Volunteers in the city Autumn 2015 At Charles Sturt we know that our volunteers contribute over 30,000 hours of hours each year to provide services that make our community a better place. But how does volunteering benefit the volunteer? Some of the questions in our 2014 Annual Volunteer Survey asked whether volunteering gives back to the volunteer. For instance, does it increase volunteers’ social networks and community participation? The infographic on this page summarises some of our volunteer survey outcomes - doing good is good for you! The Charles Sturt volunteer survey results reflect the results from other volunteer surveys. A 2013 Health and Volunteering Study by United Health Group in the US showed that just 100 hours of volunteering per year significantly lowered volunteers’ blood pressure and stress levels, whilst increasing their sense of purpose in life, their mood and their life span! The Annual Survey conducted by Charles Sturt is a good way to gather lots of information that we use to continually improve our volunteer services. We welcome your feedback at any time, so please keep conversations going with volunteer coordinators and with me. Jennifer Jacobs Volunteer Services Development Officer Ph: 8408 1828 [email protected] Volunteering benefits volunteers too! 13% 1-2 years 22% 3-5 years 24% 5-10 years 26% over 10 years 15% less than one year of CCS volunteers responded to the Volunteer Annual Survey in November 2014 Length of time as volunteer with CCS Benefits reported by volunteers 97 % 37 % 97 % 90% 98% increased contribution to community increases community participation increased social connections would recommend others to volunteer for the City of Charles Sturt
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Volunteers in the cityAutumn 2015
At Charles Sturt we know that our volunteers contribute over 30,000 hours of hours each year to provide services that make our community a better place. But how does volunteering benefit the volunteer?
Some of the questions in our 2014 Annual Volunteer Survey asked whether volunteering gives back to the volunteer. For instance, does it increase volunteers’ social networks and community participation? The infographic on this page summarises some of our volunteer survey outcomes - doing good is good for you!
The Charles Sturt volunteer survey results reflect the results from other volunteer surveys. A 2013 Health and Volunteering Study by United Health Group in the US showed that just 100 hours of volunteering per year significantly lowered volunteers’ blood pressure and stress levels, whilst increasing their sense of purpose in life, their mood and their life span!
The Annual Survey conducted by Charles Sturt is a good way to gather lots of information that we use to continually improve our volunteer services. We welcome your feedback at any time, so please keep conversations going with volunteer coordinators and with me.
Jennifer Jacobs Volunteer Services Development Officer Ph: 8408 1828 [email protected]
Volunteering benefits volunteers too!
13%1-2 years
22%3-5 years
24%5-10 years
26%over 10 years
15%less than one year
of CCS volunteers responded to the Volunteer Annual Survey in November 2014
Length of time as volunteer with CCS
Bene�ts reported by volunteers
97%
37%
97%
90%
98% increased
contribution to community
increases community
participation
increased social connections
would recommend others to volunteer for the
City of Charles Sturt
Volunteers Celebrate Christmas Dinner
An end of 2014 year dinner held at the Eagles Function Centre was attended by over 200 volunteers representing all Council volunteer programs. In the recent Annual Survey, many volunteers took the opportunity to give their feedback about the 2013 and 2014 Christmas Dinners. The most consistent comment was how much they enjoyed socialising with other volunteers and Council staff. Many also told us that it was wonderful to experience a room full of volunteers from all programs in order to appreciate the breadth of Council programs. The photos tell the story of volunteers having a wonderful night out together.Community Visitors with Cynthia
Community Bus volunteers with Sam
Tennyson Dunes volunteers
Youth Central volunteers with Mel
Mayor Angela Keneally
Volunteer Vacancies Volunteer in Profile
MaryAnn McPhee is one such volunteer, who says she volunteers to ‘make difference’. For over 15 years, MaryAnn has been volunteering most days of the week for Charles Sturt, Muscular Dystrophy SA (MDSA), Uniting Care Wesley and Kiwanis. MaryAnn visits residential care facilities where she spends time with residents each week and also hosts Sing-Alongs. Not surprisingly MaryAnn has been awarded
Library Programs - Story time and Baby time volunteers for Monday or Saturday mornings. Tasks include set up, pack up and assisting with activity time. 2 hours per week.
Digital Hub – Calling for volunteers for the new Digital Hub program at West Lakes Library on Sundays to provide one-on-one training to people wanting to learn the basics. Willing volunteers need basic IT skills, patience, excellent customer service. 2 - 4 hours per week.
