Blog: Opportunities & Events

Film Oxford is an education and creative charity that supports film makers through a programme of training, networking and exhibitions. The charity are recruiting a new Chair, who will be responsible for leading the Board of Trustees.

The Board meet at least once every two months and the Chair will be required to lead these meetings, as well as to be available to visit Film Oxford on a regular basis and communicate via email and telephone. The Chair will be required to represent Film Oxford at key public events and meetings with potential partners, donors and clients.

If you are passionate about film and have the time available to dedicate to this role, please contact geron@filmoxford.org for further details.

Event: Oxford Race for Life Pretty muddy 5k obstacle event

Date: Saturday 16 September

Who we need – Whatever time and skills you’ve got to share, we’ve got the perfect role for you. Bring your energy, smiles and a passion to the party and let’s beat cancer sooner together.  No experience necessary – information provided, briefings given and supervisors there to assist.

Venue – Oxford South Park, Headington Road.

Timings – To give you more insight all volunteers are required to arrive by 8am on the event day, there’s also option to arrive earlier to set up and de-rig if you’d like to (we start setting up at 5am). The event starts at 10am and we’ll have 300 ladies starting every 15 minute intervals. The last start will be approx. 12noon, meaning the last person should be over the line by 1:30pm if they’re walking. So we’ll then de-rig and you can go home.

Roles – the roles on offer are helping with enquiries and bag drop, course marshalling, obstacle marshalling (getting the participants muddy and wet), start and finish line assistants.

More information will then be sent out in advance of the event and briefings and supervisors given on the event day.

We need people to sign up online at: https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/about-our-events/volunteer

The website www.silverrobin.co.uk tries to find ways to bring young and old together to alleviate the feeling of loneliness that blights the everyday lives of thousands. It hopes to celebrate connections made,  shared experiences,  moments which echo down the years, evoking memories and creating new friendships. What they do is really inspiring and you should definitely take a look!

They are trying to find someone with experience of marketing who could help to raise the profile of Silver Robin so that more people in Oxfordshire and beyond are aware of what they do. If you have a little time to help with this, and some experience of marketing, please contact Avril Lethbridge on avril.lethbridge@gmail.com

Marie Curie are seeking individuals who could take on the role of Collection Box Co-ordinators. In this role you’ll be responsible for:

• Distributing collection boxes throughout your local area
• Visiting premises regularly to service collection boxes
• Building relationships with contacts to make sure boxes are visible
• Collecting, counting and banking donations
• Completing records required for collection boxes

This role would suit individuals who are self motivated and happy to work independently. A good knowledge of your local area will really help with this role. Attention to detail, particular accuracy with numbers is important.

Why you should get involved : 

• The opportunity to play an important role in helping the work of a national charity.
• Toolkits and guidance to help you in your role.
• Regular support and contact from your local team.
• Valuable experience in developing administration, communication and organisation skills.

Want to find out more: Email Hazel at hazel.bendon@mariecurie.org.uk or call 01604 258758

This year’s Poppy Appeal in Oxfordshire is looking to run 3 cash counting centres: in Bicester,  Marston and Henley. Volunteers are needed to support employee volunteers from the Coventry Building Society, to count and bag the poppy appeal money.

The cash counting will take place between approximately 30th October and 30th November.

Bicester – 10:00-16:00 Monday- Friday

Marston Royal British Legion club – Monday Wednesday Friday 09:00 15:00

Henley Town Hall – 10:00 16:00 Monday- Friday.

Interested in helping out: Email Mark Garwood on <MGarwood@britishlegion.org.uk> or call 0203 053 7271

What is the role: Gallery volunteer

Who is the role for: Modern Art Oxford

When does the volunteering take place: Between August and October 15th 2017. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week.

Where does the volunteering take place: At Modern Art Oxford in the exhibition spaces

What does the role involve: As a gallery volunteer you will welcome visitors, talk to them about the exhibition and help to look after the artwork.

Why you should sign up: 

We have some great exhibitions this Summer. It is a chance to delve deeper into the ideas behind the work by Rose Finn-Kelcey and Aleksandra Mir.

• Meet like-minded people
• Learn about contemporary art
• Develop new and existing skills, such as: team work, customer service and ways of looking at art.
• Flexible volunteering, with weekend opportunities.
• Supportive volunteering, with regular team social events.

Get a behind the scenes experience of working in an art gallery and with artists.

Skills required: We are simply looking for people who are warm, friendly and enthusiastic.

Please note that references are required for this role. Expenses are paid to cover the cost of travel to and from a volunteers’ home, up to the cost of £5/day. 

