Stoke-on-Trent-based VAST Volunteering held a “micro volunteering” day for members of a local charity that supports asylum seekers and refugees.
An 18-strong team from Asha, including students in their English class and their tutors, spent a day with VAST (Voluntary Action Stoke-on-Trent) at their HQ in Dudson House, Hanley.
The aim of the initiative was to support individuals to build skills, increase wellbeing and social networks.
The group from Asha also received a valuable insight into and experience of volunteering.
The session began with a health and safety briefing and presentation from the VAST team on how volunteering can make a difference.
The visiting group was then split between different activities and rotated to ensure everyone had an experience in all areas from litter picking to planting hanging baskets and sanding benches in preparation for staining.
The confidence-building event finished off with a tour around the Dudson Museum.
An Asha staff member who attended said: “The VAST volunteering day was definitely worthwhile and I really feel you could see that service users were enjoying getting into the activities and being a part of something different.
“The day gave them the opportunity to see more and recognise not only their potential but to understand there are options out there specifically catered towards them.”
Gloria Dix, Project Officer (Inclusive Volunteering) at VAST, said: “The team at VAST had an amazing ‘micro’ volunteering day with the support of fabulous individuals from Asha.
“Lots of exciting activities took place which gave a valuable insight and experience of volunteering whilst supporting the #LoveSOT campaign at the same time.”
- VAST Volunteering provides support to charities, community groups and social enterprises across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. It helps with volunteer recruitment, developing policies and procedures, training for volunteer managers and working with volunteers to help them find the perfect role.
