GO Achievements 2009/10
GO Volunteering Opportunities
- During the year GO had 27 active volunteers, including four volunteer directors. GO is now registered with CRBS and will be able to carry out our own disclosure checks for staff and volunteers.
- At the start of the year two volunteers achieved MV awards and one volunteer completed two modules as part of an accredited programme for managing volunteers.
- In February 2010, 25 people attended a planning day, where staff and volunteers shared information on New Explorations, Voices for Change and the GO Newsletter.
- To recognise the ongoing support of our volunteers, one volunteer arranged two “Feel Good Days” giving GO volunteers and residents at Urybank Sheltered Housing the opportunity to benefit from beauty treatments, massages and a workshop on self compassion.
GO Support to individuals and organisations
References
Volunteering can act as a step back into employment and we have provided references for volunteers, enabling them to take up training, volunteer opportunities or paid employment. References have also been provided for volunteer involving organisations which provide services to disabled people, enabling them to secure grant funding.
Funding searches
GO continues to support organisations and individuals’ research funding options using Funder finder software for Groups in Need and People in Need. In addition to this, GO has a section on our website where people can access application forms and guidelines for Craigmyle Community Limited. Successful funding applications have helped people have access to the specialist equipment, software and training fees needed to enable then to fully participate in the activities of their choice.
Recycling
During the year GO has recycled a number of items. Donated computer equipment is refurbished by a volunteer and then made available to other organisations or volunteers to support their volunteering activities. Items refurbished and recycled this year included computers, office furniture, greenhouse and photocopiers. This recycling activity is a continuation of work started during 2005/7 and sponsored by the Voluntary Action Fund.
Developing skills and confidence
Planning meetings, producing written reports, writing a newsletter, event coordination, developing contact databases, participating in learning and networking activities linked to the work of Grampian Opportunities have given volunteers considerable opportunities to use existing skills, learn new skills and build “confidence by doing”.
Learning opportunities
From the start of the New Explorations Service in September to the end of the financial year in June 2010, 34 people registered with the New Exploration service and staff from GO attended over 60 events and different training activities. The year ended with a presentation by Jobcentre Plus and a CV writing workshop.
Information
During the year GO coordinated a programme of events to share information and raise awareness of the support and opportunities available locally:
- In August there was a presentation by YOUR CALL on their national telephone counselling service for disabled people. This was attended by 16 people from 9 different organisations.
- In November, GO worked with members of an Independent Living Initiative steering group to deliver and report on a pre-Consultation on Self Directed Support. Two representatives of the Scottish Government participated in the event which was attended by 38 people representing 14 different organisations, and 50% of participants were known to be disabled people or carers.
To raise awareness of independent living and the support available to people, GO held two “Making Connections” events.
- The first in March was held at the Kintore Arms Hotel in Inverurie: Ninety people signed in to the event which had 15 information tables and two small workshops (Community Planning and NEIL). 26 organisations were represented, with carers and individuals also in attendance.
- The second “Making Connections” event was held at Curl Aberdeen, a total of 75 people signed in, with 26 organisations represented. This event had 10 information stalls and a workshop led by the Independent Living in Scotland project.
Staff and volunteer training
- One member of staff is registered on an ILM Coaching and Mentoring course
- One volunteer has completed a mentoring course at Warwick University
- 18 people participated in our in-house mentor training and GO now has 19 approved mentors.
- Work has also started looking at e-mentoring with two people attending a conference to discuss the use of technology with mental health service, and one member of staff has completed a certificated course on Online Communication
More information
See GO’s achievements in 2008/09 (PDF)
