International Volunteer Day 2023

Today is International Volunteer Day. Here at WDP, our volunteers play a vital role; without our volunteers, we could not operate our services as effectively as we do.

We have voluntary support from a wide range of people, including trustees, non-executive directors, staff, their families, friends and the general public. They are actively involved in over 25 volunteering opportunities, including Fundraising events, Disability Awareness Day and a wide range of our services.

Jane, our Senior Employment Advisor and Volunteer Recruitment Officer, has written about the importance of volunteering and shared a few quotes from our fantastic volunteers:

"Why do we need volunteers?"

As a charity, Warrington Disability Partnership relies on volunteers to help deliver the wide range of services we offer to our customers. We have wonderful, enthusiastic volunteers of all ages who work with us every week in our café, on reception, in our offices, with our lunch clubs and long Covid groups, and doing other jobs around the Centre for Independent Living. As well as this, we have well over 100 volunteers who regularly support us at specific events, including Disability Awareness Day every July, our Santa's Grotto in December, our Wizard Narrow Boat during the summer months and various other fundraising events throughout the year. Every one of our volunteers contributes to the amazing work of Team WDP and allows us to reach and support thousands of customers and service users each year.

"Why should you consider volunteering with us?"

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and get involved in lots of exciting activities. Many of our volunteers enjoy the routine of coming to work with us every week. Others offer time as a way of giving something back to the community, which in turn, boosts self-esteem, well-being and improves confidence and life satisfaction. In addition our volunteers attend social events, our AGM and Christmas activities and are very much part of Team WDP. So if you would like to join our team, please get in touch: https://www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk/helpwdp/volunteer.shtml

Here are some quotes from our volunteers

"I like to meet new people and get to know about WDP. I work in the café and enjoy multi-tasking, whatever the job, I do it without a fuss." Ben - Café volunteer

"I enjoy working in the café, everyone is very friendly. Volunteering gets me out of the house." Niall - Café volunteer

"I do enjoy it, it's nice to come and do something rather than stay at home. I enjoy wrapping presents for the Santa's Grotto and the envelopes for payroll are my favourite things to do". Hayley - volunteer for the Main Office for over 20 years

Published: 05/12/2023