undertaking my v volunteer role with the British Red Cross is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Find out more about v
Email kmoore@redcross.org.uk or srobertson@redcross.org.uk now
Find out why you should volunteer with us | |
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