New hub caps a successful year
VOLUNTARY Action for Maidstone has cel- ebrated a year when it achieved the rare dis- tinction of receiving a second Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Last year saw the Brighter Futures project follow the V Team in 2003 in achieving the highest voluntary accolade in the UK. Only 750 of these have been awarded since the scheme began eight years ago. VAM chief executive Charlotte Osborn-
Forde said: “I suspect there are not many charities in the UK that have twice been given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.” The charity’s annual meeting, held at its Marsham Street HQ, had a progress report on a number of the charity’s different projects:
Volunteer Office. VAM now has its own shop in the Town Hall, replacing the former tourist information centre at the front en- trance. Five volunteers man the shop, which offers sessions by S & G Computer Training and hearing clinics by Hi Kent as well as other information on volunteering. Prior to that, between July and October last year,VAM hadashopinavacantunitin The Mall shopping centre.
V Team. The project, which provides work in the community for volunteers with extra support needs and offers help in the homes and gardens of the elderly and dis- abled, was on the verge of closing this time last year. Team leader Jackie Preston said she tried everything, including requests to members of Kent’s rich list, to secure the fu- ture of the project. She was ultimately suc- cessful, and the project will run for at least another year.
Kent Event Team. The partnership proj- ectwith KCC supports one-off sport, leisure
Volunteering officer Kate Dickinson (right) with volunteers’ centre manager Liz Tredget (centre) and a local helper
and cultural events held for community benefit. Between March and December 2011, the number of volunteers increased from 1,536 to 1,900. In this time, the quan- tity of organisations it has worked with has risen from 90 to 115.
Brighter Futures. A year that began with uncertainty ended with the project’s future assured for the next five years through the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme. The scheme provides befriend- ing advice, information, problem solving, transport, shopping trips, exercise classes and a regular phone call to people over 75 to help them remain in their own homes. Last year saw a total of 44 day trips, 233 weekly phone calls to isolated elderly peo- ple and 142 classes, with an average of 75 attendees a week. A total of 95 volunteers befriended 630 clients. Danny Hewis has taken over as project manager from PeterWay, who has retired.
Maidstone and Malling Carers. The proj- ect, which provides information and sup- port for carers, continues to expand, with over 1,700 users registered – an increase of more than 270 in 12 months. This resulted
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in 4,603 recorded contracts with carers. The practical assistance in filling out applica- tion forms yielded awards of £408,180 in disability and carer benefits. KCC’s funding runs out this year as it is recommissioning its carer service. Manager Barbara Hagan said: “We really hope that we continue to get funding as it is a much- needed service for people who weren’t get- ting support at all.”
Voluntary Transport. The project sees drivers using their own vehicles to take those unable to use public facilities – through age, illness or disability – to a range of places. The past year saw driver numbers increase to around 40. The scheme is at- tracting an average of 50 new clients a month – up from 30 the previous year. Dur- ing operating hours, two members of staff and around half-a-dozen volunteers receive one phone call every fourminutes. “We are growing very fast, but we are coping,” said volunteer Richard Reid. A KCC grant helped improve the com-
puter system, which is considered impera- tive for the project’s success.
Platform project. Provides an opportunity for mental health service users to become involved with the planning, delivery and monitoring of local services. In the past year, Platform has hosted several gatherings known asMeeting with Coffee. Demand for these meetings is on the rise, with up to 27 people in attendance.
Drivers are sought to help run VAM’s transport scheme; amodest contribution is made to expenses. If you are able to help, even once aweek, call the VAMoffice on 01622 756662 (weekdays, 9am-4pm).
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