About the ‘V' Team
The ‘V' team is made up of a range of people aged 19 to 56 years old; 90% of whom have mental health difficulties of varying degrees. Over half the volunteers have depressive symptoms and a third describe themselves as having manic depression. Three have been in the care system. The ethos of the scheme is to give service users a sense of purpose and help integrate them back into their community.
Volunteers carry out small projects in their community for people with little income or resources, for example by gardening or decorating. People receiving this service also benefit. The majority are elderly or disabled people who require help with tasks such as moving furniture, do-it-yourself work and tiling, for example. This allows people to manage their homes and gardens so they may continue to live in and feel equal members of their local community. Each day different activities are carried out in all weathers, and despite volunteers being diverse and with a range of personalities and skills, there is something to fit everyone, and all jobs are risk-assessed before they begin.
Referral
Team participants are mainly self-referred, usually after contacting the local Volunteer Bureau. Some are referred by Social Services, a Social Worker, a Community Psychiatric Nurse, a therapist or through another service.
Training
Training is given on-the-job as each job requires a different level of skill and expertise. The Team Leader is generally responsible for training and works with groups of a maximum of three volunteers, but volunteers also share their knowledge and skills with each other.
Benefits to volunteers
The benefit of the scheme is that it is tailored made to suit the individual. As the volunteers have complex and long-term mental health issues, and are often in and out of health care, they enjoy the scheme as it offers flexibility and fits around their variable moods and circumstances, in a way that would be impossible in paid work. As a result of their volunteering, participants report that they have increased confidence and self-esteem.
For further information, please contact:
Jackie Preston
Maidstone Volunteer Bureau
Maidstone Community Support Centre
Marsham Street
Maidstone ME14 1HH
Tel: 01622 677337
Email: volunteers@mvb.org.uk
