Please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions below to help you as you consider your volunteering options:

Why is Here2Help changing?

Here2Help began as a response to the impact of COVID-19 in April 2020. Volunteers have achieved so much in supporting and helping local residents and the service has continued even after the pandemic has concluded. However, we believe that volunteering works at its best when it takes place in the community and becomes a local service for local people. That’s why we want to ask you to consider volunteering opportunities in local communities across Worcestershire.

Residents can still access information and support from the council. This can be done via the new Adult Front Door Service. To request support please use this link to complete our Adult Front Door Referral Form.

Can I still volunteer for Here2Help?

Unfortunately, from the 22 August 2023 you will no longer be able to volunteer with Here2Help. You can choose to volunteer with different County Council Departments or consider volunteering opportunities in local communities across Worcestershire.

Why do I need to complete a Volunteering Options Survey?

We want to offer you help and support in choosing your next volunteering steps if this is something you would like to pursue. The Volunteering Options Survey sets choices for you, either to volunteer with different County Council Departments, or to consider volunteering opportunities in Worcestershire. Once you have expressed your interest, we will forward your details to your chosen option(s) who will then make contact with you.

You may already be volunteering in your community, or you may not be able to continue to volunteer at this time and there are no requirements or expectations for you to continue to volunteer if you choose not to. If you do not wish to pursue any of the volunteering options, please indicate on the Survey and we will close the record we hold for you. Don’t forget, your Volunteering Options Survey needs to be submitted by the 24 September 2023.

What happens if I do not complete the survey?

If the survey is not completed by 24 September 2023 you will be removed from our Here2Help volunteer register and mailing list.

What happens to my personal information if I stop volunteering?

Once Here2Help volunteering ends on the 22 August 2023 we will close all volunteer records and the details that we hold will be deleted in line with GDPR requirements.

How will my personal data be treated if I choose to volunteer with a different County Council Department or a different volunteering opportunity in Worcestershire?

If you have expressed an interest in volunteering for another WCC department or opportunity in Worcestershire, then we will require your consent to share your details with the relevant organisation. This is in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

Once Here2Help volunteering ceases on the 22 August 2023 we will closing all volunteer records and the details that we hold will be deleted in line with GDPR requirements.

How do I know which County Council Department I should volunteer for?

We have created a Guide to County Council Departments that is attached to your email about changes to Here2Help. Each Department that is listed is seeking to recruit volunteers and there is a short description of the opportunity to help you choose in the Options Guide.

There are 7 categories of volunteering in the Options Guide:

1. volunteering with Libraries
2. volunteering with Countryside Greenspace
3. volunteering with Learning Day Care Centres
4. volunteering with Public Health
5. volunteering with the Residential Services
6. volunteering as a Family Activity Volunteer for the County Museum at Hartlebury
7. volunteering with Museums Worcestershire at the Commandery

If I want to volunteer elsewhere in the County, what do I do?

If you want to consider other volunteering opportunities, then please select Survey option 2 which is all about volunteering opportunities in Worcestershire and indicate on the Survey the geographical area(s) you want to volunteer in. Once you have chosen your area(s) please be aware that your details will be forwarded to the nearest volunteer centre(s) if you have given permission for your details to be shared.

What is the NHS Care and Volunteer Programme?

The NHS and Care Volunteer Programme is a flexible opportunity to support the NHS and adult social care nationally. Currently local opportunities are still being developed but if you are interested in finding out more or registering then please follow this link: NHS and Care Volunteer Responders | Supporting Health & Social Care (nhscarevolunteerresponders.org).

What if I want to discuss the changes to Here2Help and the options?

If you would like to talk about your choices or just find out more then we will be holding two virtual coffee catch ups on 29 August 2023 between noon to 1:00pm, and 21 September 2023 between 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Please feel free to drop in at any time during these sessions.

The Virtual Coffee catch ups links are as follows:

Virtual Coffee catch ups (29 August 2023): Click here to join the 29 August meeting

Virtual Coffee catch ups (21 September 2023): Click here to join the 21 September meeting

Can I choose to stop volunteering in the future?

Yes, if your circumstances change or you would like to, you can cease to volunteer at any point you choose. Each time you volunteer whether it is an opportunity in Worcestershire or within a County Council Department you will have a member of staff responsible for volunteers and they will have been identified for you at the start of your volunteering. If you want to stop volunteering, please get in touch with them and you will be removed from their volunteering register.