Achievement of the County Durham Volunteering Kitemark demonstrates that Wellbeing for Life meets standards to overcome barriers to volunteering and recognises the value of recruiting and retaining volunteers.
The Kitemark shows an organisation that manages a volunteering programme where volunteers receive a high quality, positive volunteering experience and it will support volunteers to make informed choices when they apply to volunteer.
Abby Thompson, Volunteering Development Manager said:
"Durham Community Action were delighted to present Wellbeing for Life with the County Durham Volunteer Kitemark award through re-assessment for the third time. Volunteers played an active role in giving their views as part of the Kitemark assessment process and commented on the training available and the opportunities for personal development. They also felt that they were able to contribute and shape the services that were provided."
When asked why they volunteered with Wellbeing for Life, the volunteers answered:
‘I believe we do really help people and make a difference. It is good for myself; my family and friends have noticed a difference in me’.
‘I enjoy the variety of activities that I support with and always enjoy trying new things.”
Bill Oxborough, Capacity Building Volunteer Officer at Wellbeing for Life said:
“People choose to volunteer for different reasons some want to give back to a community that has supported them, some may want to improve their CV or access additional training, for others it can be a way to reduce social isolation. We value our volunteers greatly for their time and dedication so to make their volunteering experience the best it can be, we work hard to make sure that they get back what they need from the process.”
Wellbeing for Life is delivered in partnership by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) and the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP). Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) supports people to make choices that benefit their health and wellbeing, such as being more active and improvng mental wellbeing.
Wellbeing Practitioners can work with clients on a 1-2-1 or group support basis over eight to twelve sessions to set a health plan, which will include small achievable goals.
There are many and varied volunteer roles across County Durham with Wellbeing for Life and if you are interested then please do visit the website to find out further information.
Photo: Liz Fisher, Deputy Chief Executive Pioneering Care Partnership; Bill Oxbrough, Capacity Building Volunteer Officer, Wellbeing for Life and Abby Thompson, Volunteering Development Manager, Durham Community Action. |