This discussion was just the ‘tip of the iceberg’, but a good start. There is a need to further discuss the volunteering possibilities for different disabilities to access volunteering and we will be organising further discussion sessions in the new year.

Here are a few of the key points from this discussion:-

• Those who have a disability can often feel that volunteering is not for them because of the difficulties they may face.

• By being supported, volunteering will build confidence and show the volunteer that they can achieve so much.

• Some volunteers are supported by placement managers and there is a need to have an open door policy for volunteers to talk about any concerns they may have.

• The community demographic should be reflected in the workforce.

• Training for volunteer managers on how to have difficult conversations would be welcomed.

• Many volunteer coordinators / managers feel that they don’t have the time for their own training but it is recognised that there is a need to focus on their own development needs as well as those of their volunteers.

• Recruiting: Actively go out and talk to different community groups, agencies, schools and colleges.

• David Crossman from VANS shared two useful links

  • Employers we work with | Getting on Board | United Kingdom

  • Young Trustees Movement