Volunteers are more vital than ever in Shropshire
As Volunteers’ Week 2011 kicks off, national grant-giving charity Elizabeth Finn is highlighting the vital importance of the work its volunteers do and is appealing for volunteers in Shropshire so that more local people can be given the urgent financial help they need.
Elizabeth Finn helps people who have experienced an unexpected change in their circumstances and are suffering financial hardship.
According to the latest official figures*, a quarter of the population in the West Midlands are living in a low income household, and at a time of economic uncertainty, the charity is seeing a steady increase in the number of people applying for help. The charity’s Volunteer Case Consultants play a crucial role in the application process, and more are needed to help families and individuals in Shropshire.
Volunteer Case Consultants act as ambassadors for Elizabeth Finn, visiting the homes of those who have applied for support and compiling reports on their visits. They provide detailed insight into applicants’ situations and needs so that the assistance given can be tailored accordingly.
As someone who has received help from Elizabeth Finn, Geoffrey from Shropshire knows first hand the importance of the Volunteer Case Consultant role.
He said: “When I found myself in difficult financial circumstances, I was initially hesitant about asking a charity for help, but my volunteer visitor made the process seem a lot less daunting. My visitor was extremely professional and helped to put me at ease straight away. The support I have received has enabled me to lead an independent and happy life.”
Angela Bailey, Volunteer Support Manager for Elizabeth Finn said: “Our Volunteer Case Consultants are invaluable to the charity. They allow us to maintain vital face-to-face contact with the people we help and find out how best the charity can assist them. The role is closely supported by the grants team and full training, support and guidance is provided.”
Between May 2010 and April 2011, Elizabeth Finn donated over £27,000 in grants to people in financial need in Shropshire.
The charity has been accredited with the ‘Investing in Volunteers’ endorsement from national volunteering agency, Volunteering England.
To find out more about becoming a Volunteer Case Consultant for Elizabeth Finn, visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/Get_involved
