Volunteering Opportunities
There are so many opportunities to give something back to the community of Martock through simply volunteering your time. Have you ever thought about using your skills and offering your time to help people in our community? Why not help non-profit organizations, and businesses to assist them in performing activities, events, or services that benefit others. Use your talents, learn new skills, and meet interesting people and experience the enjoyment of making a real difference to other people’s lives, as well as your own.
Somerset Sight
Somerset Sight is a local charity that has been supporting sight impaired people across Somerset for over a hundred years and in 2019 we proudly won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
One of the services we offer is the Volunteer Visiting Service, whereby volunteers are matched locally with a sight impaired person for regular visits for company and support and to alleviate their loneliness and isolation.
Volunteer visitors help with a variety of tasks such as reading, correspondence, or making appointments, going out for a drive or just a cup of tea and a chat. Many volunteers get great satisfaction and enjoyment from their voluntary work, many friendships are formed and the people they support very much look forward to their visits, some telling us that it is the highlight of their week. Full training is provided and we cover all reasonable expenses.
We currently have a number of visually impaired people in all areas who would welcome a volunteer visitor, but they are on a waiting list as we don’t have enough volunteers to match them with.
Would you like to help someone in your local area?
Join our team of volunteers, who help people to remain independent and overcome loneliness and isolation.
All reasonable and out of pocket expenses are paid.
For more information please contact Somerset Sight on:
01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk
Wednesday Club Volunteer
A support group, a welcoming space for a cuppa, chat and some well-being activities thrown in. For more information contact Naomi Gass: community.support@martock-pc.gov.uk or call 07539 754413.
Well-being Walk Volunteer
A slow sensory accessible walk twice a month. Once around Martock village, and once around the main recreational ground. For more information contact Naomi Gass: community.support@martock-pc.gov.uk or call 07539 754413.
Allotment Project Volunteer
A community allotment at the Bower Hinton site open to all residents, to garden, socialise and grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. Make new friends and work together to make the site accessible for all. With the right volunteer, there is an opportunity to develop the project and run sessions for groups within the community. For more information please contact Naomi Gass: community.support@martock-pc.gov.uk or call 07539 754413.
Befriender Volunteer
A volunteer befriender offers regular time and companionship and an opportunity for: A cup of tea and a chat. A friendly face to accompany you to a local group or activity. Someone to share a hobby with or to start a new one and much more. If you have a little time to spare and you wish to volunteer as a befriender, please contact Caroline Bennett: caroline.bennett@martock-pc.gov.uk or call 07946 121612
Somerset Sight Volunteer
Join our team of volunteers to befriend visually impaired people in your area and help them to remain independent and overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation. Our volunteers find this a most satisfying and rewarding role and meet personable and interesting people. Volunteers are trained and carefully matched with the service user. Befriending involves regular home visits and trips out. For more information please contact: Somerset Sight on 01823 33818 or email: admin@somersetsight.org.uk
Volunteer Advisor Training
Can you commit to a weekly session as a volunteer advisor? If you are a great listener and confident user of IT (including typing skills) we would love to hear from you. For more information please contact: June Carty or check our website for further details: June@citizensadvicesouthsomerset.org.uk
Martock Youth Support Volunteer
Do you have a couple of hours to spare in the evening? Would you like to make a difference to the lives of the young people in Martock? Are you looking to gain youth work experience? Are you non-judgmental, caring, and able to build positive professional relationships aged 8-18 years? We are seeking volunteers to give a minimum of 3 hours per week to help at the youth club. We will provide First Aid and safeguarding guidance. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to build experience of working with young people. All applicants will be required to undergo Disclosure and Barring checks. For an enrolment form please contact: elaine@cyp.me.uk and for an informal discussion please contact youth workers Lou Chant on 074029 87921 or Tina Boyce on 077184 25722.
Independent Visitor or Advocate for Children in Somerset
Independent visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a young person who is in the care of the Local Authority. By law Local Authorities have to provide an Independent Visitor Service. Our intention is to encourage the relationship between the Independent Visitor and young person to continue beyond care. This way the care leavers continue to benefit from support, while making the transition to young adulthood. Independent Visitors are highly valued by the young person as they may be the only person involved in their lives who is not paid to be there.
An Advocate is an independent person who can offer one-to-one support to children and young people to have their voice heard when meetings are taking place concerning their wellbeing. It is a role of the Advocate to speak up for the young person, make them aware of their rights, listen to them and represent their views, wishes and feelings. Why not join our bank of Advocates? You chose when you are available. Your volunteering can be arranged to suit your availability. Your life experience will be highly valued and you will be trained and supported in developing key skills. Please contact us and we will arrange a short visit or call to explain more and discuss your options. For more information visit our website at: www.route1advocacy.co.uk Route1businesssupportadmin@somerset.gov.uk or call: 01749 822801
Girl Guiding Volunteers
You don’t have to be a member of Girl Guiding before to join our volunteering family. Develop leadership skills, boost your CV, and help young women thrive in your community. You would be joining a team with arts, crafts, and drama specialists. A sense of adventure and humour essential. You will be supported with division and country-wide support, plenty of training opportunities and an in-house buddy to support you every step of the way. Organise a no- commitment taster session with Kate at martockguides@gmail.com or call 07762 265403. Register your interest with Girl Guiding: https://girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved/become-a-volunteer/register-to-vo -Kate Marks -guide leader, Martock guides & rangers management team.