We can't quite believe Christmas is almost upon us and another year is almost at a close
To round the year off we have our usual selection of volunteering roles, some with a festive focus and some roles that can be done from the comfort of your own home, but all making a difference to the community
We also share some fantastic volunteer stories from some of the boroughs organisations and amazing, selfless volunteers. It has been really lovely to hear these great stories and see how impactful volunteering can be (We suggest getting some tissues ready for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance video!)
Any of the volunteering roles in the newsletter can be applied for via our website or app unless otherwise stated.
You can visit the website by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below www.barnsleycvs.org.uk/volunteering
You can also find more volunteering roles on our website too!
We hope you all have a peaceful festive period and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
We are currently working with a mix of home and office working, so if you would like to contact us you can call Yasmin on 07939521425 or email volunteer@barnsleycvsorguk if you would like some help or advice about getting into volunteering. #VolunteerInBarnsley
The Level Up Project is a new National Lottery funded initiative to engage underrepresented communities from across South Yorkshire in shaping the future of the museum.
The museum will be carrying out a range of activities over the coming months, including holding pop up events and exhibitions in community spaces, running exciting workshops, and hosting events
Community Champions will be at the core of this work their ideas, input and feedback will shape both the museum ’ s visitor experience and the Level Up Project itself
The opportunity is open to anyone aged 16 or above aged in Barnsley, Rotherham, Chesterfield or Sheffield
What you can expect from the role:
Attending monthly Community Champion meetings whenever possible (online option)
Sharing ideas and feedback relating to the Level Up Project and the National Videogame Museum
Assisting the Community Outreach Officer in developing activities and events
Letting people in your community know about the National Videogame Museum and the Level Up Project’s activities
Being a representative for the National Videogame Museum in your community
What you can expect from the museum:
Support and encouragement in a safe, supportive and accessible environment
Regular check ins with the Community Outreach Officer to make sure you ’ re getting the most out of your volunteer experience
A chance to have your voice heard and shape the future of the NVM Access to events, workshops and development opportunities
Volunteer experience in one of the UK’s most exciting and innovative museums
All travel expenses reimbursed
There are no specific skills required for this role, only a willingness to participate and take part in group discussions and workshops about the museum
Prospective Community Champions can register interest via Google Forms at http://bit.ly/3EMulf0
All candidates will be contacted individually by the Community Outreach Officer for a 121 chat/induction call before being invited to the first meeting This call will provide a chance for candidates to be personally welcomed into the role, as well as to ask any questions they may have at the outset. It also allows access requirements to be discussed privately and confidentially if needed Applicants should expect to hear back within 5 working days.
Maurice Dobson Museum is looking for more volunteers to join the team Currently, the museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The museum tells the story of Darfield and its people, and is located in a beautifully restored Georgian yeoman's residence
It is entirely run by their lovely volunteers and their roles include offering guided tours, helping out in the shop and popular tearoom, welcoming visitors, and working behind the scenes such as helping to set up events as well as collections work and research
They are a friendly group of people and welcome anyone with a passion and love for history and artefacts
For further details about the various volunteering opportunities with them, please email info@DarfieldMuseum.co.uk or call on 01226 754593.
Twitter handle @DarfieldMuseum
You can read about one of the volunteers, Ian McMillan's volunteering day at the museum kindly published by the Barnsley Museums here http://bit.ly/3FcKKuH
Have you got what it takes to be an outreach support volunteer?
This varied role involves meeting and greeting, supporting advisors, answering simple enquiries and acting as a first contact for individuals who attend one of DIAL's advice sessions
There are many different volunteering roles available to you and, whichever one you choose, you will be offered the training and support you need to make a real difference to the people you will be working with
At DIAL, they understand that volunteers have many demands on their lives, so they ask for only a half day a week commitment to your volunteering role However, you can do more if you choose to.
If this sounds like you, why not give DIAL a call on 01226 240273 or email first.contact@dialbarnsley.org.uk
Connect Together, DIAL's new social group, is looking for volunteers!
Do you have a couple of hours to spare each week to volunteer as a Group Supporter?
This varied role includes acting as a companion, a skills mentor, meeting and greeting and supporting DIAL's neighbourhood activities.
