Residents across Derbyshire are being urged to get volunteering in their community this new year.
Derbyshire County Council is making the call and has a course on offer for people to gain an accredited certificate and a ‘Volunteer Passport’ photo ID badge.
A spokesman for the council said: “We are offering a short course in January covering key topics all volunteers should be aware of.
“This is for existing volunteers and those thinking about volunteering for the first time.
“Everyone who completes the course gets an accredited certificate and a Volunteer Passport photo ID badge. It might help them find volunteering or work opportunities.”
The free courses are taking place at various Adult Education Centres across Derbyshire as well as online.
The council spokesman continued: “Helping others is one of the five ways to wellbeing. These are five steps you can take to help improve your mental health and wellbeing. The others are connect, be active, take notice and keep learning. Volunteering is a great way of doing most of these.
“Volunteers are important. They support people in Derbyshire in a variety of different ways. You might want to help with a youth group, sports club, befriending service, day centre or local community group.”
The Volunteer Passport is a ten-hour course delivered by Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES).
The spokesman said: “It can be run over several weeks. It looks at key topics all volunteers need to be aware of. These include: equality, diversity and inclusion; health and safety; keeping yourself and others safe; first aid awareness; the person-centred approach.
“Everyone who completes the course gets an accredited certificate and a Volunteer Passport photo ID badge. There is no charge for these or to attend the course.
“You could be an experienced volunteer who already gives several hours a week. Or you could be thinking about volunteering for the first time. You don’t need any qualifications to come on a course.”
They added: “Having a Volunteer Passport shows that you have the commitment, enthusiasm and skills needed to volunteer.
“It can help you build on previous volunteering, work and life experience. It might help you find future volunteering, work or education opportunities.”

To find out more go to here, email cs.dacesvolunteerpassport@derbyshire.gov.uk, or call 01629 531241.

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