CHANCE TO VOLUNTEER AS LOTTERY FUNDS MENTAL HEATH CHARITY

Chance to volunteer as Lottery funds mental health charity

Mental health sufferers in Uttoxeter are being offered the chance of work experience with a Lottery funded volunteer scheme run by MIND.

A Big Lottery Fund grant of £66,630 from the Reaching Communities programme, which aims to help those most in need and build stronger communities, means Uttoxeter MIND can develop its existing volunteering service.

This will mean more one to one support and additional training for volunteers. The aim is to build beneficiaries confidence and self-esteem, develop their skills and improve their employment prospects. The work experience offered includes reception, administration and support work which encourages the volunteers to take an active role in the organisation.

The project provides valuable volunteering opportunities to local people in an isolated rural area where there is a lack of job opportunities. The majority of their beneficiaries are members of the organisation who suffer from mental ill health but they also receive referrals from other organisations helping different groups, such as unemployed people.

Jo Malkin, Manager, said: “Uttoxeter MIND is delighted to have received funding from the Big Lottery Fund. The grant will help to enhance volunteering opportunities within our organisation.  We will be able to offer a well structured and supported volunteering programme that benefits the volunteers, service users, the organisation and our local community.

“Volunteering can have a great impact on people’s self-esteem and confidence and can inspire them to the possibilities of a career and a better life. We expect up to 200 people will directly benefit from this grant over the next three years.  We look forward to the challenges and achievements that this grant will make possible.”

John Taylor, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the West Midlands said: “This Big Lottery Fund grant will go some way to improving the lives of hundreds of individuals through providing volunteering opportunities that will boost their self esteem and confidence. In a rural area like Uttoxeter, these opportunities are particularly hard to come by so I am pleased that this money will make such an impact.”

Further Information

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888
Out of hours contact: 07867 500 572
Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030
Textphone: 0845 6021 659

Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk