Volunteers' Week 2018 at Future Directions CIC

June 1st 2018 marked the start of National Volunteers' Week.  This is a national initiative set up by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, it is a time to recognise and celebrate the fantastic contribution made by the millions of people who volunteer across the UK.

Here at Future Directions CIC, we would like to take this opportunity to send a special thank you to all our amazing volunteers who contribute their time, knowledge and skills to support us and enable us to add real value to the work we do and live out our values. Through sharing their hobbies and interests, our volunteers help to enrich the lives of the people we support and help build links between other services and the wider community.

Last year we won the Spirit of Manchester Award for Volunteer Involving Organisation of the Year, and this year we are continuing to ensure that volunteering is valued and promoted to all.

As an organisation, we also recognise the important role that volunteering can play in the lives of the people we support. Volunteering can be an excellent way to develop new skills, reduce social isolation and open doors to other opportunities. Moreover, people we support are often viewed as 'recipients' of support. However, themselves volunteering, can enable people to make a positive contribution and feel useful and valued as members of their communities and it can help utilise people's multiple and often hidden talents and skills.

As a volunteer at Future Directions, the work you do could benefit you in an abundance of ways:

You will; make a difference, feel welcomed and respected, be given tasks to suit your motivation, face new challenges, feel part of a team, increase your self-esteem and feel supported and needed. It may change your career choice, help in future employment, and it will change your life!

By being a volunteer you will benefit the people we support:

·        Volunteers bring life experiences and skills that can be shared with the people we support which will provide new opportunities for them to experience.

·        Provide extra opportunities to access the local community to enjoy it's facilities such as the gym, visiting football matches, shopping, going out for a meal, visiting the cinema, going clubbing etc.

·        Volunteers can also support the people we support to access classes and groups, such as art classes, health and wellbeing groups etc.

·        We also have volunteers who work in our Head Office, providing valuable support in working with staff to keep our organisation running efficiently.

 Volunteering has the ability to change lives. It can change the lives of the people we are supporting and for the volunteers who give us their time and share their talents.

The lady featured in this uplifting film is now an employee at Future Directions, we are extremely proud of her and all of the people who offer their time to improve the lives of others.

For our volunteer vacancies please follow the link below:

https://www.futuredirectionscic.co.uk/brilliantstuff/volunteering-vacancies.html