Partners:  Norfolk and Norwich Festival, Creative Arts East, Mid Suffolk District Council

About the project:

Culture Works developed and delivered an “Introduction to Volunteering” training and support programme, aimed at getting people over 16 back into work through volunteering ias part of the Team East for Skills programme (www.teameast.org).

This two day “warm up” programme began with practical and enjoyable training focussing on the skills required to be a volunteer. This included establishing aspirations and training need, and exploring the types of scenarios they may encounter and practical ways to deal with them. Culture Works delivered this training to all volunteers working as part of Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2010 and created an e-resource pack to support volunteers post training. We also delivered training to volunteers working with Mid-Suffolk District Council on an outdoor arts Event.

Culture Works then supported volunteers to gain hands on experience as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2010, and Mid Suffolk’s Play in a Day, mentoring volunteers and supporting them on site. The programme finished with an exit interview with the trainer/mentor. Culture Works are pleased to be working with Norfolk and Norwich Festival again this year, in 2011, to deliver a warm up programme supporting the festival brochure launch and deliver the training to approx ninety other festival volunteers.

Impact

Team East for Skills is £2 million programme is funded by the Legacy Trust and the European Social Fund that aims to use the inspiration of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to help unemployed people to improve their skills, engage in volunteering activity and in some cases gain employment.

What they thought:

Participant:

“Just like to say a massive thanks to Catherine and Lewis for the fantastic work they put in last weekend at the 'A Day For Play' work shop. I had a really great time and worked with some brilliant people, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and got so much from the whole experience. Thanks again!”

Partner:

“The activity provided was considered, tailored and of a high standard. Engagement with participants was meaningful and respectful. The trainer was able to tailor the lesson plan to accommodate the learners on the spot. Culture Works staff were professional and friendly. This partnership allowed us to work more widely whilst still feeling confident in the quality of the activities we were providing.” Natalie Jode, Creative Arts East

Links:

www.creativeartseast.co.uk

www.teameast.org