VCH is running a new scheme using volunteers to help promote energy efficiency amongst the residents of Hackney and ensure vulnerable members of society can access information about making their lives more energy efficient.

We need people to provide advice and guidance to the community on tackling fuel poverty and energy efficiency. This will be done both by talking to individuals and approaching community groups and providing information to their clients and members. You will distribute fuel poverty packs and to explain to people how this information can be applied to their situation. 

This project will run during February and March 2012 and we want to reach as many residents of Hackney during that time as possible. We are particularly keen to reach the elderly, disabled and socially isolated who are most likely to benefit from this information and least likely to be able to access information without your help.

Download the Fuel Efficency Champion Role Description here
If you would like to join please contact Janice to find out when the traning is and how you can get involved.

Volunteering is changing; so is Volunteer Centre Hackney. We seek a new Chief Executive – one who can lead us through a process of change that will transform volunteer services within Hackney. The new CEO will be backed by a strong management board that is committed to delivering high quality, innovative volunteering services to all of Hackney’s residents.

As our new chief, you will draw upon your track record of income generation and find fresh ways to develop services that meet the needs of local communities in partnership with funders such as the local authority, PCT, housing associations and charitable foundations. You will be an accomplished relationship builder, as comfortable with politicians and civil servants as you are with volunteers and staff.

You will understand social media and how they can be used to increase volunteering in the borough. And you will be a confident champion for volunteering within Hackney’s forums of decision making and with strategic partners.

Most importantly, you will have the ambition, confidence and entrepreneurialism to help VCH realise our potential within the one of the most diverse, exciting boroughs in London and Britain: a 21st century Chief Executive for 21st century volunteering. If this is you, get in touch.

Salary: £35,000-50,000
Deadline: 16 March 2012
To request an application pack email: tanya@vchackney.org

1. I get something back from it
2. It gives me a chance to give something back to the community
3. It makes a difference to the world
4. It takes me out of my comfort zone and lets me try new things
5. I enjoy helping others
6. I love the people who work and volunteer in the sector
7. It gives me the chance to meet new people
8. Its give me the chance to learn new skills
9. Its fun
10. We help others find new opportunities and new directions

Leave a comment and let us know what you love about volunteering.

Welcome to Hackney Open Evening – flyer

A Message from David Gow, Chair of VCHackney

In these troubled times volunteering is proving to be a pathway to a better future. Volunteer Centre Hackney is giving more local people than ever the opportunity to learn new skills, move on and contribute to the community where they live.

In the final quarter of last year (2011) VCH achieved an extraordinary success rate: of the almost 300 people who walked through our doors and registered as volunteers a half, yes, 50%, found a place in active volunteering (that’s 147 out of 294).

This is far higher than many other bodies are achieving and underlines the vital role VCH plays in our community – an achievement acknowledged by the London Borough of Hackney which provides part of our funding and actively promotes volunteering.

We’re living in the deepest recession for a century, more than a million young people are out of work and many more are denied access to education and training, inflation is high and wages are being frozen, benefits are cut. But volunteering can help dispel the gloom.

Who says so? We do. But so do our volunteers – in their own words:

Each and every week I leave the voluntary role, I get a great sense of achievement by giving something back to the community. During this placement, I always feel as if I’ve grown as an individual and by making this commitment it’s helped me make decisions about my life…Volunteering is for anyone, any age, student, unemployed or retired people with some spare time, as volunteering for me helped to improve my CV, references, employment chances and it gives you something to focus on, rather than doing nothing at all.

– Thomas, one of our volunteer receptionists and referral assistants

I would encourage people to get going with volunteering because it gave me the experience and knowledge I always wanted to obtain. Now I have a brand new CV, I can look forward to a new job career in admin as I have the skills needed as well as a choice of references. I have a new approach to life with my newfound confidence.

