MNCGA | Volunteer

Volunteers are the essential key to the smooth running of all the Neighbourhood Care Groups as without their commitment, encouragement, and vivacious enthusiasm the Neighbourhood Care Groups could simply not reach as many older people in our community as we do currently. As a result of the value we place on volunteers, we ensure volunteers benefit enormously from their involvement.

A volunteer can hope to receive:
o A CRB check free of charge
o A comprehensive induction pack explaining exactly what is involved
o Support from the individual care groups as well as other volunteers
o Specialist support when required
o A sense of community within the organisation
o A safe and welcoming working environment which nurtures and develops your skills
o Unforgettable experiences
o A chance to make a difference to someone’s life!

What skills could you develop?
o Teamwork
o Organisational skills
o Communication skills
o Time management
o Interpersonal skills
o Problem solving
o Initiative
o Practical skills
o Confidence and self belief

Where?
· Brooklands, Sale
· Burnage
· Chorlton
· Didsbury
· Ladybarn
· Northenden
· Northern Moor
· Withington
· Wythenshawe

We are happy to find volunteering placements for anyone and happily cover travel expenses.

How?
If you are not sure where you would like to volunteer or where, please complete our generic MNCGA application form so we can arrange a meeting with you to discuss your options. If you would like to discuss the possibility of volunteering with the Manchester Neighbourhood Care Groups Association please contact the care groups direct using the individual sections listed to the right.

The benefits of volunteering (Recorded by CSV)
In the North of England....
· 46% of volunteers say volunteering has improved their fitness
· 20% of volunteers say volunteering has helped them loose weight
· 15% of smokers say volunteering has helped them cut down
· 10% say it as helped them drink less alcohol
· 5% of volunteers say volunteering has improved their sex life!

Use your skills!
· 61% of volunteers who offer their professional skills and experience say volunteering has helped them feel less depressed.
· 71% say volunteering helps them reduce stress.
· 1 in 7 people who offer their professional skills and experience say they have taken less time off work since volunteering.
· 1 in 3 18-24 year olds say they have taken less time off work since volunteering.

Young and Old Benefit!!
· 61% of 18-24 year- and 63% of 25-34 year olds say volunteering helps them feel less stressed
· 46% of 18-24 year- and 53% of 25-34 year olds say volunteering makes them feel less depressed
· 62% of over 65s say volunteering helps reduce stress
· 45% of over 65s say volunteering helps them feel less depressed

Why volunteer with the Manchester Neighbourhood Care Groups Association?
· 48% of volunteers who help older people say volunteering has made them feel less depressed.
· 56% say they feel less stressed.
· 61% of volunteers who help neighbours or in their local community say volunteering helps them feel less stressed. 46% say they feel less depressed.
· 1 in 4 volunteers who volunteered with older people say they lost weight
· 27% of volunteers who help their neighbours and local community have lost weight.
· Nearly 60% say their fitness has improved.