We were delighted to welcome Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron and Katy Penman of Volunteer Scotland to our Carers Centre to celebrate the occasion. They came along to our Volunteer Lunch - where we have the opportunity to show our gratitude and thanks for the time and support donated by our volunteers - to present the Investing in Volunteers Award to our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Marie Granger.
Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. In achieving this award, we can proudly showcase that we offer an outstanding volunteer experience, ensuring individuals feel valued, supported and confident in their abilities to assist the Centre in supporting unpaid Carers.
Katy Penman – Volunteer Scotland, shared her experience of the Centre's work with volunteers:
"Congratulations to Renfrewshire Carers Centre on achieving Investing in Volunteers. The organisation delivers vital services in its local community that just couldn't happen without the commitment of its volunteers, and the support of staff. I had a wonderful welcome in the Centre which really underlined the findings of the assessment, focusing on the formidable team spirit that includes everyone, volunteers, staff, and senior management alike and this was apparent in the very accessible nature of all staff for volunteers no matter their roles or remits. From strategy to policy to training and inclusive practices, the support for volunteers was found to be of a consistent high quality and will stand them in good stead for the three-year duration of the accreditation."
Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron also kindly shared her thoughts on the meaning of this award for the Carers Centre:
"This award is much more than a mark of excellence - it is recognition that Renfrewshire Carers Centre understand something very important - that volunteers are not simply an extra helping hand, but are at the very heart of the care, compassion and community they represent. This award will be a lasting reminder of the volunteer community's commitment to excellence and the immeasurable difference the volunteers make to our Renfrewshire society."
We want to say a huge thank you to our team of volunteers who were interviewed as part of the assessment process. Sue Van Horne - Investing in Volunteers Assessor, left us the following feedback - shared from the final report:
"The general feeling amongst volunteers is that they feel part of the team and valued by the staff and service users. Volunteers interviewed stated they know the support they provide unpaid Carers is meaningful. Comments included, 'I know that the support I give unpaid Carers is important to them and I know the centre staff appreciate what I do.'
Another volunteer explained, 'The staff really appreciate what we do and are always thankful, we have volunteer celebrations and regular social events are organised to show their thanks.'
As an assessor this was a delight to experience and I would encourage the organisation to continue to nurture this positive environment, which adds so much to the volunteering programme and each individual volunteer journey."
– Investing in Volunteers Assessor
If you are looking for any volunteering opportunities in Renfrewshire, please don't hesitate to give us a buzz or drop us an email – we'd love to hear from you!
Renfrewshire Carers Centre are a lifeline for Carers in Renfrewshire. If you are looking after someone in your family, a partner or a friend – you could be a Carer without knowing it, and entitled to support.
You may not see yourself as a Carer and just think you are doing what's right and needed, but if you are helping with everyday tasks such as personal care, emotional support or helping someone cope with day-to-day activities, you could be a Carer.
Please feel free to get in touch with us to see if we can help with information, advice, finances or support.
Renfrewshire Carers Centre contact information:
Phone: 0141 887 3643