Some Volunteering Roles Really Are Odd Jobs

HAVE you ever fancied playing hide and seek with a police dog? If the answer is yes, you’re in luck because it’s one of the more oddball volunteering opportunities available in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Police is looking for volunteers to take part in police training exercises, acting as members of the public while officers practise everything from taking statements to interviewing suspects and dealing with real-life scenarios, such as missing people.

It goes to show that volunteering doesn’t have to be predictable and there are plenty of roles that offer the chance to have some fun while doing some good.

Hazel Hill Wood near Salisbury recruits volunteers help care for its 70-acre woodland, undertaking jobs such as coppicing, hedge laying, hurdle making, scything, tree planting, firewood chopping and path maintenance. Training is provided, as well as tea, coffee, cake and biscuits.

If you love the theatre, Wiltshire Creative in Salisbury has opportunities for volunteers in its costume and props departments, as well as ushering and helping at live music events.

Still on the creative side, Music for the Mind in Trowbridge, Marlborough, Calne and Westbury, which is run by Beyond Dementia, is recruiting volunteers to help at weekly singing groups for people living with dementia and their family carers. Volunteers help set up, prepare refreshments, chat with people and join in with the singing. You don't need to be a brilliant singer – just someone who enjoys music and being with people.

Volunteers play a huge role at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital near Salisbury, where they help with looking after rescued animals act as wildlife collection drivers or fosterers.

What all these roles demonstrate is that giving up your time to support your community doesn’t need to begin with asking yourself “what charity needs my help?” it could just as easily be “what do I enjoy doing?”.

Those of us who revel in being outdoors, making things, music, theatre, animals, talking to people could discover something that connects them with the very thing they love doing.

All of these roles and more are to be found on Wiltshire Together, WCA’s online platform (www.wiltshiretogether.org.uk ), which lists hundreds of opportunities from charities and community organisations across the county.

By registering, role-seekers can search for vacancies that match their interest, availability and location. So if you’ve ever pondered volunteering but worry you won’t find the right fit, have

another look. You might discover that giving your time can be rewarding, challenging and – most importantly – a lot of fun.

WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and helps them develop links with the community. To find out more, contact Stacey Sims at stacey.sims@wxca.org

Pictured: Wiltshire Police recruit volunteers to help with dog training

Pictured: A Music for the Mind session run by Beyond Dementia

Pictured: Mike and Marilyn Korkis of Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital with cherished volunteer Maria Dunn

Press release issued by Meadow Communications on behalf of Wessex Community Action.

For further details contact Gary Lawrence of Meadow Communications on 07866 422308 or gary@meadowcomms.co.uk