EVS Booklet 2016

Bournemouth/Poole/Christchurch European Volunteer Information2016

ContentsWelcome 1Who we helped 2Impact of our work 3Marketing & Chaplaincy 4-5Youth Action 6-7Practical Information 8-9Volunteer Policy 10-13Things to do & how to find us 14-15

Welcome!YMCA Bournemouth enables people to developtheir full potential in mind, body and spirit.Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values,we create supportive, inclusive and energisingcommunities where everyone can truly belong,contribute and thrive. Our five core areas areSupport & Advice, Accommodation, Health &Wellbeing, Family Work and Training & Education.Our successes have reached far and wide as wepursue our goal to transform communities so that allyoung people can belong, contribute and thrive. Wewelcome you to our team to help make a difference. 1

Who we helped in 2014Directly people. 30,000affected overKept 249 peoplesafe from homelessness.925Reached out to2,000 disabled young people.young people Over 4,000supported. gym users.222utilised the help of 20,746 hours of volunteering per people visited our week. Children’s Centres.Award winners: Carole Braveheart, winner of YMCA Volunteer of the Year 2014 Joely Colmer winner of Prime Minister, David Cameron’s ‘Points of Light’2 Award for Volunteering.

The impact of our workJoely, member of The ChatterboxesJoely has Asperger’s Syndrome and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.But she does not ‘suffer’ from a disability; she views her disability asa gift. Joely is such an inspiring young lady who is passionate aboutimproving the lives of young disabled people through her work with TheChatterboxes;“The Chatterbox group is so important to all the young people who attend.We all have the rare opportunity to learn and gain our independence. TheChatterbox group is our voice, it is our sanctuary, our refuge the only placewe can visit to feel valued and accepted for who we are. Every young personhas moved on and developed in ways you can’t imagine.” taken fromJoely’s BBC South Today Speech Laura, resident at YMCA Bournemouth “Following troubles with family, I was put into foster care with my ex- boyfriend’s Nan. I started to have troubles with my ex being violent towards me. Being just 16 at the time I was weak, insecure and suffered low confidence. I was given accommodation in the YMCA and moved in within 3 hours of asking for help. I had a lot of support from the YMCA, especially my key worker. With the help of the staff, their devotion, their security, support and protection they’ve got me to where I am today; studying to be a nurse and made me the strong, confident person I have become.” YMCA Bournemouth gave Laura the support and security she needed to rebuild a future for herself.Volunteering at YMCA Bournemouth“I love working with the Chatterboxes as it’s so inspiringand rewarding. Having the ability to help and contribute toyoung people’s development in a safe and fun environmentis a real privilege.”1/3Over of our Chatterboxvolunteers have been with us for over 3 years 3

MARKETING & CHAPLAINCYMARKETING CHAPLAINCYMarketing and fundraising is a Our chaplaincy services exist tovital factor when raising awareness offer spiritual support, pastoralabout the work of YMCA care and moral guidance to theBournemouth. organisations staff, volunteers,You will be involved in the clients and their families.following; assisting in producing Your role will be offering spiritualgraphic materials & booklets, support, running workshops tosupporting the events manager help our YMCA hostel residentsto coordinate, plan and execute to connect spititually and buildevents and help increase our a better future and supportingsupporter lists whether these local street homeless people inare volunteers, donors or event Bournemouth Town Centre.attendees.4

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SUPPORT AND ADVICE T.E.A.M YOUNG CITIZENS PART OF YMCA BOURNEMOUTH PART OF YMCA BOURNEMOUTH THE CHATTERBOXES PART OF YMCA BOURNEMOUTHWe believe that every young personshould have someone they can trust.Over 2,000 youngpeople supported in20146

