12 June 2008

Enhancing Health and Social Care through Volunteering

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is consulting with service users, staff and the community and voluntary sector on its volunteering policy.

The Trust promotes the use of volunteering to enhance its services through; direct involvement of volunteers; independent service providers; and through voluntary organisations that provide health and social care services.

Mrs Melanie McClements, Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing for the Southern Trust says: “Volunteers reflect the interests and needs of the community and bring their own perspectives, skills and talents to their role. The Southern Trust is committed to volunteering and we greatly appreciate the work carried out by volunteers. However, we must ensure that our volunteering services reflect the needs of service users, volunteers and staff. This consultation is an opportunity for those involved in or affected by volunteering to express their needs and expectations.”

The volunteer policy aims to set out guidance on; the Trust’s responsibilities regarding volunteers; volunteer recruitment; the volunteer’s rights and responsibilities; equality obligations; and to clearly distinguish between volunteering and paid employment.

The Trust encourages partnerships with the statutory, voluntary and community organisations in the development of volunteering and values the commitment and resources of the Volunteer Centres which organise and co-ordinate volunteers.

For further information on the Trust’s volunteering policy or for a copy of the draft document contact Imelda McPolin Tel: 028 3083 4281or Gerardette McVeigh Tel: 028 3834 4973.