‘There is no doubt in my mind that the service we provide to the people of Bicester is enhanced enormously by the selfless dedication, commitment and service of the volunteers.’
Catherine Blaxhall – Centre Manager
Themes
>Service users
>Recruiting volunteers with different motivation
>Recognising and supporting volunteers
Oxfordshire County Council’s Bicester Resource Centre supports approximately 150 service users a week in its multi purpose Day Centre and 100 community members as part of the County Council’s Prevention and Support Service.
Service Users
The Day Centre supports adults with physical disabilities of all ages, older frail adults, older adults with dementia, older adults with functional mental illness and older adults with learning disabilities. The aim is to support people to remain living independently for as long as possible in their own homes and communities and help prevent admission to hospital and long term care. The support and prevention services support members of the community who do not otherwise ‘qualify’ for services from Social & Community Services but are on the periphery of support, for whom quick interventions will assist them to remain independent for as long as possibly in their own homes.
The Centre is staffed by a Resource Centre Manager, Assistant Manager, Administration Assistant, 4 part time Care Team Leaders and 6 part time Care Assistants.
The Centre also has a team of 18 volunteers who support and enhance its services.
The volunteers are a mixture of people
- Retired people who are looking for an opportunity to put something back into the community and may become socially isolated without accessing the Centre
- Some older adults with slight learning difficulties
- Adults referred through the Oxfordshire Employment service who use the volunteering opportunity as a stepping stone back to work.
- Adults who are accompanied by a support worker in order for them to undertake a volunteering role after a serious accident or illness
- Adults who have had functional mental illness in the past and are no longer able to undertake paid work.
- Ex-partners of previous service users who enjoyed attending the centre.
Recruitment
Bicester, is a rural market town and volunteers are mostly recruited through word of mouth. Others have come through ‘Mind’ and Adult Care Management and Learning Disabilities Teams, & the Oxfordshire Employment Service. The Centre holds Open Days and members of the public can come and see what happens at a Resource Centre and may express interest in volunteering.
The volunteers are recruited by a named staff member – at Bicester it is the Assistant Manager. They have an initial interview where they discuss potential skills and aspirations and have an opportunity to look around the centre. They receive a volunteer recruitment pack which contains all relevant information about the centre, a CRB check application form and request for references. This documentation is carefully explained to them and assistance in completing the forms offered if needed. Volunteers receive informal supervision from the Assistant Manager on a regular basis when training opportunities are explored and developed, and any issues or concerns can be raised. Volunteers are matched with a staff member or experienced volunteer until they are confident in their role and also have an informal induction within the centre.
It is felt to be vital that volunteers have a clear idea of their role within the centre in order for them to feel valued and part of the team. The roles they undertake include:
Running the small coffee bar serving teas, coffee and toast throughout the day
Assisting with serving lunches
Running craft sessions
One to one sessions with service users (reading newspapers/talking/quizzes)
Accompanying service users and staff on trips
Running Debating and Fellowship Groups
Gardening
Computer Lessons and support for service users and members of community
Piano Playing
Organising Centre Choir
Friendship
Training and support for Volunteers
To date volunteers have undertaken food hygiene training, moving and handling training for volunteers, first aid and NCFE level 2 Certificate in Food and Nutrition.
The centre is currently actively working with Oxfordshire County Council Learning and Development Team looking at future training opportunities for volunteers.
Volunteers at Bicester Resource Centre are a vital and valued resource. They are thanked personally at the end of each session by either the Manager or Assistant Manager and staff. A day of celebration is held each year to thank them for their support when a VIP is invited to present a small gift and certificate in recognition of their service and a special lunch shared with service users prepared. Opportunities are available for volunteers to visit other Oxfordshire County Council Day Centres as a guest throughout the year and they are included in outings which are arranged throughout by the Centre.
Volunteers out of pocket expense are reimbursed and they are offered a ‘free’ lunch at the Centre when they are in attendance.
Contact details
Catherine Blaxhall
Manager
Bicester Resource Centre
Launton Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
Tel: 01869 242808
Fax: 01869 323047
catherine.blaxhall@oxfordshire.gov.uk
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
OX26 6DJ