YOUTH ACTION YOUNG CITIZENST.E.A.MTogether Everyone Achieves More Provides volunteering opportunities(TEAM) is a multi-cultural peer support for 11-16 year olds in schools andand youth action group who tackle the community. All of the activitiesissues facing young people who are are youth-led and based on thefrom black and ethnic minority (BME) young people’s interests, skills andgroups living in Bournemouth. abilities. Volunteering projects includeThe group meets weekly and after fundraising, conferences and arts withschool to organise events and young people currently planning aworkshops. youth exchange about citizenship“What I like about going to “Thank you for giving my son thisTEAM is that I have the chance to opportunity as being a singleexpress myself without thinking parent and on a low income Ithat I’m being judged or being could never afford what youcompared to others.” have given to him.”CHATTERBOXES YOUTH CENTRESA youth-led media project where young YMCA Bournemouth has 3 youthdisabled people across Bournemouth centres (Townsend, Fusion andaged 13-25 years old meet to design Pokesdown) with open and closeda quarterly easy read magazine with sessions offering music, crafts, cooking,printed and online versions which sports and computer games plusaims to showcase activities which are information, advice and guidance.available in the local area for youngpeople with disabilities, share individualyouth achievements and educating thecommunity about disabilities.You will be involved in designing 7the quaterly magazine, creatingdisability awareness events, deliveringworkshops for organisations andschools, encouraging the community tobecome more aware of disabilities andcreating film and online media.

8 Image Amanda Harman www.amandaharman.co.uk

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONMentoring deciding which competences to choose. They include communicationYou will have access to a mentor skills, information technology, socialthroughout your stay. The mentor will skills, initiative and cultural awareness.be objective and from a different YMCA Your mentor will complete Youthpassdepartment. You will meet with your Certificate together with you so thatmentor on a monthly basis (or more you can be aware, reflect on andif required) to review your chosen document your learning. Towards thecompetences and to reflect and assess end of your stay you will be invited toyour learning experiences for your share your stories and achievementsYouth pass certificate. with others by writing articles for our newsletters/magazines.Youthpass TrainingYou will receive a Youthpass Certificate.This certificate will validate your You have a right to take part in EVSlearning outcomes and experience. on-arrival training and mid-termYou will be asked to identify some training. In addition, there are variouscompetences to work towards from free training courses in Bournemouththe beginning of your service. We for you to attend. You will receivehave prepared a short document some information about these fromwhich will help to prompt you when your manager or you can find them by yourself online. 9

VOLUNTEER POLICYINTRODUCTIONYMCA Bournemouth is a Christian charity committed to helping young people,particularly at times of need and regardless of gender, race, ability or faith. Wewelcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds who are supportive of the Christianethos of the YMCA and our charitable objectives.Volunteering with YMCA Bournemouth can provide invaluable experience forvolunteers and we are committed to providing the best experience possible tovolunteers in a relationship of mutual trust and understanding. The involvement ofvolunteers complements and supplements the work of staff.INDUCTION & TRAININGYMCA Bournemouth welcomes volunteers into the association with an inductionwhich includes a volunteer handbook, a brief overview of our policies and proceduresand a designated colleague/volunteer to shadow who will help them learn specifictasks. We will provide access to on-going training opportunities relevant to theirroles and encourage volunteers to take these up.SUPERVISION & SUPPORTVolunteers receive supervisions as agreed with their volunteer coordinator and canrequest more at any time. YMCA Bournemouth will ensure we have sufficient staffresources to support volunteers with additional needs. Volunteers’ progress andsuitability will be regularly reviewed and monitored.HEALTH & SAFETYYMCA Bournemouth has a duty of care to ensure volunteers are kept safe. We willensure our Health & Safety policy is in place and will ensure volunteers are madeaware of it and any risks relating to their work. Volunteers will have the importanceand method of reporting accidents and incidents explained to them by theirvolunteer coordinator.CONFIDENTIALITYVolunteers are bound by the same requirements as paid staff as detailed in ourConfidentiality Policy. Volunteers should be made aware of what they can and cannottalk about outside the association.PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCEDURESThere is a clear problem-solving procedure in place to deal with problems and/orcomplaints from or about volunteers. This is available in the Volunteer Handbook.10

