‘Friends’ Innovative Training Wendy Ohandjanian Project Coordinator ‘Friends’ Volunteers Coventry

What is Innovative about ‘Friends’ Volunteer’s Training? Befriend’s people from New Communities Befriend’s people from New Communities Encourages Volunteer’s from New Communities Encourages Volunteer’s from New Communities Partnership Working Partnership Working “Hard to Reach” become “How to Reach” “Hard to Reach” become “How to Reach”

When did it start? How does it work? Pilot 3 ½ years ago Pilot 3 ½ years ago 10 weeks course – 4 hours per week 10 weeks course – 4 hours per week Based on identified needs Based on identified needs

Why does it work? Simple and Effective Simple and Effective Relevant and Useful Relevant and Useful No Portfolio No Portfolio Folder with Notes Folder with Notes Friendly Atmosphere Friendly Atmosphere

What Outcomes? How Successful is it? 30% Retention over 2 years 30% Retention over 2 years Volunteer’s flocking to the course Volunteer’s flocking to the course Partnerships flourish Partnerships flourish Winners of Awards Winners of Awards Further opportunities for Volunteers Further opportunities for Volunteers

Train to Gain – and Retain You need to invest in volunteer’s You need to invest in volunteer’s Training makes them feel Valued Training makes them feel Valued Better tools – happier workmen Better tools – happier workmen Need to know how to use the tools Need to know how to use the tools