Vale Royal Disability Services. A confidential service to empower people, covering provision of information, and learning services, and shopmobility services, and support services, and employment services, and independent living services.

welcome to a page that tells you about volunteering for VRDS

As a registered charity, VRDS is mainly staffed by volunteers. Therefore the quality and quantity of our services are to a large extent determined by our volunteers. We always welcome your interest as a volunteer.

Who volunteers?

Just about anyone! The inherent emphasis of VRDS means that many of our volunteers have direct experience of disability, but in the end all we seek are suitable people. If you are unemployed, a student, a housewife, a retired person, or just someone who can give a few hours of their time each week to help others, then you can apply!

Why volunteer?

There are a number of compelling reasons why you might wish to volunteer your skills:

	You may feel that your skills could be of benefit to VRDS.
	Volunteering gives you the opportunity to expand your horizons and develop your personal and professional skills, by applying your knowledge in different, unfamiliar settings.
	For people who have been successful in their profession it is a chance to give something to the community.
	You will meet our charity staff with expertise in a range of different areas. To get the most out of your volunteering be prepared to learn as well as to pass on your experience.
	Working on a specific project with a committed staff team from a charity can be tremendously satisfying and the best fun that you have had for a long time.

What do you get from volunteering

There is the first and most obvious benefit that VRDS volunteering helps you to lead a richer and fuller life. Being a volunteer will also enable you to :

	Increase your self-confidence
	Gain experience
	Maintain/learn new skills
	Above all enjoy yourself.

Most VRDS volunteers are eligible for free training at our Learning Centre, covering an enormous range of courses that can really be life-changing.

For more details click here: Learning Centre

What are the financial implications?

VRDS has a standard scale to reimburse your travelling expenses.

	Voluntary work for VRDS will not normally affect any benefits you may receive, such as Jobseeker's Allowance.
	If you are considering working in the charity sector, then being a volunteer is an excellent way of being noticed for employment.
	If you are looking for different work, then remember that most employers recognise voluntary work as a very positive aspect in a CV or application form.

How do you apply?

If you wish to be considered as a VRDS volunteer, then more details are available by contacting us at:

VRDS Head Office,
Unit 4, Hartford Business Centre, Chester Rd,
Hartford, Northwich CW8 2AB
Tel: 01606 888400 Fax: 01606 883244

e-mail: office@vrds.org.uk

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