Open Up-funded role set to grow volunteering across Devon
Our charity Open Up has funded a dedicated Volunteer Services Project Coordinator role to help expand volunteering opportunities across our organisation.
The charity-funded role is being led by Laura Ibarra Glover, who joined us earlier this year and is already working with teams across Devon to explore new volunteering opportunities, strengthen community partnerships and support the growth of the volunteer programme.
Volunteers already make an important contribution across our services, providing companionship, practical support and opportunities that help improve the experience of patients, carers and staff. Open Up's investment aims to build on this success and help even more services benefit from volunteer involvement in the years ahead.
Daniel Robson, Head of Charity at Open Up, said: "We funded this role because we know volunteers can make a huge difference to patients, carers and staff. Volunteering is already having a positive impact across the organisation, but we saw an opportunity to help more services access that support. Laura's role is about building on what's already working, creating new opportunities and helping volunteering become an even stronger part of how we support people across Devon."
Laura said, "I've spent my first few months getting to know services, understanding what is already happening and exploring where volunteering can make the biggest difference. There is so much enthusiasm across Devon Partnership Trust and I'm excited to work with colleagues and local communities to develop new opportunities and help more people get involved."
The role was funded after a successful proposal highlighted the opportunity to increase volunteer numbers, support more services and develop stronger partnerships with community organisations. The long-term aim is to create a sustainable volunteer community that benefits patients, carers, volunteers and local communities alike.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, learn new skills, meet new people and support local mental health services.
Whether you have professional skills to share, lived experience you would like to use positively, or simply some time to spare, there may be opportunities to get involved.
To find out more, get in touch via the Open Up contact page or contact the Volunteer Services team on dpn-tr.DPTVolunteers@nhs.net