JANUARY is traditionally a time to make resolutions for the year ahead, but instead of resolving to change careers or get fit, local groups and charities are asking the people of Westbury to think of others and see if they could offer a helping hand.
Whether you have some free time to help drive people to vital appointments, help supervise a youth club, or even assist with monitoring CCTV, there are plenty of ways to give back to the neighbourhood and show just how strong community spirit is in Westbury.
Mayor of Westbury, cllr Sheila Kimmins says, “Throughout our town volunteers are giving their time every day and yet more volunteers are always needed. The volunteers are made up of people from all walks of life, they may have an hour to several hours a day, a week a month, that they can give to others. Volunteering is a vital role which any one of us can do, all you have to do is pluck up the courage and a whole new world will open to you.”
There are a wide range of local organisations looking for your help including Westbury Area Network which runs Westbury’s foodbank scheme; Crosspoint, Westbury Youth Club, Four Village Link, Imperial Charity, the CCTV monitoring scheme, Shaunak’s Pharmacy and the White Horse Health Centre. Here is a rundown of some of the help that is required locally.
Crosspoint
The local charity Crosspoint is seeking volunteers to assist their current team.
Crosspoint has worked in partnership with Westbury Town Council over the last 15 months to provide the space for the sorting and distribution of food to those who have been shielding or adversely affected by the pandemic.
The centre also helps with benefit applications, PIP forms etc, CV preparations, internet access and counselling, by arrangement, through trained counsellors.
Any enquiries should be made at 01373 824 330 or email info@crosspoint-westbury.co.uk
Westbury Area Network (WAN)
This is a charitable organisation responsible for the food bank run solely by volunteers. Volunteers also support the town council in running the Community Fridge.
There are a variety of roles which WAN require volunteers for. These include: • Collecting donations from local supermarkets and other sources; • Dating items, organising and stacking shelves • Making up food boxes to meet specific needs of individuals and families • Displaying fresh produce for the fridge and helping members of the public to collect fridge and food bank items • Occasionally delivering food boxes for those who are unable to collect for themselves.
Volunteers are at the fridge Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 10am to 12 noon and at the food bank Monday and Thursday from 10am to 12.30pm when they can be contacted by anyone wanting to volunteer. The group is based at WCP (Westbury Community Project), Eden Vale Road BA13 3NY and can be contacted on 07780 072619 or email: westburyareanetwork@gmail.com. They can also be found on Facebook.
Westbury Youth Club
Westbury Youth Club is currently looking for volunteers to help during their weekly sessions, as well as those to join as a committee member. The group operates out of the Westbury Community Project on Eden Vale Road and has sessions every Wednesday during termtime 5.30pm-7.30pm.
Beth Mullins, leader of the group said, “We always welcome new volunteers and the post of volunteer youth club assistant and committee member is always open! As part of the committee there is no requirement to work directly with young people. We would instead ask that you attend a monthly committee meeting which lasts one to two hours.”
The club requires all volunteers to have a clear enhanced DBS check which is provided, alongside the completion of an online safeguarding course. No experience is needed, and full training is provided.
If this is something you are interested in, you can contact Beth at wwyouthclub@hotmail.com
Shaunak’s Pharmacy and the White Horse Health Centre
Following the roll-out of the booster jabs, volunteers are needed for the busy vaccination centres here in town.
Shaunak’s Pharmacy is in need of volunteer Covid stewards to help assist with the organisation part of the rollout, while the WHHC is seeking trained vaccinators to help join their team and help limit the strain on their already hardworking team.
Shaunak’s can be reached at 01373 888 088 and the WHHC at 01373 828 330.
CCTV monitoring
Warminster Town Council are seeking volunteers to join their team of CCTV operators. This monitoring station covers both Westbury and Warminster.
The station says, “If you have good communication skills, are able to work to a high standard under pressure and are committed to Warminster and Westbury’s security and public safety, then we’d love to hear from you! We require operators to work 4-hour shifts. All volunteers will be trained to a professional standard and will work within in a strict code of practice. Email cctv@warminster-tc.gov.uk
Four Village Link
The Four Villages Link is part of the charity “Community First” that has supported people and places across Wiltshire for over 50 years. There are many Link schemes across Wiltshire.
The group says, “Our volunteers have been very busy with driving clients from the villages to hospital, doctor and dentist appointments, as well as for their Covid booster vaccinations. Some clients also request transport for other purposes such as shopping, as well as jobs around the house and garden.
“More volunteers are urgently needed as on some days drivers are not available, especially if the trip is to one of the major hospitals in the region. Volunteers can claim a mileage allowance as well as other expenses if the trip takes up much of the day.”
For more information see http://thefourvillageslink.org.uk and please call a coordinator on 07852 256939 if you wish to volunteer.
Are you involved in a local group? Do you need volunteers? Email news@whitehorsenews.co.uk or call 01225 704761 and we will be happy to publicise your organisation.
