Volunteering

Volunteers are vital in making Cumbria the great place it is. From helping clear pavements of snow to caring for the elderly, volunteers help provide services that really make a difference to the lives of thousands of Cumbrians.

Thinking of volunteering?

There are opportunities for you to volunteer right across the county.  Volunteering can help you add employability skills to your CV; secure you a place on the course of your dreams; build your self-confidence and make new friends. 

Whatever your age, location, interests and how much time you're able to give, there's a volunteering opportunity that's right for you.

We need people to help in the following areas:

So get more involved with your community and become:

  • a community volunteer - for the fire service doing homes safety visits and educational activities with schools
  • Volunteer Co-ordinators and Volunteer Car Drivers - volunteers providing transport to people with no public or private transport within Cumbria.
  • Volunteer Minibus Drivers - driving a minibus for Community Wheels routes and driving groups such as Charities for days out for the Minibus Sharing Scheme.
  • a snow champions - help keep your roads and pavements clear of snow and ice
  • a Nightstop volunteer - and open your home to a young person who has nowhere to stay that night - Sharon Jackson on 07958 447477
  • Neighbourhood Care Independence Volunteers - tackling loneliness in your community - 01768 800350

Alternatively, there are some options which are not entirely voluntary:

  • an on call firefighter - you can be paid over £6k to keep your local community safe
  • a foster carer - looking after children who need a caring home. This can be just giving people a break for the weekend or those who need a home longer term. Fostering fees and allowances are payments made to help with the costs of caring for a child and also to recognise the great work our foster carers do every day. 

If you need help in recruiting new volunteers you can register with Cumbria CVS Volunteer Centres who can help you to:

  • Refer volunteers to your organisation

  • Upload your volunteering opportunities to the National Volunteering Database

  • Advertise your volunteering opportunity online and locally

  • Display your leaflets and posters at exhibitions and events

  • Invite you to local Volunteer Co-ordinator Network meetings to share information and good practice

  • Invite you to be involved in local volunteer recruitment events

  • Offer you advice and support in good practice in volunteering


To register your volunteering opportunities please contact Judith Holmshaw, County Volunteering Co-ordinator for Cumbria CVS on 01768 800350 or e-mail: judithh@cumbriacvs.org.uk

For more information about how Cumbria County Council supports volunteers and voluntary and community organisations, email: georgina.ternent@cumbria.gov.uk Strategic Policy Advisor for Third Sector Development and Support.

Be inspired to volunteer in Cumbria - check out this short clip about volunteering in Cumbria on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ieBhFq7Ag8

Volunteer Drivers needed in Barrow to support Children and Families in South Cumbria

Cumbria County Council are looking to recruit voluntary drivers to join the Social Car Worker

Service for Children and Young People in the South of Cumbria. This is to provide essential transportation for vulnerable children and families in South Cumbria.


What does a Volunteer Driver do?

  • Provides a vital service to families in Cumbria
  • There are no set hours or distances, as we are working to the needs of the Service 
  • Once we have done the necessary checks, you will be on our books and contacted to see if you are available to help when a driver is required
  • It may be helping on a school run in the short term or transporting parents to meetings on a weekly basis 
  • Expenses and Mileage allowances are reimbursed, and training is provided


How can I find out more?

If you are interested in driving for the service and would like an informal chat to find out more information, then please contact:

Karen on 07585134999 / Natalie on 07789927541