Choice Project

What is the Choice Project?

Choice is a supported volunteering project which aims to help people who would like to volunteer but may need extra support to do so.

Choice involves, encourages and supports volunteers to take full advantage of the volunteering opportunities available whilst promoting equality and diversity.

Anyone with additional support needs who feels unable to volunteer independently can use the service.

The Choice Supported volunteering project supports volunteers and organisations; it is committed to removing barriers and making volunteering accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Volunteering has lots to offer. 

• It can help build your confidence. 
• You can get experience and meet new people. 
• Share your skills and learn new ones. 
• Give something back to your local community. 
• Have fun doing something you enjoy.

Volunteering is flexible; you can do as little as 2 hours a week, but more if you want to.

It does not cost you any money and you get your out of pocket expenses back. 

Support Assistants

Choice Support Assistants are trained and supported by Voluntary Action Calderdale.

Support Assistants offer support and befriend volunteers.  This can range from helping fill in application forms, accompanying a volunteer to an interview, organise travel arrangements.  Some volunteers may require support at their volunteer placement; this can be a one off or a regular arrangement.

Support assistants need to complete a four day training course covering Mentoring and Befriending, Disability and Mental Health Awareness, Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding.

The project also offers peer support and supervision as well as being committed to the personal development of support assistants.

Referral Organisations 

If you work with people who have additional support needs and would like to volunteer please contact us.  The Choice Project can help find a suitable opportunity, contact the organisations, help filling in forms and travel arrangements. If required, Choice will provide a support assistant to support and befriend a new volunteer in their placement.

Additional Support Needs could include Mental Health Issues; Learning Disabilities; Sensory Impairment; Lack of Confidence; Physical Disabilities; Long Term Unemployed; Drug or Alcohol Dependency

We will support anyone who requires support to volunteer.

Volunteer Involving Organisations

We are very keen to hear from you if would like more information or training around recruiting volunteers with additional support needs.

How can diversity help your organisation? 

If there is a wide range of people delivering your service the service becomes a lot more accessible to more people. 

Different people from different backgrounds and with varying experiences have different ways of doing things and seeing the world.  Every organisation can benefit from being open to this range of experience in its staff and volunteers.  It can improve the services provided when people see things from a different perspective.

Choice  offers information around good practice, awareness raising sessions and advice on how to make your volunteer roles more accessible and encourage equality and diversity in your organisation.

The Choice Project also offers practical help by providing trained support assistants to accompany volunteers on their placements. 

The Choice project will provide training to your existing volunteers to enable them to facilitate volunteers with additional support needs.