New Bureau To Help Somerset Care Volunteers

A NEW bureau set up by Somerset County Council will help recruit and place social care volunteers in the county.

next-step will benefit volunteers from all vocations, whether providing community transport, helping children access local facilities or running activity groups.

It will create a wider range of training opportunities and volunteering placements, as well as providing improved support for voluntary staff.

Greater emphasis will be placed on matching volunteers to placements that best fit their skills and aspirations.

Gareth O’Rourke, Somerset County Council’s group manager for partnerships and community development, said: “Volunteers in the council’s social care services make a real difference to people’s lives and we’re extremely grateful for the huge contribution they make.

“The improved volunteer bureau will not only offer these volunteers a greater range of opportunities, but also enhance the county services which are on the doorsteps of local people.”

More than 850 social care volunteers are currently involved in supporting vulnerable adults and children across Somerset.