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Information CSV - Community Service Volunteers: Established 1962, a national registered charity: www.csv.org.uk UK’s leading volunteering and training organisation Winner of the Charity Awards 2010 Overall Award for Excellence CSV promotes social inclusion through a range of high quality volunteering opportunities, delivered through creative partnerships Pioneering new solutions and innovative ways to tackle society’s needs Information

CSV’s dual role related to volunteering in the community 1) To encourage and support volunteering as the ‘universal offer’ to citizens: To recruit full and part-time volunteers for projects on a national and local basis. To act as a national hub for volunteering and signpost potential volunteers to other opportunities or umbrella organisations where appropriate. 2) To develop opportunities for volunteering: To set up projects and initiatives that we run ourselves through specific commissioning, funding applications, etc. To work in partnership with statutory, voluntary sector and other third parties to provide volunteering opportunities. Information

CSV Full-Time Volunteering national programme UK and international volunteers, 18-35 years Residential placements, away from home, in the UK 35 hours per week, 6-12 months time commitment Flexible volunteering – daytime, evenings, weekends and nights CSV’s Service Information

What kind of help can CSV give older people in the community? Intergenerational Schemes: CSV Young at Heart projects which encourage cross-generational activities, including volunteering, between the old and the young. Home from Hospital and Reablement Support: To provide support to enable older people to be discharged safely from hospital or to relearn independent living skills following illness or accident through the use of a pool of volunteers. Social Inclusion and Practical Support Schemes: To provide support to enable older people to access social inclusion activities, have extra help with some household tasks, or their carers to receive respite support in their community, through the use of a pool of volunteers. CSV Choices: To provide flexible support to enable older people to remain living independently in the community through volunteer help. Information Examples – Halcon House – based on site as floating support – on a practical level and org social activities etc. Mencap models – living in with adults LD or close by. Home from hospital – re-ablement – providing that additional initial extra support. Befriending/mentoring – companionship/reducing social isolation. Dementia – Young at Heart? Jo Austen Also give examples of what could support directly linked to them i.e. Organised social activities, supporting …. Share Scotland – provide supported accommodation to adults with PD and LD. Previously supported housing associations – volunteer attached to a particular site to provide range practical/befriending/mentoring support. Through our Choices projects support people remaining in their own homes – discuss range of choices projects. Mia Parker – mental health case study. RSVP Essex new model – exciting new project, engaging older people – always open to new ideas – aim of project: solutions for healthy ageing - to maintain their independence, reduce their isolation by developing mutual support networks and improve their health by continuing to lead active lives. Supported by six Community Champions co-ordinating teams of community volunteers, the Project will: Older people receiving support from younger and older volunteers, volunteer led healthy ageing group activities eg meal time assistance in hospital, support to get to GP/hospital appointments, telephone befriending by volunteers, groups set up and supported by volunteers for activities such as reading, knitting, skills exchange etc. – FTV to help support this work.

What kind of outcomes do CSV volunteers provide? Personalised one-to-one support which gives individuals the ability to live independently in their own home. The opportunity for individuals to achieve greater independence, choice and control about how they organise their day-to-day lives. Increased confidence, self-esteem and personal dignity for the individuals supported, as well as encouraging the development of life skills. Early interventions that help reduce dependence on traditional health and social services: improving general health and wellbeing through engagement and social inclusion – preventive work for the longer-term benefit. Individuals who live independently, individuals who feel included in their community – people who feel they have a future. Information Not high level intensive support – low level support – enabling people to remain in community rather than go into traditional residential care. Support residents groups/meetings/helping organise and research activities – getting residents to mingle more with each other. Focus on those residents that need bit more support/accompany to appointments/shopping etc. Under early interventions = mention contributing to solutions to prevent un-necessary hospital admission. Promoting well being, choice, dignity and quality of life for older people and people with disabilities.

Why would you choose to involve volunteers in your service delivery? Different dynamic of involving volunteers to that given by paid professional staff – the powerful impact on the service user of knowing that ‘somebody else cares’. The adaptability of volunteers. Personalised and ‘meaningful’ volunteering relationships with service users. The flexibility and wide-ranging skills and life experience of volunteers. Freeing up staff time. There is a potential volunteer project model to suit almost every situation. Value for money - volunteers don’t come for free but it can be a cost-effective option in the medium to long-term. Information Intergenerational Cost effective 5. – staff can focus on their essential tasks as low level support can be provided by volunteers. – adds a different dimension to the team – enthusiasm/different perspective – doesn’t create dependency as volunteers change but offers continuity. Flexible Breaks down barriers Different perspectives – i.e. LD – International element. Provides additionality – enabling different/range of support to be provided. Volunteer’s allow residents to develop new relationships and access new experiences.

Average costs of involving CSV volunteers Full-time Volunteering – costs of a full-time volunteer (2011-12): £35 per week subsistence £40 per week food subsistence (or meals provided) Volunteer travel and out of pocket expenses related to role £250 per month CSV cost Approximately £138 per week or £3.95 per hour (based on 35 hour week) Accommodation CSV’s service: Volunteer recruitment – interview and risk assessment of volunteers. Placement of individual volunteers. Post placement support services (for example, a named regional CSV member of staff to support the organisation/individual and their volunteers) Quality assurance and monitoring Insurance Information

Information Any questions? Then please contact: Hilary Tomlinson Regional Volunteer Manager CSV Volunteering Partners E-mail: htomlinson@csv.org.uk Tel: 0121 643 8080 Sarah Muirhead Operational Director, CSV Full-Time Volunteering E-mail: smuirhead@csv.org.uk www.csv.org.uk