Volunteers

Fifty years ago the first Leonard Cheshire service was set up with strong support from volunteers in the community. This remains the basis for the majority of our projects today.

Throughout the world thousands of volunteers fulfill many tasks of vital importance, working closely with professional staff in maintaining high quality services. In the UK alone, 6,000 volunteers give a total of more than 10,000 hours every week.

The majority of our services are fortunate to have teams of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including cooking, gardening and driving. Volunteers also often provide an extra link between service users and the community, and an opportunity for them to pursue special interests.

We welcome volunteers of any age and there are many, many ways in which our volunteers work - could you give some of your time?

The Leonard Cheshire Foundation Today

Today, the Foundation is one of the largest voluntary organisations in the UK. It is regarded as a forerunner in the field of disability and is constantly developing and improving new and existing services for people with disabilities and their carers.

Its UK Services included:-

The majority of people who use the Foundation's services have a physical, mental or learning disability or a mental health problem. Some are relatively independent but need short term support or rehabilitation; others may have a progressive illness or disability requiring increasing levels of care over a long period of time. Whatever the need, the Foundation has set itself exceptional standards in providing the very highest quality of services, allowing choice and opportunity for people with disabilities in all aspects of day to day living and support services for their carers.

The Foundation's work overseas includes over 200 homes and services in 50 different countries with many concentrated in the Third World. Projects range from outreach clinics for children with polio and leprosy in Africa to independent living apartments in Canada. Although independently set up and managed, the majority of overseas projects look to the UK for guidance and development.

The Importance of Volunteers

The first Cheshire Home was set up by Leonard Cheshire with strong support from volunteers within the community. This was also the basis for the majority of the Foundation's projects throughout the world and remains so today. Volunteers form an integral part of the organisation at all levels, including overall financial, legal and managerial responsibility through the role of the Trustees.

At other levels and permeating every aspect of the Foundation's activities, volunteers fulfill many tasks of vital importance, working closely with professional staff in maintaining high quality services.

1.  Local Committees - All Homes and Services have a Local Committee comprised of volunteers, staff members and residents or clients. This committee, with delegated authority from the Trustees of the Foundation, provides advice and where appropriate, support and expertise to the full time management team.
2. Support Groups -  Every Home or Service has a fundraising, publicity or other type of  support group comprising volunteers whose skills, time and energies are used to the full.
3. Within the Home or Service - The majority of Homes are fortunate to have teams of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks at crucial times of the day eg mealtimes, help with gardening, driving etc. Volunteers also often provide a link for residents and clients to the community and an opportunity for them to pursue special interests and hobbies.

Some volunteers work with Care At Home Services to provide social or respite care for clients. When appropriate, relevant training is provided.

Volunteers - an asset to be valued

• Volunteers provide hundreds of hours of their personal time each week.
• Voluntary support helps ensure that voluntary income goes straight to where it is needed and helps keep costs in check.
• Tasks are flexible according to the needs of Homes / Services and availability of volunteers.
• Homes / Services will try and 'match' volunteers and clients or residents, aiming to achieve happy and fulfilling friendships.
• The role of volunteers is complementary to that of professional staff and is appreciated by staff, residents and clients alike.
• Homes and Services will provide introductions, back-up and on going support to volunteers.

Volunteer Involvement - where help is needed

Volunteers Stories from the many Cheshire Homes throughout the World 

Kevin - Companion

David - Committee Member

Cath - Fundraiser 

Copyright © Leonard Cheshire

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this website is correct. Leonard Cheshire cannot, however, accept responsibility for any losses sustained as a result of any omission or inaccuracy.

Cartref Dyffryn Ceiriog Cheshire Home, Dolywern, Llangollen, LL20 7AF

Telephone:- 01691 718303 or 01691 718939 - Fax:- 01691 718042

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