Volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations will have access to specialised resources to help them navigate through the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resources – Returning Volunteer Programs and Volunteers During COVID-19, COVID-19 and Informal Volunteering Groups and Tips for Optimising Virtual Volunteering – are currently available and ready to download.
A recent survey conducted by Volunteering WA revealed 65% of volunteering programs had been paused as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
The findings highlighted the significant impact of COVID-19 on the community and the high number of volunteers falling into the aged 70 and over high-risk group. Many challenges lay ahead in staying connected with volunteers and safeguarding them once programs resumed in the recovery phase of this pandemic.
These new resources were developed to provide guidance surrounding resuming volunteering programs and the process to reengage and mobilise volunteers safely.
Volunteering WA CEO Tina Williams said the newly released resources will provide much needed support to the Western Australian volunteering sector, “These practical and informative step-by-step guides will assist volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations to navigate through these difficult times.”
“Our ongoing goal is to assist organisations in planning for the transition back into resuming volunteering programs whilst also ensuring the utmost safety of their volunteers,” Ms Williams said.
The Minister for Volunteering, Mick Murray MLA said as volunteering programs resume during this pandemic, it is essential for the sector to have access to information on delivering services safely in our communities.
“The resources developed by Volunteering WA provide volunteers and organisations with a comprehensive guide that aligns with government health and safety advice to ensure vital services are continued to be delivered safely,” Minister Murray said.
The resources are available on the Volunteering WA website here. An interactive webinar is also available for Volunteer Involving Organisations on Tuesday 7 July, 2020 – register your interest here.
