Volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of Crownway Community Centre and it takes a special kind of person to give up their spare time helping to run and improve Crownway so that it can offer a variety of projects for the local community.

  • Could you spare an hour or two?
  • Are you a special kind of person?
  • Do you like meeting people?

If so, would you like to spend an hour or two helping with the various little jobs that need doing to keep the Crownway Community centre open?

Contact us on 01925 222907 or [email protected] for more information.

Crownway would not be the centre it is today without our many volunteers, read more about them in the Volunteer Success Stories section of the website.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering

What does Crownway Community Centre do?

Crownway Community Centre is a friendly community hub that offers a variety of activities for the residents of Earlestown, Newton-le-Willows. Our aim is to improve the quality of life for the members of our community by providing easily accessible health and wellbeing activities, social groups, children and youth projects, advice services, and workshops.

Do I have to be a local resident or have attended to Centre before to volunteer?

No. We welcome any and all support from volunteers who are able to offer their time, energy and ideas in the most efficient and effective ways. While it would be ideal to live locally, or be familiar with the community or Centre already, it is in no way a requirement.

What sort of volunteering opportunities do you offer?

There are many possible volunteer opportunities available at any one time. These may include helping out in Crownway Cafe, joining the delivery of our projects, or distributing leaflets around the neighbourhood. Calls for volunteers are shared on our social media pages, website, and newsletter, and you are always welcome to ask a member of staff in the office. Even if we don’t need volunteers at that moment, we can take your contact details and reach out to you when we have a new volunteering opportunity.

If I become a volunteer, what will I be expected to do?

We only ask our volunteers to do what they’ve agreed to, and the times of volunteering are adjusted to their availability. They are expected to be friendly and respectful to all members of the public and staff.

What sort of people are already volunteering at the Centre?

There is a wide range of people who volunteer for the Centre. They come from different backgrounds and are different ages. Some are retired, others still work or might be students. Many have been volunteering for a long time, others are relatively new and some have longer standing connections with the Centre. Each works according to their ability, time frame available and fit their volunteering into the daily life.

Will I get support and training?

Yes. All members of staff and volunteers will be supportive and inclusive. In addition, Crownway has strong partnerships with many other charities, educational establishments or agencies that provide high quality relevant skills and training that will support you as a volunteer. We are always open to suggestions for new training possibilities.

How much time do I need in order to volunteer?

It varies, depending on the role you are interested in and how much time you would like to use. Contact the relevant person to find more about what is involved in a particular role. It is also possible for roles to be adapted so that a volunteer with less time available can still become involved.

Will I be interviewed?

You will not have a formal interview but you will have an opportunity to talk to a member of staff or another volunteer about why you are interested in volunteering and what you would like to get out of it. This is simply an informal discussion and is as much an opportunity for you to find out more about the organisation as for us to find out what you are interested in.

Do I need qualifications?

No. For certain roles you might need particular skills or experience but qualifications are not essential. Just ask for more information about what skills you might need for a particular volunteer activity.

What if the Centre does not offer a role that I could contribute towards?

If you have a particular interest or skill and would like to use this in your volunteering, speak to a member of staff at the Centre. We may not have thought about this particular activity and you may find that we are open to trying something new.

Do I get my expenses paid while I volunteer?

We will cover the expenses that are necessary for your work as a Volunteer. This might include special equipment, uniform, travel, or training costs.

Can I claim benefits while volunteering?

Yes, you can. The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer while receiving benefits, however over time this may vary and change. You do need to inform your benefits adviser that you are volunteering. If you encounter any problems please ask your advisor for support.

Can I leave if I don’t like it?

Yes. If you are not enjoying your volunteer activity you need to speak with the Centre Coordinator as soon as you start to feel unsettled. There might be something that we can do to help you enjoy your time. For instance, by providing more training or adapting the role in some way. If you still are not happy, you are able to leave at any time, but the more notice you can give us the better.

If any of your questions have not been answered here, please get in touch with a staff member at Crownway for further information.

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