Services

WMVA Services

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT:
Our trained interviewers match a volunteer’s interests with suitable voluntary opportunities through our registration procedure and database search. We make referrals by telephone contact at the point of registration and by giving enquirers leaflets and contact details to make their own contact with you.
TELEPHONE HELPLINE:
We have reference books, including the Legal Handbook, information sheets, contacts, local knowledge and access to the Internet to help you in your work.
SHOP WINDOW SPACE FOR WEEK-LONG DISPLAYS:
Simply phone Anne or Eileen to book a week for your display space. Chris, our volunteer window dresser changes the displays every Monday and is always keen to promote material we receive from you. Just let us have any leaflets, notices, photographs and relevant background information and she will do the rest! The displays really attract interest – especially if you combine it with your flag / collection days!
PROMOTING LOCAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AT EVENTS AND DISPLAYS ACROSS THE BOROUGH:
We have leaflet distribution points and promotional displays on notice boards across the Royal Borough. These include town centres, parish notice boards, schools, community centres, leisure centres, doctors’ surgeries – and more! We also produce vacancy cards* to display in our Windows and at promotions, local events, carnivals, selected to attract new interest in community involvement close to home. *NB: only general information appears on these cards. Contact details for any interest remains Volunteer Action’s telephone number, to retain your individual confidentiality.
PERMANENT DISPLAY OF LEAFLETS & HANDOUTS:
We hand these out to every volunteer interested in what you do. Other visitors to Voluntary Action also browse through our display racks. It is important we have up to date information on your organisation so, if anything changes, remember to let us have your new leaflets!
ADVICE ON VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT:
If you need more than telephone help, book an appointment with Fiona to discuss your concerns. Fiona is also happy to visit, or to attend a meeting at your own site, if that meets your need.
INTERNET ACCESS FOR CHARITABLE INFORMATION:
We can help you in your search for information you need concerning charitable issues. Just phone to book a session, giving at least 24 hours’ notice. Use of Internet connection (after 2 pm) is at the cost of telephone time.
FOCUS ON BUSINESS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
The Centre Manager encourages local businesses to support the local voluntary sector in a variety of ways, the most popular being employee team challenges for one-day team building training projects. More companies are showing an interest; so if you have a wish list of things you need doing at your day centre or premises to benefit your members, or if you would like a company to organise an event, or if you need stationery / craft materials, etc., let us know.
WORKING WITH PARTNERS FOR NEW VOLUNTARY SERVICES:
We work with RBWM and interested partners in the voluntary sector to set up new services, when a need has been identified. If you know of a ‘gap’ in your local community support services speak to Fiona or Diana.
RAISING AWARENESS OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN THE LOCAL MEDIA:
Voluntary Action sends regular press releases to the local media to raise public awareness of what is going on in the local voluntary / community sector. The local newspapers and radio stations are very supportive and also pick up features from our newsletter. Let us know what you want others to know about your organisation!
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CO-ORDINATORS & VOLUNTEERS:
Details of our training courses, the VIVA training programme and workshops, are featured in our newsletter mailings. These appear under the ‘VIVA!’ training programme title.
SPECIAL RATES FOR CLIENT VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS USING OUR PHOTOCOPIER, LAMINATOR, SCANNER:
  • PHOTOCOPYING: 4 pence per copy
  • LAMINATING*: £1.00 per A4 sheet * please give 24 hours’ notice for this service
  • SCANNER (PHOTOGRAPHS): £1.00 per A4 scan and printer copy
  • IT EQUIPMENT HIRE: Laptop £5/- per day for members; Projector: £20/- per day for members
INFORMATION ON FUNDING SOURCES & APPLICATION PACKS:
Voluntary Action has information on a variety of funding sources, and Funding Information sheets are distributed to voluntary groups every 3 months. We also have access to FunderFinder and the Trustfunding website to help voluntary organisations seeking external funding for their activities.