Quarriers has secured Investing in Volunteers award status for the next three years
A social care provider has been praised for its commitment to volunteers.
Quarriers has achieved the Investing in Volunteers award for a third time. Around 300 volunteers work tirelessly for the charity and it’s estimated their combined dedication amounts to a total of 2,400 hours a year with a value of over £1.5 million to the organisation.
Quarriers offers over 50 different volunteer roles from befriending, coaching and mentoring, tutoring and fundraising through to gardening, driving, music therapy as well as archiving and research and administrative work.
Harry McLintoch, 23 from Bridge of Weir, wanted to give something back to his local community and got in touch with Quarriers. As a result he became a volunteer befriender for Westley Gray who uses Quarriers village supported living services.
McLintoch said: “We began meeting up every two weeks and quickly became good friends. We go for walks, have lunch and have a laugh together, sharing stories and new experiences. Volunteering is so fulfilling and the best part has been developing a friendship with Westley. The time we spend together flies by.
“I would recommend volunteering to anyone as it only takes a small amount of time out of your day but can have such a big impact.”
To renew the award, which lasts for three years, Quarriers was tasked with displaying its continued commitment to its volunteers through its volunteer management program. The award renewal signifies the integral role volunteers play within the organisation.
Chief executive Alice Harper, said: “Quarriers is committed to the involvement of volunteers throughout the organisation. Our volunteers add value to the charity and to the people we support. They bring specialist skills, knowledge and new ideas, we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
“The renewal of our Investing in Volunteers accreditation is wonderful news and a tribute to the work of all staff who support volunteers and of course to our brilliant volunteers themselves.”
Quarriers Volunteer Centre is responsible for all aspects of volunteers’ involvement within the organisation, from advertising and recruiting, processing references, PVGs and disclosures, to placing, training and handling all aspects of volunteer relations. The centre works closely with each service to advise and support in the development of volunteers.
