The Greenway Volunteer Programme:

The contribution of volunteers has been invaluable to Greenway Women’s Centre since its conception in 1985 and without it we would not be able to exist.

The organisation was originally formed by volunteers and over the years volunteers have continued to play an integral role in the delivery and development of Greenway’s services.

Today, Greenway Women’s Centre is managed by a voluntary Board of Directors.

Although in the past we have been able to access bursary monies for volunteers who wished to access training, the volunteer programme at Greenway is currently without funding – however we are still able to offer some benefits to our volunteers:

  • Free role-based training is available to enable volunteers to learn the skills necessary for their chose role.
  • Role-based references are provided for all volunteers following the completion of a 4 week probationary period.
  • Volunteers with children under 4 years of age have access to free childcare (subject to availability), enabling them to participate in their chosen role.
  • Free tea/coffee is provided to volunteers during breaks from their role.
  • Volunteer meetings provide an opportunity for the volunteers to get together as a group in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to catch up, discuss their roles and decide training or events they would like to have, circumstances permitting.

Volunteering is a two-way process; volunteers will have their own personal motivations and reasons for getting involved and as a good volunteer organisation, Greenway asks volunteers about those motivations and endeavours to meet their needs as well as the needs of the organisation.

The dedication and generosity of volunteers is an inspiration to us all. The Board of Directors at Greenway fully appreciate the vital work that volunteers carry out within the Centre and a Volunteer Celebration event is held each year in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the Centre.

Volunteering Opportunities at Greenway:

  • Reception
  • Coffee Bar
  • Childcare
  • Monthly Newsletter
  • Cleaner
  • Kitchen Help
  • Maintenance/ DIY
  • Classroom Support

Benefits of Volunteering

Taking on a challenge: Getting involved in something new can be a real challenge. Volunteering can help women achieve personal goals, develop new skills and practice their talents. Sometimes a volunteer experience can lead women to something they never even thought about or help them to discover a hobby or interest they were unaware of.

Being part of the community: Volunteering can help build stronger communities and improve services and resources in the local area.

Meeting new people: Getting involved as a volunteer provides women with the opportunity to meet lots of different kinds of people and make new friends.

Gaining a sense of wellbeing: Research demonstrates that volunteering can lead to better health (Health Benefits of Volunteering; A review of recent research, Washington DC 2007).

Increasing Personal Development: When thinking about career development, getting a job or returning to work, the experience gained as a volunteer can be very valuable.

Having fun: Volunteering is an excellent leisure activity. Finding new interests and hobbies can be fun, relaxing and energising. Most volunteers get great enjoyment from what they do – that’s why they keep on doing it!

For more information on volunteering at Greenway Women’s Centre, please contact Greenway’s Centre Manager, Lindsay Cooper.

Telephone: 028 9079 9912

Email: manager@greenwaywomenscentre.org