Volunteering

We run a vibrant Volunteer Service which matches tenants and people from outside the organisation with volunteer placements.

Examples of voluntary work include running an art group for people with learning difficulties, reading to a blind client, befriending isolated tenants, carrying out admin tasks in our offices and helping to produce tenants’ magazine SHAring.

We currently have 40 volunteers who, together, donate more than 155 hours of their own time each week to help others. More than a third of volunteers are our own tenants.

Southdown also runs two Grounds Maintenance Teams, made up of supervised volunteers with health and special needs. The GMT carries out gardening for our own services, local businesses and the public.

• Work in a welcoming environment with committed and supportive staff
• Have opportunities to try out something new
• Gain new skills and experiences
• Receive training
• Have the regular support of a designated link worker
• Are reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses
• Develop meaningful friendships with service users
• Are carefully matched to the most appropriate Southdown service

• “ Jane and I have been having an ace time together. The cooking has been going well and we have painted some pots and planted some flowers, which was nice. Jane has had a tough time lately as her mum passed away unexpectedly which was clearly very hard for her. I was really touched by the way staff have supported her through this, and I am glad I am a part of this type of environment”

• “Volunteering makes me feel useful, gives me a routine and helps me with my confidence”

• “Ian has been volunteering for us for three years, assisting the chef and taking responsibility for cleaning and general kitchen duties. Ian is punctual, polite, approachable and caring and his standard of work is exceptionally high. It’s fair to say that his help is invaluable to the service. He is an excellent role model to our centre users”

Ian is a Southdown tenant.

Michael volunteers at an art group for people with learning disabilities.

• “Michael has a very special and sensitive way of working with our tenants, and has transformed the art group. Michael has also helped a tenant decorate his flat. As a result of Michael’s support, the tenant feels more positive about his living space and has enjoyed learning new skills”

* People’s names have been changed for confidentiality reasons

For an application pack, further information or an initial chat, contact:

Monique Kleinveld - Volunteer and GMT Services Co-ordinator

Tel: 01273 405800

Email: m.kleinveld@southdownhousing.org