There are many different volunteering roles available to you and, whichever one you choose, you will be offered the training and support you need to make a real difference to the people you will be working with
If this sounds like you, why not give Aimi a call on 07716139110 or email aimi.fitzpatrick@dialbarnsley.org.uk
RSPB Old Moor are looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help in their Old Moor shop Retail volunteers greet and meet reserve visitors who come to the shop and are happy to provide information
Training and support will be provided but if you are a good communicator, enjoy working in a team and meeting new people and are flexible, this role might be for you.
The shop products encourage people to learn about and look after wildlife and profits made in RSPB shops funds wildlife conservation work
The RSPB is committed to making their organisation diverse and inclusive, and, as such, are keen to encourage applications from everyone, of all ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities.
There are no formal qualifications required, however If you join the retail team, you could expect a varied volunteering experience Your role might include:
• helping serve customers
• sharing information about products and offers
• stocking shelves
• making the shop a friendly place to visit
• answering general enquiries
• being part of a friendly and co operative team
For more information, email aprilross@rspborguk
The Barnsley Christmas Dinner Project aims to provide a wonderful Christmas meal and day for young people who have been in care and have no one to spend Christmas day with
They are looking for volunteers to support the Barnsley Christmas Dinner Project
The project needs the following roles:
Members of the steering group to meet throughout the year to plan the day, fundraise, promote the project.
Christmas Day Volunteers to be available on Christmas day to help prepare the meal and take part in the day with the young people, to help it be a magical experience
Drivers to collect the young people and take them to and from the venue Volunteer present wrappers
Volunteer fundraisers
They would invite anyone who has the enthusiasm and commitment to support them to apply. Please note that the Christmas Day and Driver roles require a DBS check
For more information, contact the Chair Beth Goodliffe, on 07593087149
HARC has been providing a safe and warm day shelter in Sheffield city centre for homeless, rootless, and vulnerable people between Christmas and New Year since 1989
As well as three hot meals a day, they also provide some guest services such as hairdressing, podiatry, and access to emergency accommodation advice
This year they will be opening on Christmas Eve to New Year’ s Day from 830am 2.30pm for guests. There will be one shift a day for volunteers, which will start at 8am to get prepared
Last year, they moved their project to the Lower Hall at Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1
They have several volunteer roles available General volunteers the project up afterwards
Socialise with guests Chat and play games Welcome guests and monitor those entering
Work in the clothing store
Help with activities (games, bingo etc.) Serve meals to guests at mealtimes and clear
Serve hot and cold drinks and snacks to guests
Kitchen volunteers
Prepare and cook food
Plate up food
Work with general volunteers to get food to guests efficiently Clean kitchen equipment and carry out other kitchen duties Help with maintaining the food store
They have a small team of community ambassadors to help inform about and promote the project It helps if you have been a general volunteer, so that you have experience of the project You should also be confident with public speaking. They now have a projector to help with presentations.
What would I do as a community ambassador?
Speak to groups about the project
Thank people for their donations
Attend fundraising events
Attend photo opportunities
Occasionally take part in a radio interview
Promote and inform about the project
wherever possible
How do I sign up to volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering, their volunteer application form is on their website https://www.harcsheffield.org.uk/volunteer
Once they have received this, they will process your application and send you log in details to their online shift booking system, and send you details of volunteer training
If you can ’t access the form for any reason, or would like to be added to the mailing list, please drop them an email at harc.sheffield@virgin.net
You can see more about what Bookmark volunteers do and the difference that make by visiting their website http://bit.ly/3VgqZrH
Or watching the video below http://bit.ly/3UjtEiW
Do you have young children or grandchildren? Do you look after babies or toddlers?
Can you spare an hour to share your thoughts and help us improve what Barnsley Libraries offer for under 5’s?
Come and help Barnsley Libraries welcome the next generation of readers by offering your thoughts as part of a WhatsApp focus group
You don’t need to have attended any of their activities or be a library member to join the focus group
You don’t need to know anything about libraries or early years activities to take part, and the group will be an informal group conversation led by Marianne, an Engagement Officer with Barnsley Libraries
Day required: Friday 13th January, 10.30am-11.30am
Anyone interested in taking part would just need to email Engagement Officer Marianne at mariannefraser hussain@barnsleygovuk to register their interest and provide their mobile number. You will then be emailed details about what to expect during the focus group
The Access Project is a charity whose mission it is to tackle educational inequality for young disadvantaged people in the UK creating a fairer future for all
Through The Access Project you have an opportunity to pay forward your experiences and gain valuable skills whilst inspiring the next generation.
