Volunteering - Many hands make light work!

Supporting  The Chiltern Centre is not just about donating money or services. We also rely on people who give their time and skills. Being a volunteer can be lots of fun, is a great way to learn new skills, and you'll make new friends along the way. If you have some time to give, why not support The Chiltern Centre by becoming part of our enthusiastic team?

As a small charity we are very grateful for every bit of support we receive from our volunteers. No experience is necessary, you just need enthusiasm!

We're always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can get involved in the many aspects of the work we do. Depending on your interests and skills, we can make sure that you find the right volunteering opportunity to suit you.

The opportunities for people from all walks of life are endless whether you’ve got a few hours from time to time or would like to help on a more regular basis. Volunteers are needed to organise events, speak on behalf of The Chiltern Centre, lead school assemblies, get stories in the local media and much more.

If you would like help our work by sharing some of your time and skills, please let us know: email jo@chilterncentre.org.uk or call 01491 575575.

However you decide to help, our volunteer coordinator Jo Roberts is on hand to provide you with advice and support. From providing fundraising materials and speech notes to offering advice and discussing your ideas, we really are here to help.

Please note volunteers don't tend to work directly with the children and young people who stay with us, as they each have specialist one-to-one care throughout their visit.


Opportunities to volunteer for The Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children

Housekeeping
If you enjoy dusting, hoovering, ironing, bed making or any other household job, this is the place for you. We are very flexible and support is given at all times.

Maintenance
The Chiltern Centre, our home from home is always in need of maintenance work and attention. If you enjoy carpentry or general DIY, we could really use your skills to help things run smoothly. Some of the more usual tasks include:

  1. Small general repair work
  2. Assisting with weekly fire tests
  3. Helping with general carpentry, electrical and plumbing jobs
  4. Helping to maintain garden furniture

Vehicle Maintenance
The Chiltern Centre has a mini bus to take the children on outings locally and further afield to Centre Parcs for example. We need volunteers to clean and maintain our vehicles. If you wish to volunteer in this area, your responsibilities would include:
  1. General cleaning and valeting of minibus
  2. General maintenance checks including checking tyre pressures
  3. Checking water and oil levels, windscreen washers and wipers
  4. Inspection of tyres and warning instruments

Hairdressers and Beauty Therapists
If you have training in hairdressing or beauty therapy we'd love to hear from you.

Due to the nature of our work, applicants 18 years or older applying for volunteer roles involving direct contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults are subject to Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure. This is because The Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children has a legal “duty of care” to children and young people in our care.

You will have an initial induction plan and training will be provided.


Fundraising and Communication

Events
You can organise an event on your own, with friends or may be able to help make our events a success by attending as a guest, helping in the build up or even on the day.
Click here to see a list of upcoming events. Many of our volunteers support us by organising a wide range of fundraising events, from bike rides to balls, and fashion shows to coffee mornings. You will need a group of people to start off a committee, and an idea of what sort of event you would like to organise. We recommend you start off small, and see what works best for your group.


Tin shakes
You can help organise collections in your local community.


PR co-ordinators
If you have experience of writing press releases, promoting events or speaking in public then we’d love to hear from you. Please email jane@chilterncentre.org.uk


Ambassadors
Representing The Chiltern Centre at local events and cheque collections.


Increasing our presence
  • Support The Chiltern Centre by adding our logo to your publicity, or sponsor us to promote your logo in our publicity.
  • Offer to distribute our posters and literature to raise awareness of the work we do and publicise upcoming events.
  • Why not put one of our collection boxes in the office or ask your local bar, coffee shop or restaurant?

At work
Help raise awareness of The Chiltern Centre’s work at your workplace - handing out leaflets, putting up posters and encouraging colleagues to take part in events and appeals. Nominate The Chiltern Centre as Charity of the Year, and don’t forget many companies support "employee volunteering"  and offer matched sponsorship.


Employee volunteering
Companies are increasingly committed to demonstrating corporate social responsibility (CSR). Working with The Chiltern Centre is an excellent way of giving something back to local communities as well as meeting business aims and objectives. Does your company allocate employee time for voluntary work? If so why not come and help make a difference with The Chiltern Centre.


At school
W e need parents or teachers to champion the work of The Chiltern Centre at local schools and raise awareness.

Students
We need Students to put on fundraising events or act as our spokesperson to raise awareness of The Chiltern Centre’s work. Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills, meet new people and make a valuable contribution to our work and your local community.

How will we help you?
The Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children is committed to making sure that you benefit from your volunteering role as much as we do. We will:
  • help you find the right volunteering role for you
  • provide information, resources and a support network
  • reimburse reasonable expenses for travel and food
  • provide adequate insurance protection
  • make sure we thank and acknowledge our volunteers.

What Next?
We look forward to welcoming you as a valued member of our fundraising team.

For further information on volunteering contact Jo Roberts via email jo@chilterncentre.org.uk or call on 01491 575575.
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Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 1QR
Company Number: 4843950
Registered Charity Number: 1101218
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