Who else can help?

Programmes are more likely to be successful when they become a part of the community they are working with. The more people and organisations that know about you, the more support your programme and your participants will get.

Who else can help?

Programmes are more likely to be successful when they become a part of the community they are working with. The more people and organisations that know about you, the more support your programme and your participants will get.

This question is important because:

Programmes are more likely to be successful when they become a part of the community they are working with.  The more people and organisations that know about you, the more support your programme and your participants will get.  You may be able to get help with promoting and/or running your sessions.

Research

The report produced by the University of Strathclyde suggests that volunteers can be a valuable resource for your project and can have a key role in sustaining it.  First, they can form part of the recruitment process, either directly through their own social networks, or indirectly as role models.  Second, they can be important welcoming faces for new participants.  Finally, they can demonstrate a path which current participants might be able to follow.

Key messages:

For help with reaching potential participants, try contacting:

  • social work
  • housing associations
  • paid and unpaid carers
  • health professionals
  • community groups
  • public services
  • family and friends
  • front-line support workers
  • organisations with links to your target group (eg age, health condition or location specific).

Recruit volunteers through your local Volunteer Centre, schools, employers, colleges and/or by promoting the opportunity locally. They may be able to help you promote or run sessions.

Include the training and development of volunteers within your programme design and any funding applications.

Involve past or current participants as buddies or champions who encourage people to join in, welcome and reassure new recruits and/or lead the social element of the session.

Download

Spirit of 2012 Trust volunteering principles

Case Study

Active East- Phone a Friend