How to sign up: Contact Joe Wilson via email on: volunteering@modernartoxford.org.uk or call 01865 722733

 

 

What is the role: Tea Room Volunteers needed for Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary

What’s involved: Island Farm Donkey Rescue provides a safe home for unwanted and ill treated donkeys.  It has many visitors every summer and we run a tea room with refreshment for these visitors and to provide much needed income.

We urgently need volunteers to serve hot and cold drinks and snacks, handle payment of these. The hours are 10.30 to 4pm. Ideally we are looking for volunteers who can help us one or two days a week.

This role would appeal to anyone who likes talking to people, and who enjoys supporting an animal welfare charity.

Skills required: An ability to make hot drinks and handle cash.

An induction and training will be provided. Unfortunately we are unable to cover the cost of expenses. 

For more information: Contact 01491 833938

What is the role: Peer Support Voluntary Facilitator

Who is the role for: Blurt Foundation

What’s involved: The role of the facilitator is to be a person of authority within one of our peer support forums. You will ensure the group runs smoothly, that rules and guidelines are implemented, enable members to feel safe and maintain the friendly tone of the group. You will deal with problems swiftly and are able to maintain neutrality, authority, confidence, patience, warmth, kindness and understanding.

This role entails good leadership skills, good decision making skills, good problem solving skills, respect for fellow moderators and the ability to work together as a team. You will monitor and moderate user-generated content to ensure that the online community is maintained as a safe environment for its members.

Why you should get involved: This is a fantastic way to support people with depression, whilst learning to manage your time, work as part of a team and support others. You will be provided with online training and ongoing support and supervision.

Skills required: 

• Able to maintain confidentiality of discussions between the moderating team
• Understand that they are representing Blurt in all communication
• Be helpful to members and fellow moderators
• Not allow personal feelings about an individual member get in the way of moderating. Impartiality and patience are essential 
• A computer and internet connection is vital
• A DBS check will be undertaken for this role 
• All volunteers are to asked to commit a minimum of 3 hours per week 

How to sign up: Online application: https://www.blurtitout.org/peer-support-group-volunteer-facilitator

 

What is the opportunity: 

Why not spend this autumn learning new skills on our Peer Support Volunteer course?

Do you want to…

• Use your own experience in a positive way to help others?
• Build your confidence and self-esteem?
• Develop skills in communication, leadership and teamwork?
• Receive ongoing training and support?

Peer Supporters volunteer in our support groups. Peer Support might simply involve talking and listening, or it may be focused around a shared activity such as art, music, walking, cooking, gardening or reading.

In order to apply for this role you need to have personal lived experience of mental health problems and be willing to share this with others.

Where does the role take place: There are opportunities across Oxfordshire. Minds’s main hubs are in Abingdon (OX14), Banbury (OX16), Witney (OX8), Oxford (OX2) and Cowley (OX4). We also hold groups in other locations across Oxfordshire

What does the role involve? 

Volunteering as a Peer Supporter is an opportunity to use your own experience of mental health problems in a meaningful and positive way. Drawing on your own personal experience, you will help others by offering empathy and understanding, and by encouraging the development of mutual support within groups.

What are the  benefits: 

• Peer supporters receive full training including a 1 day induction into mental health awareness, listening skills etc and 8 half day sessions exploring group dynamics, recovery and well-being
• You will be given the opportunity to participate in ongoing training
• All reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

Training starts this September so get in touch now to avoid missing out!

How to find out more or sign up: Call 01865 263752 or email : jane.taylor@oxfordshiremind.org.uk

 

What is the role: As a Poppy Appeal Organiser or Deputy Organiser you will help to raise vital funds for the Royal British Legion by organising and conducting the poppy appeal in your area. You will volunteer under the support and guidance of the local Community Fundraiser and other volunteers.

Where are appeal collectors needed: OX18 Burford, OX9 Thame, OX5 Bletchingdon and RG9 Harpesden

What is involved in this role: 

• Alongside the Community Fundraiser carry out a review for how to secure maximum possible funds are raised in your area
• Alongside the Community Fundraiser organise the recruitment and briefing of collectors
• Publicise and promote the poppy appeal in your local area
• Arrange the ordering, storage, distribution and collection of poppies and ensure accurate records are kept of locations
• Account for all monies taken during the Poppy appeal

Why you should sign up: 

• You will have the knowledge that you are supporting the needs of the Appeal’s beneficiaries and their families
• You will receive full training from the Community Fundraiser and Poppy Appeal Organiser
• You can claim expenses

Skills required: 

• A good standard of education and experience of the voluntary sector
• Experience in cash handling, basic accounting and banking
• Ability to communicate with fellow collectors, the general public and staff of the Royal British Legion

Interested in finding out more: Email Mark Garwood on mgarwood@britishlegion.org.uk or call 02030537271