A CHARITY has been awarded a grant that will fund a new position supporting its network of volunteers.
Winchester Go LD has been granted £47,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to develop volunteering projects in the community.
The charity, which supports adults with learning disabilities in Winchester, will use the funding for a new volunteer coordinator role over three years.
In 2021, 40 volunteers donated a total of 60,000 hours to Winchester Go LD and now the charity is facing peak demand.
CEO Betty Chadwick said: “Winchester Go LD volunteers make up a broad range of people from our community, including sixth-form students, undergraduates, retired academics, employees from corporate sponsors, local social enterprise groups and project partners, parents, families, and friends of Winchester Go LD members.
“As the charity has grown, so has the need to recruit, manage and support volunteers. Our volunteers are key to the success of our charity, they help us in enabling adults with learning disabilities to live life to the full with the independence and choices that they want.
"The need for our work is higher than ever and Winchester Go LD is keen to continue to develop and respond to the pressures faced by our members during these challenging times.
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“Volunteers play a vital role in engaging with our members. People with learning disabilities face many inequalities; they are particularly at risk of loneliness and social isolation. Our staff and volunteers support our members to be included in social activities, including local sports and recreational activities within our local community.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, which has awarded nearly £65m to more than 2000 community groups, will enable the charity to employ a volunteer coordinator over three years and provide training, review policies, and explore and coordinate volunteer opportunities.
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Long-term volunteer Adam Flynn said: “I started volunteering with the charity about 10 years ago. Both my sons are autistic. Volunteering is an ongoing rewarding experience. It has helped me as much as I hope to have supported members. We have a lot of fun, and it is a real privilege to be part of.”
Winchester Go LD encourages anyone interested in volunteering to contact info@winchestergold.org.uk. For more go to winchestergold.org.uk/.
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