Volunteering with Woking Strokeability

As a group Woking Strokeability are very aware that we need to make sure that we effectively support and manage the involvement of our volunteers.

Initial Interest - When you are interested to join as a volunteer we will give you an introduction to the organisation, let you know what activities volunteers support and recommend that you come along to one of our Saturday sessions to meet members and gain an understanding of how we work and the of activities we undertake.

Volunteering Opportunities - Volunteers are a crucial part of Woking Strokeability, without their support we could not continue. Their expertise and help can cover a wide range of activities:

Fund raising - This can range from helping with a tin collection tin to organising a complete fundraising event such as a quiz social and fundraiser evening. It could also entail undertaking activities such as a sponsored run/walk, garden party or barbecue etc.

Assistance at the Gym - This will primarily be helping members as they carry out exercise guided by our trainers. It may range from a simple ball game to gentle badminton returns helping members to improve their coordination. It can also involve helping members onto and off equipment, ensuring that safety cord is used on walking machines. It can also include helping get the room ready, setting up equipment and putting away at the end of session. The help needed at any meeting will depend upon the members attending and the direction of our trainers. The level of assistance provided by volunteers to our members at the gym does not require formal training to any great extent. However if you are assisting members on any equipment you should be instructed by a trainer or suitably experienced member how the equipment is set up and used. If a volunteer are unsure of the best course of action at any time they should refer to a trainer or a member of our management committee.

Assistance at the Pool - This may be general help for members in the water but it should be noted that any member requiring one-to-one assistance will normally be supported in the water by a dedicated carer. It could also be acting as a lifeguard at the pool. In all cases the exercise activities at the pool will be directed by one of our trainers.

Organising events - We organise social events for our members and partners / carers which can range from coordinating with other charities for activities such as gliding, sailing and general sports to organising a dedicated Woking Strokeability event. These dedicated events have in the past included our regular Christmas and summer lunches, the theatre, canal trips and outings to places of interest.

Marketing - Assisting with marketing material, its deployment and subsequent activities. This could include developing the material, publishing it and following up with other charities and healthcare or commercial organisations. Circulating hardcopy information to doctors surgeries and pharmacists etc., assisting with the management and control of electronic communications including social tools such as Facebook and Twitter. In all cases whenever any marketing activity has proved successful there will be an opportunity to follow up and develop relationships and general contact with other organisations.

Formal Training - If more formal training is necessary or required, for example first aid or lifeguard training it can be arranged through the management committee.

Duke of Edinburgh Award - We can offer a Duke of Edinburgh volunteer an hour a week on Saturdays helping our members in the gym.

What skills do I need?

Continuing to Make a Difference - We are conscious that volunteers join our group for a variety of reasons, examples are using professional skills and experience to help others less fortunate, undertaking Duke of Edinburgh charity work, gaining experience of helping people with disabilities prior to formal education or social care activities. We are also aware that a volunteer’s original motivation for joining is not always the same as their reason for staying.

To help us understand what motivates our volunteers and which parts of their support that they enjoy we may ask for feedback to help ensure that volunteering is not only be of benefit to Working Strokeability but also to the volunteer.

I have loved volunteering with Strokeability over the years. The kindness, warmth and humour I was welcomed with every week was amazing and was a real reflection on both the character of the staff and members, but also the gratitude felt towards those that chose to spend their free time lending a hand. Whether I was physically supporting people to exercise, or simply a listening ear for a chat, I always felt really appreciated.