With another national lockdown now underway, Witton Lodge Community Association remains committed to supporting our elderly and vulnerable residents through the Coronavirus pandemic.

To underline this commitment we have appointed Scott Baldwin as Volunteer Development Worker to co-ordinate the recruitment, training, management and advancement of volunteers and befrienders for us across Perry Common, Wyrley Birch and the wider North Birmingham community.

Since the start of the Covid19 pandemic our befrienders have played a vital role in supporting those in need through regular phone calls, arranging the distribution of food parcels and delivering essential medical supplies.

To further extend this provision Scott is delivering a series of training sessions for anyone who is passionate about people and interested in making a positive contribution to their community.

"My role at Witton Lodge is to support the development of both our current and potential new volunteers, as well as those volunteering with other community and volunteer organisations within the area," he said.

"This includes finding the right volunteering opportunities for people and ensuring they have access to high level training.

"During the pandemic, I have seen how people can easily become socially isolated and lonely, especially older people and those who are vulnerable. It was for this reason that I am particularly keen to host training sessions that are designed around the skills needed to become one of our volunteer befrienders. There really has never been a better time to volunteer and help support people in your local community."

Scott, who has more than 10 years experience working within the community/voluntary sector has previously trained and supported volunteers into a variety of roles including health promotion, mental health awareness and first aid.

The sessions, which will all be delivered remotely, take place as follows:

Wednesday 13th January: Professional Boundaries 1-4pm

Friday 15th January: Telephone Skills 1-4pm

Wednesday 20th January: GDPR 1-4pm

Friday 22nd January: Managing Difficult Situations 1-4pm

If you are interested in taking part in any of these sessions please call Scot Baldwin on 0121 382 1930 or email: [email protected]