Campaigns and Policy Response

Volunteering England believes that nothing should be easier than giving your time to help other people.

The truth is that there are a number of things that often stand in the way of someone volunteering. Some of them real barriers; others are myths and misunderstandings; some are good old fashioned bureaucracy. Some are created by government and others by organisations that involve volunteers.

The aim of this campaign is to cut through some of this red tape – real and imagined – and let people know how easy it is to help out in their community.

Myth: You can only volunteer for sixteen hours a week if you receive state benefits.

Fact: Your volunteering hours are not limited, as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your benefits.

You must talk to Jobcentre Plus, your local council or whoever pays your benefits before you start volunteering.

Myth: Voluntary groups that work with children and vulnerable adults have to check every volunteer with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

Fact: Checks should only be made for roles that meet the CRB’s eligibility criteria. If an application for a check is not justified, you could be breaking the law, as well as creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

The complete list of eligible posts is available at crb.homeoffice.gov.uk

Myth: People with criminal convictions cannot volunteer with children and vulnerable adults.

Fact: Very few people are barred from employment or volunteering. Only certain convictions will stop someone from volunteering with children and vulnerable adults. As with any volunteer, a CRB check should only be made if the role meets the CRB’s eligibility criteria.

For more information on volunteering contact Thornbury Volunteer Centre, www.volunteer-thornbury.org.uk

Support us in working with government to cut red tape. www.facebook.com/freevolunteeringfromredtape

Being Active in the community – Influencing decisions affecting the local area.

Safer and Stronger is a Community Engagement Initiative managed by South Gloucestershire Council.

There are 20 Safer and Stronger groups across the country which bring together a number of local public and private and community organisations to meet with any interested member of the public. These include representatives from the Police, Fire and Rescue, Town and Parish Councils and other local organisations.

The meetings are designed to cover issues which affect the whole community. Past topics have included creating positive activities for young people, concerns on school crossings, speeding and parking and community grants help to support initiatives which tackle issues that have been raised.

Thornbury Volunteer Centre regularly attends meetings to put volunteering on the local agenda and looks for ways in which volunteering can play a part in community initiatives. We believe that participation in volunteering can increase the sense of cohesion  in the community, not only for  the person giving their time but for those around them too.