Check Out the Latest News Within Our Community’s Voluntary Sector

Published on: 18 Oct, 2023
Updated on: 18 Oct, 2023

Voluntary Action South West Surrey not only gives advice to people looking for volunteer roles, but works and supports groups, organisations and charities who need volunteers. It also promotes their services and the great work they do in the community. Here are some of the latest examples…

Tech Angels helping people to get online

Tech Angels is a service that is part of the Burpham-based charity Surrey Coalition of Disabled People.

Tech to Community Connect aims to tackle people who feel isolated due to having no access to the digital world.

The project supports anyone over the age of 18 in Surrey who is “digitally isolated” be it by age or circumstance.

If someone has no access to technology, Tech Angels can loan them a free device, usually an android tablet.

The person has the device for a year, and can then give it back or keep it. And if so, they can make a donation to Surrey Coalition of Disabled People if they are able to.

The project also offers bespoke training sessions (on average one to six sessions) to teach people the basics of getting online.

This is with one of its volunteer Tech Angels who visit people in their homes or at a specified place.

Aspects of using the internet that are shown, include how to shop for groceries online, using the NHS app to order repeat prescriptions, learning how to videocall to join online groups or family, and learning how to send and receive emails.

There has also been group sessions to get people started with a device.

If you would like to make a referral to Tech Angels for help getting online and using the internet and to have the free loan of a computer device, click here.

Or telephone 01483 456558.

Referrals are also welcome from GPs and other health and care professionals, social workers, voluntary organisations and the public. To do so, click here.

New Tech Angel volunteers are always welcome. Click here on how to apply.

Treasurer role for natural history society

The West Surrey Natural History Society is recruiting for a new treasurer.

The society was founded more than 40 years ago, and has about 100 members, and sufficient income to cover expenses and pay grants each year to local or national natural history charities from its surplus.

The main aim of the society is to educate the public by studying the flora and fauna of Surrey; to provide a forum for like-minded lovers of nature and to support natural history charities.

It is looking for a volunteer who cares about the natural environment and ideally will have competence in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and the ability to operate simple software accounting records. Also ability to operate online banking.

The commitment is about one to two hours hours per week at whatever time suits the applicant. Specifics of the role will be negotiable, dependent on the applications received. All expenses will be covered.

For more details contact Adrian Thompson by email to: adrian@lampcottage.net

Grants available for communities affected by Covid

Voluntary Action South West Surrey’s Sparks Fund has been supporting selected communities that have been impacted by Covid 19 and its wider impact on health and wellbeing.

Grants already given to communities have increased participation, engagement and a role and a say in how things are done on matters that impact them and where they live, via small community-led initiatives.

Funds are available for the Stoke, Ash and Westborough wards of Guildford, and have to be spent before the end of the current financial year.

For more information and to discuss ideas and plans for the grants available, and for an application form, email Caroline Keith at c.keith@vasws.org.uk

Take the Firewalk Challenge for Sight for Surrey’s Sensory Services

Participants are being sought to brave the flames by taking part in a Firewalk Challenge to raise money for Sight for Surrey’s Sensory Services.

It is taking place at Guildford Pavilion, at the sports ground in Woodbridge Road, on Thursday, November 16.

See poster below for details or email fundraising@sightforsurrey.org.uk or click here.

It says: “We provide highly specialist support for people with sensory loss in Surrey. A large part of our life-changing work depends on voluntary donations. Gifts of money and time help fund the much-needed expertise and equipment that makes all the difference in helping people to overcome some of life’s challenges.”

Volunteers are key to the service it provides. Click here for more details.