Shining a spotlight on our volunteers

31 May 2017

It’s Volunteers’ Week! A chance to shine a spotlight on the people who dedicate their spare time to support us, fellow residents and their communities.

We want our residents to be able to have the opportunity to develop their skills, gain experience and give something back. And Volunteering is a great way to do that.

Volunteering for Optivo:

We offer placements within our own office, supporting staff across the organisation to deliver services.

Resident Nicholina volunteers with our Communications team:

She said: “I’ve had some amazing support which has improved my writing skills and my confidence.

I’m looking forward to applying for new jobs with the experience I have gained.”

Volunteering to help fellow residents:

We also offer volunteer placements on projects that benefit Optivo residents, including:

Befriending – supporting older residents with mental-health needs
Money Mentors – helping fellow residents manage their finances
Safer Heroes – ensuring our residents are healthy, happy and safe

Volunteer Brian shares his volunteer journey

Resident Brian joined us as a Safer Hero last year.

He said: “I wanted to give something back, gain new skills and update my CV.

I have learnt a lot since volunteering which has helped me to communicate better with people, and improve my computer skills.”

Volunteer for a cause close to your heart:

We help support residents to volunteer for a cause or project they want to be involved with, and can help facilitate placements.

Volunteering into work:

We run a volunteering into work programme that helps unemployed residents into a job.

Paul secured a job at Debenhams after volunteering at a Shelter charity shop.

He said: “At my job interview the store management said my commitment to volunteering work had got me into the chair. They offered me a job and my first shift was five days later.”

If you’re interested in getting involved with our volunteering scheme, contact us.

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