A key aim of the WCHLC is to increase the number of supported, trained volunteers recruited and placed across West Cornwall. Cornwall Centre for Volunteers and Penwith Volunteer Bureau are working in partnership with the WCHLC to promote and co-ordinate volunteering.

The WCHLC has two dedicated Volunteer Recruitment Officers, one based in Kerrier and one based in Penwith. Their role is to publicise volunteer opportunities and recruit and appropriately place volunteers. Recruited volunteers receive ongoing support and guidance and ca be signposted to training opportunities through each volunteer agency. The Recruitment Officers can also help with travel costs if required.

The Recruitment Officers also aim to recruit volunteers to assist individuals who feel they would benefit from a 'buddy' system. A 'buddy' can help you to access health and well-being services.

The Recruitment Officers maintain a database of voluntary and community organisations that can provide volunteer opportunities and they welcome requests for volunteers from new organisations.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering can really make a difference to your life and benefit your community. Volunteering can enable you to:

The most important thing you can give to other people is TIME - even a few hours a month can make a difference! Time to share your abilities and qualities, like an interest in other people, a willingness to listen, family and caring skills, patience and understanding, or clerical and practical skills is worth a great deal. Volunteering can help you explore what you can do!

How to find out more:

Contact one of our Volunteer Recruitment Officers (see below). They will ask you to complete a simple enrolment form, and to give the names of two people who can give you a reference. The Volunteer Recruitment Officer will then meet you for a chat about your interests and the type of opportunities available, and put you in touch with an appropriate organisation. (If you will be working with children or vulnerable adults, it may be necessary for a Police check to be undertaken.)

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ORGANISATIONS

Organisations included on the West Cornwall Healthy Living Centre volunteer database will benefit from the recruitment opportunities, experience and resources of both the Cornwall Centre for Volunteers and the Penwith Volunteer Bureau. These include obtaining references, and where necessary, making Police checks. Other potential benefits include publicity facilities, access to further training and support for volunteers, as well as a central link with other organisations. Organisations which are not based in Kerrier or Penwith, but which need volunteers recruited from these Districts can also be included on the volunteer database.

How to register on the WCHLC Volunteer Database:

Contact one of the Volunteer Recruitment Officers (see below) with details of your volunteer needs. We need from you a volunteer profile/job description, and confirmation of your organisation's Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety Policies.