This project has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund for five years. It is a supported volunteering project for anyone who feels they would like some sort of support to start volunteering. This could mean someone who lacks confidence because they have been out of work for some time, or someone who has a physical or a learning disability, or someone who has mental health issues or perhaps uses English as a second language. The project workers offer training, help and information to all volunteers on the scheme. There is an emphasis on increasing each individual’s personal skills, with a view to moving on into un-supported volunteering and paid work. Volunteers work together as a team offering a gardening, decorating and small DIY service to elderly or disabled people who do not have any family or other help. There is no charge for the service but people are asked to make a donation to the volunteer centre to cover volunteer expenses. Due to the success of this project there is a waiting list for this service.
If you require further information about how to join the project as a volunteer, or if you would like to receive gardening, decorating or DIY help, just phone the Volunteer Centre on 01327 300614 for more details, by drop in to the office in the Daventry Library on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday mornings, for a chat or to make an appointment.
If you are interested in joining our volunteers on this project click here
DASH - Daventry Area Safer Homes Project
This is a partnership project, funded by Northamptonshire County Council, The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, The Steele Charitable Trust and The Maud Elkington Trust. A part-time worker promotes the project throughout the Daventry District, recruiting and supporting volunteers to take information to elderly people in their own homes about what is available to them through the project, for example:
Free Smoke Alarms & Fire Safety Checks for all residents.
Free low energy light bulbs for everyone over 60.
Advice on Grants,
Medicines and Falls Prevention.
Home Security Advice.
Free Security Chains for all homeowners over 60.
Finding Your Way
This is a partnership project with William Parker School, funded by Awards for All to help recent immigrants to the Daventry District to improve their English. English lessons are offered by a team of volunteers, two evenings and one morning a week in Daventry. A team of volunteers are trained to pass on English speaking skills and information about how to access local services.
Take Time to Make Time
This is a time banking project that we are setting up in partnership with Changing Minds and joint funded through the East Midlands Innovation Fund, that we hope to be launching in April 2010. We are members of Time Banking UK.
What is it? Not so long ago we all knew our neighbours and knew which of them would do us a favour if we asked. Life has changed for many people. Our family and friends do not always live nearby and it is not so easy to ask neighbours for help.
Time banking is a rewarding and enjoyable way to bring people together once again, to share their skills. Just like a baby-sitting circle, people get the help they need and support each other by taking turns to be responsible for some of the care and practical help we all need from time to time - the only difference is with time banking, people of all ages and abilities can join in and exchange a whole range of skills.
How does it work? Anyone can join a time bank. Members list the skills, experience and help that they can offer and any that they might need themselves. Everyone agrees to both give and to receive help - to earn and spend their time credits. A record is kept of all the time credits earned and spent. Members recieve a regular statement showing the time balance on their account.
The Time Broker will be responsible for the day to day organsiation, arrange insurance and will interview new members and obtain references. CRB checks will be carried out on any members helping with children and vulnerable adults.
Time banking has been proven to improve local communities. Belonging to a mutually supportive and secure social network brings more meaning to our lives and new opporunities to build our trust in one another.
