How are you doing? No, how are you really doing? Lockdown has been a tough one for many of us this time around and I don’t know about you but a lot of the days feel pretty darn similar don’t they?

So how about a spot of volunteering for a bit of change in your daily routine? We have plenty of fabulous volunteering needs sprouting new leaves and they are keen to hear from you! A lot of volunteering can be done from home, needing as little as half an hour a week to pick up the phone and have a chat with someone needing a bit of companionship. We think that sounds rather lovely! 

Style Acre

• Style Acre provides supported living, 24-hour care and community hubs for adults with learning disabilities and autism. They support hundreds of adults across Oxfordshire and employ more than 150 members of staff. Over 230 people with learning difficulties and autism attend Style Acre’s community hubs which are largely staffed by volunteers. 
• Would you like to help? They are looking for volunteers to be buddied up and build positive relationships that they hope will last after lockdown rules relax. You can volunteer as much or as little time as you like.

Enrych

• For 35 years, Enrych has been helping adults living with physical disabilities to live the most active and independent lives possible. They do this through their teams of amazing volunteers. Could you help?
• The list of activities that you can undertake is endless, from playing board games to visiting places of interest. If you have a few hours to spare please contact Hannah. You can volunteer as little or as much time as you like, as often as you like.
• They are looking for people to be buddied up with their beneficiaries to limit isolation during lockdown and beyond. This would take the form of a weekly phone call for now.

BeFree Young Carers

• At least 2 children in every class in Oxfordshire are young carers. BeFree Young Carers are the only charity in Oxfordshire that supports their lives and wellbeing.
• You can help these young carers have a chance to be children, relax, make friends and have fun away from the pressures of their caring roles. Specifically, we are looking for volunteers to accompany group trips this summer.
• This role could suit employees who would like to spend a full day volunteering (checks and induction will be required prior to volunteering). 

Sobell House

• Sobell House is a hospice on the Churchill Hospital site in Oxford. It offers physical, psychological, social and spiritual care to people across Oxfordshire facing illness, death and bereavement. It exists to enrich the lives of their patients and those who love and care for them. 
• As Covid restrictions change Sobell House is looking for volunteers to help at reception. Ensuring Covid rules are observed and visits are safe. You will need a DBS, a health-check ad a Covid test.

If you would like to get cracking with any of these fantastic ways to volunteer, drop me a line at the email address below.

That is all for now, thanks for reading!

Take care and stay safe.

Hannah Mackie
Team Oxford Project Coordinator
email: hannah@aspireoxford.co.uk