time to spare

OUTSET / MILLENNIUM VOLUNTEERS

Outset / Millennium Volunteers

Outset is an independent county-wide youth organisation that is unique to West Sussex. It acts as a volunteering agency and aims to support and encourage young people aged 13+ to make a personal commitment to volunteering. This is achieved by providing opportunities for young people to perform a wide variety of useful and worthwhile tasks within the community. The nature of the tasks not only benefits the community but also contributes to each young person's own development and to the development of a greater sense of community and civic pride. Outset's work is based in all sections of the local community. As a volunteer you choose the type of activity you wish to be involved in. Your interests are skilfully matched to a wide range of projects in the community or you may wish to create and develop a project of your own. It is your choice. You can...

• befriend individuals

• help the elderly

• share your own hobbies and interests with people who have special needs

• have fun giving help and support in playgroups, infant, junior and secondary schools

• assist the caring staff of our hospitals, hospices nursing homes and day centres

• see the results of your efforts in conservation and gardening projects

• visit blind, hard of hearing, stroke and other clubs to help members enjoy life-enriching experiences

• share your love of animals in work with animal welfare groups and aid agencies, veterinary practices, in bird and animal sanctuaries and nature reserves

• preserve the past for the future in museums and other historic places

...and much, much more!

Volunteers give anything from one or two hours a week. Many 16 and 17 year olds give a free extra-curricular session within the school day. Other volunteers give time after school and at weekends. Each year well over 1000 young people give in excess of 60,000 hours to helping individuals, groups, organisations and projects within their local communities.

Through your involvement in volunteering in the community, you will learn more about yourself and about others. You will gain personal satisfaction through your participation in challenging community activities.

Some volunteers also...

• work for the service section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award

• try out options for future careers

• fill a gap year in their higher education

• gain valuable experience whilst seeking employment

All Outset Volunteers receive a signed certificate giving details of their personal involvement and commitment.

Each of the seven districts of West Sussex has a part-time District Leader who is responsible for the supervision of our Outset Volunteers. All placements are carefully monitored and risk-assessed by the leaders to ensure that they are both appropriate and safe for our volunteers.

Catherine Saunders is the District Leader for Mid Sussex (South), which includes Hassocks, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Hurstpierpoint. The volunteers have discovered that they have new skills and talents that they can put to use to benefit their community and get recognition and accreditation for it. She has been involved with setting up a Peer Support Project for young parents to educate other young people in decisions regarding being a parent. Volunteers in the Mid Sussex District teach netball to infant school children, help at Brownies, Red Cross and Sunday school. Young women assist at individual's homes with gardening and some young men teach guitar to younger students at school. Volunteers also assist at the 3-6 Club, which is a very popular after school club. The volunteers love it, getting involved in creative work, sport and computers. Volunteers also assist with children who have special needs at 'Kangaroos'. Volunteers have been involved in a Graffiti Project to 'dress up' a local Community Bus in Burgess Hill. An experienced Graffiti artist visited from London to help with the project.

when?

You decide.

where?

You decide.

who for?

Unisex. 13+yrs.

how much?

Free.

more info?

Catherine Saunders (Mid Sussex District (South) Leader): 07779 169 766

Sally Sikora (Outset Millennium Volunteers Project Leader): 01798 831153

outset@ukonline.co.uk

www.ousetyouth.org.uk