WSC-BANNERS-18.png

Waddington Street Centre began in 1981 as a direct initiative of volunteers. 40 years on, volunteers remain an integral part of the organisation. We currently have opportunities in support work, tutoring, administration and governance.

Volunteering can be a great way of making new friends, developing new skills and giving something back to your local community. Your time commitment is up to you but we do ask that people are able to offer some consistency due to the vulnerable nature of the people we support.

Anyone interested in volunteering is interviewed informally by the WSC's Assistant Manager, an application completed, 2 referees consulted and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check undertaken. Volunteers of all ages 18 or over are welcome to apply. WSC is committed to equality of opportunity for everyone regardless of thier race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, sexuality, disability, age, or marital status. 

Volunteers will be reimbursed with travelling expenses. A full induction will be provided and volunteers are always welcome to join in with training activities.

Comments made by Volunteers during the past 12 months on their Volunteering @ Waddy experience:

“When I retired I reflected on the fact that I'd had a good life and a successful career, been very lucky. Volunteering has provided the opportunity to give something back to the community.
Volunteering is really varied, satisfying, and great fun.
I find supporting people to get more out of their lives very rewarding.
I have always enjoyed sport and outdoor activities. Through volunteering I get to share my experience and enthusiasm with others and hopefully they discover some of the benefits too.
Throughout my life I have had fantastic support from family, friends and colleagues.  Volunteering gives me a great opportunity to offer that kind of support to other people.”

From a volunteer who supports the centre’s physical health service and who serves as a trustee / director of the charity.

“I have only been volunteering at Waddington Street Centre for two months but I really enjoy helping out.
It's nice to hear people say 'thank you for your help today' as the Waddy members really seem to appreciate your contribution, even if you feel it's only a small thing you have done.
I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that could spare even a couple of hours a week to help out a good cause. As a volunteer you get to meet many new people and you can learn a lot from the experience too. 
So why not give it a go!”

During the past 3 months this IT support worker volunteer has now enrolled for 2 courses with Bishop Auckland College:
Level 2 certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems and, Level 2 certificate in
Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace

 “I’ve been volunteering at the centre for around a year and cannot believe how fast the time has flown! I started off helping out on Saturdays with Helen and Craig (who were both really welcoming and helped me settle in straight away) and got to know the “Saturday crew”. It was lovely to get to know a regular group of members and do the activities with them (such playing games, art and colouring in) every week. 
After a few months at the centre, my confidence grew and I was lucky enough to be able to help Helen out at the weekly women’s group. This has been so much fun and is probably the highlight of my week. We go on trips and do so many varied activities. It’s rewarding to see the members in different settings and push themselves out of their comfort zones (doing seated exercises or playing darts for example).
This year, I was given the opportunity to set up a reading group. A completely different group of members attend this, and we read short stories and  discuss books and films. It’s so refreshing to have that kind of interaction again, as I used to be teacher and love hearing different opinions and points of view. 
The three times I volunteer at the centre are all completely different but so rewarding in their own ways. I cannot recommend coming here enough, both to develop your own skills and to meet the wonderful people that come here and work here.  

During the past 3 months this support worker volunteer has now also become a trustee / director of Waddington Street Centre.

 “Being able to volunteer at WSC has been a great experience! No matter the staff or Waddy members everyone is so friendly and welcoming. As a volunteer for the walking group, while chatting away with members there's also the opportunity to visit beautiful trails around County Durham which is a bonus. Overall, I've really enjoyed my time here and it's given me a wonderful reprieve from the stresses of uni life.” 

This former Durham University student volunteer has now moved to complete her studies away from Durham