Volunteering is:
a good way to meet new people
an excellent way to learn new skills
a good way of using your skills to help others
a meaningful way of giving something back
an enjoyable way of increasing your self-esteem and confidence
a great means of boosting your job prospects
flexible – you can give as much or as little time as you’re able
free – all out of pocket expenses are reimbursed
What we can offer you:
Community involvement
Training
Wide range of volunteer opportunities
Work-related experience
Out of pocket expenses reimbursed
Seachange Volunteer Application Form
Online Seachange Volunteer Application Form
Volunteer roles
Befriending volunteer
Many people feel isolated or lonely in their own homes. Their family may have moved away or no longer be around, and they may struggle to join in with social and community events. Those who have become isolated can benefit greatly from seeing a friendly face, so our volunteers will pop in regularly for a chat and a cuppa. Often the befriender gains as much from the relationship as the person they’re visiting - after all, we can all learn something from each other.
“Having someone visit me regularly stops me feeling isolated and lonely.”
What is involved?
- To visit a family or an isolated older person in their home as arranged with the Volunteering Development Worker.
- To take on light duties such as shopping, posting letters on behalf of the person being visited (by prior arrangement).
- To liaise with the Volunteering Development Worker regarding any incidences or concerns about the person visited or their volunteering
- To attend an induction course for visitors/befrienders
- To adhere to the Guidelines for Volunteer Visitor
Drivers
Not everyone has a car or someone who will give them a lift and this can make it very difficult for them to access the care they need. Our volunteer drivers play a vital role in making sure the people we work with can get to healthcare and wellbeing appointments across East Devon.
Some of our transport users have mobility problems, so it’s helpful to know if you can provide light assistance for patients getting in and out of your vehicle.
Training and an induction is provided and you can do as many or as few drives as you wish.
Gardening
We're looking for keen volunteers to help maintain our gardens and to get lots of lovely produce growing in our vegetable patches. It doesn't matter whether you have experience or not, we would love you to get involved.
Volunteers help with growing food on-site, sowing seeds, bringing on plants, weeding, watering and harvesting.
Qualities and skills required:
- It would help if you were reasonably fit
- Enjoy being outside
- Gardening experience helpful but not essential
- Patient and understanding
- Reliable
- Flexible
All agreed expenses reimbursed.
Gardening volunteers are managed by our need at Seachange and in particular Katheryn.
Walk Leader volunteers
Our health walks are aimed at people who are doing little or no exercise at the moment but would like to become more active, as well as those who want to improve their overall fitness.
The walks are not competitive, and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own brisk but comfortable pace. The trails vary in length; shorter walks take place locally, and longer walks tend to go out into the surrounding countryside. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join, as are dogs on short leads and pushchairs (where walks are suitable).
- Attend a one-day training course run by a Cascade Trainer
- Welcome and register regular, and new participants on each led walk
- Ask new participants to complete a health questionnaire
- Either act as front or back leader on a health walk, at a suitable pace for the group
- Adapt to the circumstances and participants on the day of the walk
- Check all participants complete the walk and obtain feedback
- Encourage all participants to socialise after completing the walk
- Some Walk Leaders may like to be involved with setting and recording routes and risk assessments
- Attend regular Walk leader meetings when possible
Time for you
In partnership with Devon Carers, "Time for You" offers a crucial respite to caregivers. It's a chance for them to step away from medical appointments or simply some well-deserved alone time whilst you spend time with the cared for person.
An extremely rewarding role and totally flexible to suit volunteers' availability, no experience is required as full training will be provided.
If you're interested in making a significant impact on someone's life, we'd love to hear from you!
Training and agreed out-of-pocket expenses including travel reimbursement.
What is involved?
- To attend an induction meeting
- To have a DBS check
- To complete some training
- To visit a cared-for person at home (A risk assessment visit would have been carried out beforehand by the Project Manager)
Where - WEB, Woodbury, Exmouth & Budleigh area and neighboring villages
When - Flexible to suit you and the client you are supporting
Seachange gives a focus, company and different conversations. Without it I think Ken would be very lonely.