Volunteering

Volunteering is about giving your time for free to do something that benefits an individual or the community.

The Accord Group offers a huge range of opportunities to get involved in various areas of work and build your skills, confidence and employability, with roles to suit everyone.

We have a dedicated volunteer services manager, Irene Casserley, who offers help and support at all stages of finding and undertaking volunteering work.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

There are many advantages of becoming a volunteer. It can help you build confidence, meet new people and make friends. It’s also a fun way to gain new skills that could help you find work or change your career direction. Existing volunteers say it’s very rewarding for you to use your skills to help other people.

Volunteering gives you:
• A means of building self confidence
• A great way to learn and develop new skills
• The experience to help you change career direction
• Chances to make a difference in someone’s life
• Feeling needed and valued
• An opportunity to give something back to your community
• A way to get active and support a cause you feel strongly about.

Will it cost me anything?

No, if you volunteer within the Accord Group you are entitled to claim travel and out-of-pocket expenses. If we signpost you to another organisation expenses claims would be discussed with the organisation offering you the volunteer placement. If you are receiving benefits, you should always inform the benefits agency if you decide to volunteer.

Will I need a Criminal Records Bureau and reference checks?

If the placement is with the Accord Group you will be asked to complete a CRB form and provide two references. Other organisations also may request this.

What type of volunteer work could I do?

There are various opportunities with the Accord Group. These are:

• Care and support (talking and listening to residents)
• Caring activities
• Escorting people
• Driving
• Gardening
• Visiting people in their own homes.

There are also to opportunities to volunteer within an office environment, such as working with the finance or lettings teams.

We also sign post people to other organisations such as:

• Age UK
• Hospitals
• Hospices
• Other housing organisations
• Relate
• Witness Care
• Probation
• Victim Support.

Where can I find volunteering roles?

All of our volunteering roles are advertised on do-it.org. You can search for our vacancies by visiting their website or your local volunteer centre. Click here to find your nearest centre.

Find out more

If you’d like to volunteer or to find out more, please contact:

Irene Casserley, Accord Group Volunteer Services Manager

Email: irene.casserley@caldmorehousing.co.uk

Telephone: 01922 728 203

Fax: 01922 630 389

Write: Irene Casserley
Caldmore Housing
18 Caldmore Green
Walsall
WS1 3RL