Youth Central have relocated to The Brocas. There will be many opportunities for volunteers to get involved with youth and community projects - short term, one-off and longer term projects like:• Gardening e.g. growing
vegetables• Music, dance, song writing,
fitness• Events• Art/ Craft• Mentoring – resumes and
job interviews
2 - 4 hours per week.
Other Local Volunteer VacanciesThe Grove Education Centre, Woodville - Seeking volunteers for their canteen, push bike maintenance
program, gardening project and positive mentors for their students. Contact 8345 4530 / 0400 956 822.
HYPA (Helping Young People Achieve) – provides a wide range of services to support disadvantaged young people 12 – 25 years across four focus areas: home, well being, learning and working. Currently there are volunteer vacancies in their Geared to Drive program and mentoring young people in small, supported classroom settings. For more information, please call 8244 1299.
Red Cross – Circle of Friends (phone 8306 6938), Mates (8100 4685), TeleCross (phone 1300 885 698) and Compass (phone 8100 5460) are programs that have volunteer vacancies. Roles include mentoring and be-friending people of all ages and from many cultural backgrounds. For more information, please call the relevant number listed above.
Volunteering SA is the peak body for volunteering in SA and holds a data base of volunteer vacancies across organisations. For enquiries call 8221 7177 or email [email protected]
Please contact Jennifer on 8408 1828 or [email protected] if you are interested in a position.
Many volunteers give their time to more than one program within Council, or to more than one organisation.
Brought to you by
Youth Expo20
15
Ages 12 - 25
Registrations now open for schools & groups!
Free food, fun activities, information stalls, live music & performances!
9 April 2015, 11am - 2pmAdelaide Arena, 44A Crittenden Road, FindonFor more details contact Mel Cutting on 8408 1111.
several honours including the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition in 2007, and nominations for the Australian of the Year awards in 2007 and 2013.
Volunteers in the City is produced by: City of Charles Sturt, 72 Woodville Rd, Woodville 5011
Call Centre: 8408 1111 www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Dates for your diaryMarch
24 Child Safe Enviroment Training 9am - 5pm
27 Volunteer Induction & Updates 9am - 12:30pm
April
17 Children’s Entertainment Circus 11am Music 2pm
21 Understanding Aged Care Presentations by peak agencies 9.30 – 12noon
29 Understanding Aged Care Better Practice Project 9.30 – 11.30am
May
15 First Things First Dance, comedy and theatre 2pm $16
19 & 26 Mental Health First Aid Training 9am - 4pm
29 Volunteer Induction & Updates 9am - 12:30pm
June
12 The Foenander Bros Classic Jazz and contemporary
arrangements 2pm $16
July4 Crocodile Rocket
Elton John Tribute Show 7:30pm $30
10 Broadway for Kids Children’s Entertainment 11am $10
31 Volunteer Induction & Updates 9am - 12.30pm
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One of the ways that we give back to volunteers is by providing worshops and training that add value to the volunteer role and our everyday lives. Check out these workshops.
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Saving our Trees, Reducing our Carbon Footprint In line with our commitment to being environmentally responsible and cost efficient, Volunteer Services is keen to find paperless methods of communication. The recent Annual Volunteer Survey told us that 70% of volunteers check their emails at least once a week and that about 20% do not use a computer. We respect that not everyone will want to receive information by email, therefore we will continue to mail letters to all volunteers who request postal communication. You may have been contacted by
your volunteer coordinator about your preference. If not, please give Jennifer a call on 8408 1828 or email [email protected]
Skin Checks and Immunisations for volunteersOur Immunisation Program will again provide free flu vaccination for volunteers who are not eligible for a free vaccination from their GP – mostly this will be volunteers under 65 years of age.
Civic: 15th April, 12-3.30pm
Beverley Centre: 22nd April, 2-4.30pm
Approach your volunteer coordinator in order to set up an appointment during time.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle Program an annual skin check is offered to staff and volunteers at the Rainforest Skin Cancer Clinic - a local dedicated clinic that provides an enhanced professional service to staff.Please ensure you state you are a City of Charles Sturt Employee in order to receive Bulk Billing when you make an appointment. Rainforest Skin Cancer Clinic - 480 Port Road, West Hindmarsh. Phone: 8241 5556. http://skincanceradelaide.com.au/
National Volunteer Week 2015To celebrate volunteers during National Volunteer Week in May, we will host a function in the Town Hall on Thursday 14th May - please save the date.
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