AGE Concern Exmouth has given their volunteers the power to choose how they donate their valuable time – and calling for new recruits to sign up.

AGE Concern Exmouth has given their volunteers the power to choose how they donate their valuable time – and calling for new recruits to sign up.

The Exmouth charity has completely overhauled their procedures so now volunteers can sign up to a ‘bank’ so they give as little or as much time as they want.

Chief Officer Steve Dace said they realised that commitments, like looking after the grand kids, took a toll on charity’s which rely on volunteers.

So they designed a system giving the volunteer control to suit their individual needs.

He said: “While the sentiment of our Government wanting us all to commit to volunteering within our community is admirable, the reality of doing so for many is more difficult.

“Gone are the days of expecting or wanting people to make commitments that are difficult for them to maintain amongst their other personal commitments and in is a fresh, new approach to volunteering.”

This new approach is by having a ‘bank’ of volunteers who register their names and whose skills and experience are matched to the vacancy.

The more numbers in the less pressure to commit - a volunteer can contact the office for the ‘next job’ and if the task does not have set time but is within an available window it gives the individual the opportunity to volunteer as and when they can.

He added: “They would be comfortable in the knowledge that they will not be letting us down if they want to take time out and walk back in at a later date. “

Age Concern Exmouth has arranged a Volunteer Open Day between 10am to 1pm on Thursday December 9 at their Rolle Street Office.

Pop in with no obligation chat and grab a coffee

Typical posts are day care assistants, home visitors, meet and greets, coach trip couriers, kitchen assistants, drivers and activities co-ordinators.

For further information contact Steve Dace or Maria Bridle on 01395 271242.