SMART Volunteering
Two opportunities to help SMARTcjs to support communities locally
About SMART
Our vision is to transform our communities so that every person has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. We do this by providing safe spaces to work with vulnerable people, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.
We help adults and young people, families and individuals with complex needs. Our dedicated teams work alongside people affected by drug and alcohol use, and those who find themselves homeless.
Together we help people reach and maintain positive change for the long term.
SMART Allotment Volunteer:
Do you like being outdoors? do you enjoy gardening? If so this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Norman Russell House is a 13-bed service run by SMART CJS and funded by Milton Keynes Council, with referrals accepted directly from them. The project is a supported accommodation facility with 10 bedrooms and 3 move-on flats for people who have previously faced homelessness.
When in SMART’s care practical living skills are taught (like washing, laundry, cooking and budgeting) as well as assistance given with applications and forms for benefits, training, education and employment. Whilst at Norman Russell House, residents also have access to health and mental health care as well as drugs and alcohol support services from community partners to ensure that their recovery and progress is maintained.
We all know the positive benefits of working outdoors has been recognised as a major contributor that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing.
Our exciting allotment project at Bradwell Abbey aims to engage our residents at Norman Russell House with the opportunity to learn about plants and how to grow your own produce.
The idea is they spend 1.5 hours on our allotment space and then half an hour in the communal gardens to give something back to the community. This will be every Wednesday from 2pm.
If you think you might be interested in this role, you can express your interest on our volunteer platform at Simply Connect:
find out more about SMART Allotment volunteer
SMART Activities Volunteer:
Main purpose of the role is to help residents with engaging in activities that will help improve their wellbeing and mental health. This will also support them in learning essential life skills for when they move into independent accommodation, social skills and re engaging with the local community.
You will also support our activities coordinator with creating or carrying out activities either in the property at Norman Russell house or where the activity will be. This could include things such as cooking, going to the gym, running, playing board games, quiz night, walking, day trips, gardening and other activities.
If you think you might be interested in this role, you can express your interest on our volunteer platform at Simply Connect:
find out more about SMART Activities Volunteer
If you would like help using Simply Connect, or would like to talk to an Adviser about volunteering, contact volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk and we will be happy to chat with you.
