New Start for Avenues

Posted on 28th Sep

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After a period of some uncertainty over funding, Avenues our Supported Volunteering Project is set to continue. In July this year we signed a new contract with Plymouth City Council to support 50 people with mental health issues into volunteering opportunities. Avenues is a project within the Volunteer Centre which supports people experiencing, or who have experienced, mental health difficulties into volunteering.

Mark Bannan, the new Avenues Project Co-ordinator who joined the Guild in September from the supported housing sector said ‘‘We are delighted that Avenues will be able to continue its excellent track record of supporting people who have mental health issues into volunteering. Over the next few weeks I will be in contact with our key stakeholders – referrers, placement organisations and clients to introduce myself and re-open the project for referrals’’.

The project aims to help individuals access meaningful and enjoyable work in the community thereby helping to promote integration, independence, health and well-being and developing skills they may use in the future.

The Avenues Project Worker will work closely with each individual to find suitable voluntary work that meets their needs. Initial support is given during the application, interview and start-up of a placement and later on, by visiting individuals at their voluntary organisation and keeping in regular contact. Regular reviews will be held until it is felt by either party that support is no longer needed for the volunteer to fulfill their role.

To download a referral form click here