Ryde Community Volunteers - What We Do

Ryde Ryde Community Volunteers (RCV) links prospective volunteers with satisfying jobs in community organisations located within the Ryde & Hunters Hill local government areas.

Meals on Wheels

Bushcare volunteers at work and making a difference to our natural environment

• Recruit and refer potential volunteers to not-for-profit community organisation
• Promote the benefits of volunteering in the community
• Encourage volunteering by community members with non-English speaking background
• Ensure that registered organisations carry volunteer insurance
• Assist with training of volunteers and volunteer coordinators

What is Volunteering?

Formal volunteering is an activity which takes place through not-for-profit organisations or projects and is undertaken:

• To be of benefit to the community and the volunteer;
• of the volunteer’s own free will and without coercion;
• for no financial payment; and 
• in designated volunteer positions only
  

Why Volunteer

There are many reasons why people volunteer and volunteering provides various rewards. People may volunteer:

• to meet new friends
• to learn new skills, develop existing skills, or to teach others your skills
• to contribute to the community
• to gain work experience for study or employment
• to pursue an interest
• to develop self confidence
• to have fun

Before you volunteer, consider:

• Why you want to volunteer
• Your health and energy level
• Your personal attributes, likes and dislikes
• The demands of any other responsibilities
• The days and times you are available
• The skills and experience that you have to offer
• The type of work which you enjoy
  

Voluntary Work in Ryde/Hunters Hill 

• Activities Support – socialise with clients and organise/encourage participation in activities
• Aged Care – assist with recreation and leisure activities in aged care homes and day activity programs
• Bushcare – assist in the rehabilitation, management and maintenance of remnant urban bushland areas within the City of Ryde
• Community Visitor’s Scheme – provide friendship for socially isolated older person an aged care home
• Community Transport – transport clients to various settings, for people who are frail or with disabilities
• Disability Support – help with activities, in various settings, for people with disabilities
• Gardener – create low maintenance gardens and general gardening duties for frail aged and disabled pensioners
• Home Delivery of Meals – deliver meals for older people and people with disabilities
• Home Visiting – to provide companionship and enhance the quality life of isolated residents
• Linen Service Assistant – deliver clean linen for people with a disability and make beds
• Luncheon Hosts – prepare venue, heat and serve meals, assist with clean up
• Shopping and Outing Assistance – assist with shopping and provide companionship to clients
  

Rights and Responsibilities

Volunteers have the right:

• to know what the job is before starting
• to have the right tools for the job
• to be provided with sufficient training to do the job
• to  have a job description and agreed working hours
• to supervision and instruction
• to protection (insurance, safe work conditions)
• to be heard and to speak up
• to receive information about the organisation
• to have their confidential & personal information dealt with in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act 1988
• to be regarded as a team member and receive support from team members.

Volunteers have the responsibility:

• to respect and abide by the policies and procedures of the organisation
• to carry out the volunteer position that you have agreed to do
• to ask for help and support when needed
• to respect confidentiality and privacy
• to respect the rights of clients
• to be reliable and inform their supervisor if they are unable to attend work
• to be willing to attend training relevant to their volunteer position
• to maintain clear and open communication at all times
• to give adequate notice before you leave the organisation.

How to become a Volunteer

6 Simple Steps to Volunteering

1. Decide that you want to make a difference to your community by helping in the not-for-profit sector.
2. Think about your abilities and interest. Consider which abilities you would most like to volunteer.
3. Consider your options and choose which you like.
4. Make contact with Ryde Community Volunteers (RCV).
5. RCV will inform you of the volunteering options available that might suit you.
6. Attend an interview and get started if your application is accepted!

Making Contact with Ryde Community Volunteers

1. When you are ready to volunteer, call us on 9952 8303.
2. Browse through the list of volunteer work in the Ryde/Hunters Hill areas and select job/jobs that interest you.
3. After choosing one or more jobs, fill in the volunteer registration form and either post (Locked Bag 2069, North Ryde NSW 1670), fax (9952 8309) or email (volunteers@ryde.nsw.gov.au) to RCV.
4. RCV will acknowledge your volunteer application through phone or email.
5. The organisation of the voluntary work that you have selected will contact you and arrange for an interview.
6. If you do not hear from the organisation within 14 working days, please contact RCV and alternative opportunities may be offered to you.
7. The first contact with the organisation is to find out more about the organisation, get more information about the volunteer job and meet the people with whom you may be working.
8. After the interview, if the volunteer job does not feel right, contact RCV and discuss alternate opportunities.
    

Contact us

Email: volunteers@ryde.nsw.gov.au
Telephone: 9952 8303
Fax: 9952 8309
Visit (appointment required)
35 41 Blaxland Road, Ryde NSW 2112