 
– Therese volunteers on the Woodberry Down estate

I did not even get a chance to contact the Hackney organizations you recommended to me.  I think it was a case of ‘It doesn’t rain, it pours’ as I even had a third position offered.  I chose to go with two, as this leaves me with time to continue my job search. Thank you very much for your help.  You were very encouraging…. I was on the verge of giving up before coming to meet with you in Hackney.  Thank you again.

  – Beverly is now volunteering in two different roles in Enfield.

I signed up with Family Action and I am training to be a Volunteer Perinatal Befriender with the organisation… All the best to you and the other lovely people at the office.

– Gina, volunteering at Family Action in Hackney

The awards in conjunction with Greater London Volunteering, will celebrate the positive effect volunteering can have in our communities and recognise the unsung heroes who give up their time to help others.

Individual volunteers, teams or, volunteering organisations showing best practice in managing volunteers and/or showing committed and effective leadership can all be nominated. Applicants must be based in London and efforts or contributions must benefit London or Londoners.

There are four awards under the categories:
Improving Community Safety
Increasing Youth Opportunities
Building Stronger Neighbourhoods
Cleaning & Greening London
In addition, there will be one special Mayor’s Award.

The awards will be presented at a major ceremony on 1 March 2012.

Go to the GLV website for more information and download Nomination Forms.  Lets spread the word and make sure Hackney’s amazing volunteers get the spotlights they deserve!

Faz from Hackney Quest

People volunteer for a variety of reasons, helping the community, meeting people or learning new skills. But for Deborah Faz Bheekhun, it was the support she received from staff and volunteers, which became the inspiration to become one herself.

When Deborah’s son was excluded from school, she was referred to the charity Hackney Quest. Despite some initial reluctance, Deborah was overwhelmed by the encouragement, support and network she was provided. So much so in fact, it encouraged her to start volunteering there herself.
Hackney Quest is a local charity, now in its remarkable 24th year, which supports young people and their families through the various projects it runs, a Positive Activity Programme for Young People, Adult Volunteer Programme, Youth Participation Volunteer Programme, Exclusions Provisions and a Family Support Project.

Deborah volunteers as a family support coordinator for the charity, providing others the same service she received.

‘I really understand the situations these people are in, because I was there myself’

she explains. Deborah’s son, who is now completing his A levels, also volunteers with the charity’s Youth Project, supervising trips for younger candidates. Many of the services Hackney Quest provides have been what the community has asked for; and it is this type of ‘real life’ experience and engagement with the local community that makes Hackney Quest stand out to both its participants and volunteers.

Personally for Deborah, volunteering has also given her more confidence in the workplace. ‘I’ve been given the opportunity to go on a number of courses and my manager is incredibly supportive’ she explains. Many charities do offer courses to volunteers, which help to develop skills that can be translated into the paid workplace. The economic climate is often cited as one factor in the increased interest in volunteering, as for those finding it difficult to get into work, it can provide practical experience which supports getting back into the job market.

With local governments feeling the pinch of top down austerity measures, many charities are finding there is less funding available or withdrawn altogether. Yet while funding decreases, demands for these types of services continue. Hackney Quest currently has a funding gap of around £70,000, if it is to continue to run it’s much needed projects this shortfall must be achieved.

‘We are a trusted community based organisation, but without funding for our core costs we face the very real threat of closure’

explains Bella Relph, the charity’s Volunteer Manager.

The dedication of volunteers like Deborah ensures charities can continue to deliver much needed services to local communities. ‘What started out as a bad situation (with my son) has turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to both of us’, Deborah explains. ‘What I have taken away from volunteering has been worth more than I ever realised’.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Bellaand check out our website If you would like to offer financial support please contact Karen and take a look at our donations page on our website You can also follow us on twitter @hackneyquest

• Download a flyer
• Download the Role Descriptions for Ambassadors and Event Volunteers.
• Visit the council website which sets out the criteria for becoming a Welcome to Hackney Volunteer.

The deadline for applications is 13th February 2012.