You can do all this with only one hour of your week, from wherever you are. Their programme is designed to be flexible around your schedule and is entirely online Sign up today to get involved this academic year
Complete a short 5 minute application as your next step here: www.theaccessproject.org.uk/apply
Find out more about the opportunity here: www.theaccessproject.org.uk/volunteer
If you would like to reach out to directly, please contact the Volunteering team at Volunteering@theaccessproject.org.uk
The Rucksack Project Barnsley has been running for 10 years, providing a winter handout of food, clothing, sleeping bags and more.
Since the very beginning they have partnered with local charities and projects who work tirelessly all year round to provide food, clothing and supplies, as well as support, advice and a listening ear, to those who are homeless and rough sleeping
In 2022, they are partnering with a fantastic group of volunteers that come together every night of the year to support those who are most in need across Barnsley
They are really hope you will join The Rucksack Project Barnsley and help to keep this fantastic voluntary organisation stocked up with much needed supplies (as well as contributing towards running costs of rent, power and water etc).
Every single donation via their JustGiving page will help to keep this valuable service going and ensure those who are worst off in Barnsley are not forgotten To donate to their JustGiving page, visit https://bit.ly/3VhV3TK
The Ruckack Project have a list of donations they need and drop off points, which you can check here for the most up to date information https://bit.ly/3gN6MdV
*Statistics in graphic refer to the period January to March 2022 for England, from the UK Government Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (reported 28th July 2022)
Across Barnsley, for the last month, there have been some fantastic volunteer celebration and recognition events taking place
Over the next few pages, you can read about some amazing organisations and volunteers that have given up their time to help others
Yorkshire Air Ambulance recently held a celebration event for all Yorkshire Air Ambulance volunteers
Emma Hurst, from Barnsley, was nominated, and won, the South Yorkshire Volunteer of the year award for her time and support she gives to the charity.
Emma’s mum, Alison, also volunteers for the YAA and was able to attend the event to see Emma win her award! Well done Emma!
You can watch Emma receive her award, highlights of the awards ceremony and see the amazing, life saving work the Yorkshire Air Ambulance do, here
https://bit.ly/3EK0tQl
Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice held their Volunteer Celebrations at the hospice on 18 and 19 October with tea/cake, autumnal themed decorations They had speeches from senior members of the team, and presented awards to those who have given 5, 10, 15, 20 and even 25 years of service! Some volunteers had even volunteered their time prior to the build of the hospice to ensure the hospice could be established!
They shared so many stories of volunteers who have served from before the hospice was open, working hard to fundraise, and volunteers who support in their hospice in the community, both long term and new!
Kevin Wilson from Barnsley , received a 5 year award for his volunteer service Pip, one of Bluebell Wood's Regional Fundraisers, is featured next to him. Kevin has volunteered at football match bucket collections, community stalls, among other events over the years
He received a 5 year award He is featured next to Ruth, their Regional Fundraising Manager.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award made to recognise and reward excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.
The award was announced in 2002 as part of celebrations for The late Queen's Golden Jubilee and was first known as The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award.
It is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others, and providing an outstanding service
Groups must be nominated: for example, by beneficiaries of their work, members of the public, representatives of public bodies, or other voluntary groups Nominations are assessed by a regional committee before being passed to a national committee for final selection and recommendation.
Details of winners are announced annually on 2nd June (the anniversary of The late Queen's Coronation)
The two winning groups from Barnsley this year, Barnsley Main Heritage Group and Wombwell Dam Community Angling Groups received a certificate, the last to be signed by The late Queen and a commemorative piece of crystal for display at the group's main place of operation at celebration events in November.
The Awards were presented on behalf of The Sovereign by the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Champman DBE RN.
Volunteer marshals who dedicated more than 15,000 hours to helping out at Covid 19 vaccination centres in Barnsley have been celebrated at a special event.
A total of 230 people volunteered to help at the vaccination centres in Lundwood, Goldthorpe and Dodworth during the pandemic. Barnsley Community and Voluntary Services (Barnsley CVS) co ordinated and managed the volunteers on behalf of Barnsley Healthcare Federation.
