Darlington Association on Disability

Why become a Volunteer?

• To maintain and develop your existing skills
• To Access FREE training
• Your voluntary experiences can be added to your C.V.
• Volunteering can be a step towards employment, providing you with experience, skills and proof of commitment
• You will receive travel and "out of pocket" expenses
• Volunteering could be an opportunity to put your skills and experience to valuable use without disrupting your benefits
• It can develop your confidence and self esteem
• You could support someone else to develop their confidence
• It could be an opportunity for you to support another person in developing their skills

Volunteering provides an opportunity for you to work without the pressures of employment, it offers: flexible hours of work and flexible holidays.

Research has shown that volunteering is good for your general well being and can give you that "feel good factor". It can combat depression or reduce stress by providing you with a focus and a sense of achievement.

Opportunities within DAD

Volunteers are recruited throughout DAD and have varied roles and responsibilities. You can browse our projects on this Web Site to decide which project(s) interest you the most.

Some of our current volunteer duties include: administration and reception work, computing, collating and updating of information, supporting individuals or groups to develop skills in education, training or leisure activities. Supporting people to access social activities, such as visiting the theatre, arts or leisure centre. Supporting individuals to do their weekly shopping, or assisting someone to pursue a hobby whilst possibly giving a carer a break.

Whatever time you have available, DAD will value your skills and commitment and place you within a project that best suits you.

Interested in becoming a volunteer with DAD?

You can apply by requesting an application pack from DAD Volunteer Recruitment on Telephone 01325 360524, Minicom 01325 245061, Fax 01325 267758 or email volunteers@darlingtondisability.org

On completion, please return to Recruitment (Volunteer Project), DAD, Unit 1P, Enterprise House, Valley Street North, Darlington. DL1 1GY.

Read DAD's Volunteer Project Privacy Statement.

To see the latest volunteering positions we have available, please visit the Vacancies page

 

Since Darlington Association on Disability was established in 1986, we have been supported by the valuable work of volunteers. DAD has over 50 regular volunteers that throughout the year they have volunteered 4578 hours across DAD’s different projects. On our Children’s and Young Peoples service playscheme 40 volunteers are registered who support children to have fun.

Everyone at DAD gives their thanks for all their hard work and commitment throughout the years.

 

We have asked our volunteers about their experience and they told us...

“I have been a volunteer for nearly 3 years and I have enjoyed my time there doing a variety of tasks involving mainly office work”

“I have worked as a volunteer for DAD for about 5 years, all the staff are very friendly”

“I enjoy supporting disabled people; I find that the organisation is an important part of my life”

“I enjoy working with the members and I do different things throughout the day.”

“I have volunteered for DAD since 2013 and I was a shy person with little confidence, I am now a different person I am able to speak to others individually or in a group without being afraid to do so.”

Volunteers enable DAD to continue their essential work in breaking down barriers.

Thank you to all of DAD’s wonderful volunteers

 

National Volunteers Week 2018

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Veronica Copeland, accompanied by her son Richard Copeland, visited DAD’s Independent Living Hub to meet DAD volunteers and thank them for their invaluable contribution to DAD’s work to celebrate National Volunteers Week.

Volunteers told the Mayor about their voluntary work and how they enjoyed being involved in the organisation. The Mayor then presented certificates to all those present.

These are a few photographs of some of the presentations.