Many Bridge participants volunteer as part of their programme. Volunteering is highly beneficial in developing and building confidence, self-esteem and transferrable skills that enable the individual to add experience to their CV and then go on to find employment. Bridge Northumberland greatly exceeded its targets for volunteering participation as part of the programme.
The volunteering aspects of the programme are organised by Northumberland Community and Voluntary Action (NCVA), which has 27 years of expertise of using volunteering as a means to gain skills and experience.
Northumberland CVA Chief Executive, Caroline Rogan said: “NCVA’s experience has enabled us to work with charities and volunteer organisations willing offer opportunities to Bridge participants. Supported Volunteering requires matching the participant to an opportunity and arranging the voluntary sessions, pus one-to-one support if required with a Volunteer Buddy who will accompany the Bridge participant.”