Boon DayEvery five weeks of so a group of helpers, church-goers and non church-goers, meet in St Patrick's church yard at Patterdale, to spend a couple of hours tidying it up. We call these sessions "Boon Days" and they are open to anyone wishing to come along and join us. They are actually good fun and there is satisfaction in seeing the result of two hours collaborative effort. If you would like to try a Boon Day just turn up on the day or give Richard Theobald a ring on 01768482379 and he will answer any queries you may have. Give it a try?
Alzheimer's SocietyThe Eden and Keswick Branch of the Alzheimer's society is based in Penrith and covers a huge area from Shap to Keswick, including all the valleys. It is a charity which is growing daily and is much needed. Most people know someone who has been touched by dementia. We have plenty of volunteering opportunities apart from the usual tin rattling. There are things to be done in the office, tasks in the various groups involving clients and their carers , organising 'events', and any 'one off' fundraising events such as coffee mornings etc. We would welcome anyone who would like to become a volunteer for anything from one hour a year upto two to three hours a week. It doesn't mean you have to be a committee person, I know that puts some people off! If you'd like to know more, ring me, Judith Sullivan, on 01768482254 or contact the local office on 01768899633, emailing
edenandkeswick@alzheimers.org.uk. Cumbria CVSCumbria Council for Voluntary Service - Cumbria CVS - help individuals by promoting and supporting volunteering, advising people on the types of voluntary work available, placing people into voluntary work and helping organisations provide the best voluntary placements possible by sharing good practice with them. Click here to access the volunteering section of their website.
Cumbria Wildlife TrustCumbria Wildlife Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wildplaces of Cumbria. Formed in 1962 and supported by over 15,000 members, the Trust cares for over 40 nature reserves, campaigns for the protection of endangered habitats and species such as limestone pavements and red squirrels, and works with adults and children to discover the importance of the natural world. Cumbria Wildlife Trust is part of a partnership of 47 local Wildlife Trusts across the UK. With 670,000 members and 2,200 nature reserves, it is the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species. The Cumbria Wildlife Trust are always looking for volunteers - click here for current opportunities. Cumbria Youth Offending Service Referral Panel MembershipThis is an opportunity to get involved and contribute towards crime reduction. Around 30% of young people who appear at court charged with an offence receive a Referral Order of between 3 and 12 months. Panel members direct the way forward for the young person who has admitted the offence. For more information, click here or contact the Cumbria Youth Offending Service Referral Order Co-ordinator, Emma Dutton, on 01229407560.
Lake District National Park Volunteers ServiceThe Lake District Volunteers Service offers a range of opportunities with the Lake District National Park Authority and some of its partner organisations. Many volunteers call it 'giving something back'. They give their time, skills and energy looking after this unique place and helping visitors enjoy its special qualities. By getting involved you'll meet new people, learn new skills and discover different parts of the National Park. To learn more and find out about current opportunities, click here .
This month, February 2012, the search is on to find a group of volunteers who are willing to work with children to ensure they get the maximum benefit from a visit to the Lake District National Park. For more information on this opportunity, click here .
Volunteering Opportunities at National Park Information CentresVolunteers are needed for what many people would see as the perfect 'job' in three Lake District locations– helping others to enjoy their time exploring and enjoying the national park.
The LDNPA is looking for help with 'meeting and greeting' visitors at its information centres. There are no specific qualifications needed, but being friendly and enthusiastic with perhaps some experience in visitor services or retail would help.
The roles are based in Keswick, Glenridding and Bowness working alongside existing staff at the national park information centres. And National Park Volunteer Co-ordinator Tim Duckmanton explained that people could be flexible over the days and times they choose to volunteer and they would be 'paid' out-of-pocket expenses.
“We are looking for volunteers to talk to the public, enthuse about their passion for the special qualities of the Lake District and help people get the most out of their visit. If you like sharing your knowledge, meeting people, enjoy team work and want to help look after our national park – this could be the role for you,” he added.
Volunteer Lynda Hill, has already been working in Bowness Bay Information Centre every Friday to make use of spare time she wanted to put to good use.
“My favourite part of the job is talking to people. It might be recommending a walk or a place to visit. Every day is different and there’s always something to do so there’s no chance of getting bored.
“I find it very rewarding helping visitors to make the most of their visit and hope that by being enthusiastic about what there is on offer will encourage them to come back again in the future,” she explained.
Anyone wanting to find out more or get involved should contact Tim Duckmanton on 01539 792674 or email: tim.duckmanton@lakedistrict.gov.uk (opens in new window).
Patterdale Health Walks (PHeW!)Patterdale Health Walks (PHeW!) is an open and independent voluntary walking group and is also an Accredited Scheme under the umbrella of the Natural England "Walking for Health" Initiative. We meet every Tuesday at 2 p.m. either at the Patterdale School (CDC) or the Glenridding Public Hall - click here to learn more.
Community First RespondersOpportunity to join the Glenridding and Patterdale First Responders, local volunteers trained by North West Ambulance Service to respond to certain 999 calls and provide First Aid till paramedics arrive and take over - click here for more information about NWAS Community First Responders, click here to learn more about the Glenridding and Patterdale group or ring Fra Cooke (Team Leader) on 01768482829.
Balsam BashingHimalayan Balsam is a present nuisance in the Ullswater valley and in recent years volunteers from a number of agencies, working in co-operation with the Lake District National Park Authority, have had some success in dealing with the problem. 2007 saw probably the first decline in the spread of the weed in and around Glenridding. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 the efforts have been effective and the weed is now much reduced in extent. For more information click here
National Trust VolunteerThe National Trust relies heavily on its team of volunteers. There are literally hundreds of rewarding ways to become involved as a volunteer: from working with a warden on high fells, lowland estates, gardens, coast or countryside.
Alternatively, you could assist house staff in caring for historic buildings and collections, archiving or developing learning opportunities for local communities and visiting schools. Alternatively, how about research, or working with Trust staff at one of the Trust's Regional Offices. To learn more and find out about current opportunities, click here .
Cumbria County Council Information on VolunteeringCumbria County Council has lots of information on volunteering opportunities in Cumbria. You can enter your postcode on their website to see current opportunities in your local area. To access the relevant page of the Cumbria County Council website, click here.
Government Guide to VolunteeringThere is a Government online guide to Volunteering with lots of info on volunteering opportunities and how to access them. To go to the Government guide, click here.
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