The HOPE project, which stands for Hubs for Older People's Engagement, involves a partnership between Engage With Age and dedicated local Housing Associations in Greater Belfast which provide facilities and activities for older people from within the housing schemes themselves and from the local neighbourhood.
Each Belfast hub has an activity programme for approximately 20 individuals, which runs on a regular basis. We need patient, caring and willing volunteers to assist with the activities for 2-3 hours each week/fortnight. Tasks are varied, depending on the hub and each volunteer's abilities, but could include serving refreshments, driving to collect community members (if you have a car!), recruiting and supporting new members and accompanying bus outings. If you have a particular skill or hobby you may like to lead an activity one week, eg card-making, singing, flower-arranging and so on.
All volunteers will receive induction training and ongoing support from the HOPE Volunteer Co-ordinator. Additional training can also be offered, such as Food Hygiene Certificate, First-Aid, Reminiscence to name but a few! Training needs will be discussed with each individual volunteer at interview and during volunteer support sessions.
