Volunteering Christine Reilly Research Officer, VDS

Introduction VDS commissioned by SDEF to carry out research with a specific focus on age Findings will inform work of SDEF and VDS

Methodology Field work May-September 2006 Used: –questionnaires –Semi-structured interviews –Focus group –Literative review SDEF membership as starting point

Participation 38 organisations –92% disability focused 60 volunteers –70% under 65 years old –5% under 34 years old

The Volunteers

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Word of mouth Difficulty recruiting 16-24’s 52% of organisations had someone in a volunteer support role Organisations refund expenses but are less likely to provide training

Obstacles to becoming a volunteer Lack of financial support to make adjustments The ‘image’ of volunteering Lack of awareness Concerns about barriers

Motivations to volunteer and choice of organisation Different motivations e.g. –Giving something back –Sharing skills or experience Preference for disability organisations Ambassador role Organisations focus on physical impairments

Some negative aspects Frustration with volunteer role Some requirements are exclusionary

The benefits of volunteering An alternative to paid employment A route to paid employment Use existing skills and experience

What happens next? We will hear from some young volunteers from the Cowal Panel A chance to discuss one of the key findings at the tables Feed back the recommendations of the report Today’s discussions will be drawn into the conclusions and recommendations of the report

Discussion (at tables) Involving young people in our work Feedback One ‘top tip’ from each table on involving young people

Recommendations Organisations need to consider what they can offer to young people as well as what young people can offer them Organisations need to be inventive with volunteer roles and provide opportunities for development Organisations should tap into help available to them in their local area

Recommendations Organisations need to recognise the need for flexibility for those with other commitments Organisations should utilise the skills of their volunteers AND help them to gain new ones if they so wish