Volunteers are vital to the successful running of BUILD and we value them greatly and strive to provide initial and ongoing support as well as a variety of training.

We have volunteers from all walks of life and age's range from 17 to post retirement age. The differing projects within BUILD look for volunteers to be involved in different things, though many of our volunteers are involved with more than one project.

Volunteers do not need to have had any previous experiences of working with people with learning difficulties because of the support and training provided. All that we ask is that volunteers are willing to support people without prejudice.

All volunteers are actively encouraged to complete core training, which is provided free of charge and delivered internally. This includes:-

• Understanding disability equality and advocacy
• Basic First Aid
• Vulnerable Adult/Child Protection Awareness

In addition volunteers can access other training such as manual handling, communications, or other specialist training that might be identified in the volunteer reviews.

Within The Wednesday Club, volunteers can use their own skills and experiences to support people with a learning difficulty to run the activities themselves. This could be supporting people with working on the coffee bar, art classes, cookery, pool and much much more. The emphasis is on volunteers enabling members rather than doing things for them.

The BeFriends projects looks to match volunteers on a one to one basis to enable someone with a learning difficulty to enjoy social activities in the community. Partnerships are matched according to similar interests and personalities and full support is given.

Volunteers can give up as much or as little of their time as they wish and we would cover all volunteer expenses.

We do not ask/expect any volunteers to be involved in any form of personal care, providing medication or manual handling.

So why volunteer for BUILD?

• We provide initial and ongoing support as well as training
• To enable people with learning difficulties to lead active and fulfilling lives
• Helps to break down barriers and misconceptions between people
• All out of pocket expenses are covered
• Good work experience
• Looks great on a C.V.
• To learn new skills
• Meet a variety of new people
• Because it’s fun!

If not and to find out more about volunteer opportunities please Contact us

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers are vetted through the Criminals Record Bureau and are asked to provide two references.