The CARBS volunteer force was on parade for District Training Day at Reigate Baptist Church on 15 October. External and home-team speakers led sessions with full participation from the whole team.
Thank you to Jackie from Samaritans East Surrey
Jackie briefed us on the work of a ‘colleague’ service. Like us, Samaritan volunteers undertake serious training. An essential aspect of the 24/7/12 service is that callers are always anonymous. It’s the opportunity to talk openly (often not available elsewhere) that’s so valuable. Jackie and her colleagues want people to know they can call at any point – they shouldn’t wait until problems get out of hand. Samaritans are most often linked with suicide but in fact 78% of callers are not suicidal.
And thanks to Nicola and Rebecca from Redhill Job Centre Plus, Department for Work and Pensions.
They explained their aim is to give ‘customers’ the support they need to move forward. Everyone has particular needs so the process can be complex and time-consuming (as our volunteers know well). However, our speakers’ description of how decisions are made was clear, detailed and much appreciated. JCP+ are important partners for our CARBS Help to Claim team. Working together is a great help to both sides.
Helen Miller, Training Manager, said:
“Our volunteers are brilliant. I’m always impressed at how committed they are. It shows in the hours they give to helping clients find the right way forward. But it’s also their determination to learn and stay up to date. Our expert speakers kick off the sessions, then everyone joins in. It means we all learn from each other (including the speakers, they’re happy to admit).”
Excellent home team presentations
Juliet Barclay who leads our Help to Claim project reported good progress. Richard Hoffman, Chair of Trustees, who is a volunteer first responder, spoke about dealing with health emergencies. Chief Executive Andrea Dunhill briefed everyone on organisational issues including growing demand and recruitment of new advisers. Helen Miller covered safeguarding policy, our duty to clients and family members, volunteers and staff.
Find out more here about training and volunteering at CARBS.