As a thank you to the volunteers for their amazing efforts, a celebratory event was organised by the Volunteer Centre at Barnsley CVS at Worsbrough Mill
The event was a chance for volunteers to catch up and reflect on their efforts during the pandemic and enjoy Christmas themed activities and refreshments
Volunteers made Christmas tree decorations that are now on display on a tree, sponsored by Webmart Ltd, in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, in Barnsley Each decoration features the name of a volunteer and the dates and total hours they volunteered for.
Volunteering manager, Rachel Neale, said: “We just had the most wonderful response from the Barnsley community to help with the vaccination clinic marshalling at the start of the vaccination roll out.
“We had never co ordinated volunteers to this degree before, and we had to turn it all around in a matter of days back in December 2020.
“We had always wanted to host a celebration event for the volunteers, but it was finding something suitable for everyone.
“Being invited to take part in the Christmas tree festival felt the right way that everyone in Barnsley could see the vast amount of people and volunteering hours that went into supporting the vaccination clinics
“Being able to invite the volunteers to make the decorations helps them be in control of their legacy and the amazing work they have done.
“It gave them a great chance to reflect on what a huge part they played in supporting the NHS and their community to get vaccinated.
“The vaccinations clinics are winding down in their current form, and we have been working closely with the volunteers to find them new community opportunities, but this seemed a lovely way for us to say thank you and give the volunteers a well appreciated send off”
A special presentation was made to Phil Jones, who has volunteered for 670 hours at the Covid 19 vaccination centre at Priory Campus, in Lundwood
He said: “It was the best experience. The great thing was all the wonderful people I was working with.
“The people volunteering and the people administering the vaccines are unbelievable.”
He added: “I started volunteering at Priory Campus in January 2020 and spent my first few shifts shovelling snow off the car park.
“I wanted to do something that got me out of the house I had been working 12 hour shifts and to go from that to retired, and nothing, was hard This has been a step to not working at all”
Adele Richards volunteered 152 hours between January 2021 and April 2021 when her hairdressing business had to close during lockdown
She said: “For me volunteering kept my mind going. I absolutely loved it
“It was so exciting and kept me busy I couldn’t wait to get out of bed in the morning
“I had been worried about what I was going to do when I had to close the hairdressers, but volunteering gave me so much I felt wonderful doing something for a good cause. ”
Gill Partington volunteered for 995 hours between September 2021 and November this year at Priory Campus
“I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with people I am a people person and love having all different conversations with people coming for their vaccine,” she said.
“What I loved most was being made so welcome by everyone involved They made me feel valued”
The Christmas Tree Festival, supported by Harris + Co, launched on Thursday 24 November as part of the Barnsley Bright Ni celebrations People still have one last chanc to see the tre on Thursday 1 December, from 10am 4pm.
There was a silent auction in operation last week, which gave everyone visiting the chu the opportunity to bid to purchase one of th trees for a donation to Yorkshire Air Ambul
Richard Boon, Managing Director at WebMart, said: We are really pleased to be joining with Barnsley CVS as part of the Barnsley Bright Nights celebrations
“Giving back is one of Webmart’s core principles and being able to help raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance through this initiative is what Christmas is all about”
To book for Thursday 8 December, 6:30 7:30pm visit https://bit.ly/3XJDs8I
To book for Friday 9 December, 11am 12noon visit https://bit.ly/3OMPGJz
You can watch the video of how the NHS is changing below https://bit.ly/3FbLIan
To apply for the volunteer opportunities in this newsletter, you can visit our website at barnsleycvs.org.uk/volunteering or make an appointment to speak to one of our volunteer advisers who can tell you more about the opportunity and help you apply.
Phone 07939521425 to make a one to one personal appointment. This will put you through to Yasmin, our volunteer coordinator.
Appointments can be conducted via phone, video call, text, email or in person at a local venue to you, by arrangement.
Our volunteer opportunities update on a daily basis, so to keep up to date and see special volunteering events, follow the volunteer centre on Twitter @VCBarnsley on Facebook @VolunteeringBarnsley and Instagram @BarnsleyCVS
If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, please visit www.barnsleycvs.org.uk/volunteering/newsletter or scan the QR code if you have a physical copy.
You can also view a high quality version of our newsletter online at https://issuu.com/barnsleycvs
The best efforts have been taken to ensure everything we have published is correct as of 1 December 2022.