If a volunteer has a problem relating to their position, they should first raise itwith their volunteer coordinator. If they feel that they are unable to discuss it withtheir volunteer coordinator or the matter is still unresolved, then either verbally orin writing, they should notify the Programmes Manager who will investigate thematter further, and keep them informed of any decisions made.If a volunteer is dissatisfied with the outcome of any stage of the problem-solvingprocedure, he/she may appeal either verbally or in writing within 3 working daysof the disciplinary decision to the Chair of the Association’s Board of Management.The decision of any appeal is final.VOLUNTEER ROLESVolunteers have a responsibility to:Aim for high standards of efficiency, reliability and quality in your volunteeringWork in partnership with volunteers, staff and the general publicSupport and respect our organisational policies, guidelines and managementdecisions – including equal opportunities, health and safety, data protection anduse of our brandConsider and protect YMCA Bournemouth’s good reputationAct responsibly and within the lawOnly use ‘personal’ Facebook and social media on lunch or after finish timeLet your contact know first if you have any complaints so that we can find asolution togetherContribute towards a positive and friendly team atmosphereHave the best possible experience by getting involved and enjoying yourvolunteeringIN RETURN WE WILL:Offer equal opportunities to everyone who wants to volunteer (see YMCA EqualOpps Policy) 11

VOLUNTEER POLICYMatch your skills and experiences with the right role for you wherever possible,listening to your motivations and aspirationsOffer appropriate training and support for your roleCelebrate success and recognise loyalty and dedicationRespect our volunteers and listen to what they have to say, encouraging two-waycommunicationProvide information about the charity’s research work, policies and proceduresTry to resolve any concerns fairly and reasonablyReimburse agreed expenses (see above)Ensure your health, safety and welfare as a volunteer (see above)Encourage a positive and friendly atmosphereYMCA Bournemouth will clearly communicate the tasks which volunteers are askedto undertake. We will give clear descriptions of each role in order that volunteersknow exactly what is expectedEqual Opportunities & Diversity PolicyThe Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy reflects both the Aims and Purposes of theYMCA and the spirit and intentions of legislation which outlaws discrimination. TheYMCA recognises that people from different backgrounds can bring fresh ideas andskills. It values diversity and welcomes interest from all sections of the community.And it is committed to build and reinforce a culture where people value each otherand treat each other with dignity and respect.The YMCA will not discriminate or treat any individual less favourably on the groundsof sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexualorientation.As an employer of paid staff and an organisation which has Board Members andvolunteers, the YMCA aims to ensure that no individual receives less favourabletreatment on the grounds of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin,disability, age or sexual orientation.12

Harassment on the grounds of sex, race, sexual orientation and religion or beliefis a form of discrimination. This and any other harassment is totally unacceptableto the YMCA and any such behaviour is considered a disciplinary offence. Allallegations of harassment are treated seriously and all practicable steps will betaken to prevent the behaviour continuing.Contact details for each department:Marketing:Sheena Dayman - 07824 333 505 or [email protected]:Jez Du Puy - 01202 290 451 (ext 305) or 07557 088 564 [email protected]:Poppy Sargeaunt - 01202 467 000 or 07827 848 479 [email protected] ActionJo George - 01202 467 000 or 07824 702 526 [email protected] (Youth Centres)Glen Harvey - 01202 467 000 or 07500 899 089 [email protected] 13

WHAT TO DO IN BOURNEMOUTH AND HOW TO FIND US. What to do in Bournemouth? Bournemouth is a beautiful town, full of students and there is always something to do… There are various festivals and events throughout the year and there are conversation tables for people coming from abroad to improve their English. There are also hobbies and activity clubs for people with various different interests. Free English Conversation Tables: www.facebook.com/groups/268529636626753 Learning English: http://bit.do/ImproveYourEnglish Sightseeing & Attractions • In Bournemouth and around: www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/ attractions • In England: www.england-sightseeing.co.uk • In the UK: www.visitbritain.com/en/Sightseeing14

We are based here Where you get in and off the busWhere to go:Fusion Office, 4-6 Old Christchurch Lane, Bournemouth, BH1 1NEThe office number is (01202) 467000 15

YMCA Bournemouth Delta House 56 Westover Road Bournemouth BH1 2BS 01202 290451 [email protected] www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk Charity No: 1078728 YMCA Bournemouth @YMCABournemouth YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION