Plymouth High School for Girls takes part in VIP volunteering project

A team of 24 pupils from Plymouth High School for Girls has signed up to take part in the Volunteering in Partnership project, a national pilot volunteering project being undertaken by St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, Age UK Plymouth and Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

On Wednesday 6 February at 11am the team of 24 students will be receiving their third training session in their four week training course to become VIP volunteers.

The three year project, funded by the Department of Health, is a trial project, with the aims to focus on providing volunteers experience to improve the volunteers employability, encouraging enhanced care within organisations and improving engagement. Should this project be successful it will be rolled out nationally to other health care services across the UK.

The volunteers from Plymouth High School for Girls, all aged between 16 and 17 will work with St Luke’s and Age UK Plymouth to enhance the care that patients and clients already receive.

Volunteers involved will undertake a variety of activities including helping someone at mealtimes, acting as a friend by listening, shopping, playing cards or taking part in social activities and assisting with general care. Once the students involved turn 18 they will then also be offered the opportunity to volunteer at Derriford, offering this added care to patients in the hospital.

All of the students involved in the volunteering project are receiving free training, delivered at the school to provide them with all of the skills they need to take part in the project. Plymouth High School for Girls is backing the pupils’ involvement in the project, accommodating the training sessions during school hours, with all students volunteering during their own time at evenings and weekends.

Kate Pyman, VIP Volunteer Co-ordinator said: “The Volunteering in Partnership project is proving really successful and we’re thrilled to see this group of students from Plymouth High School for Girls signed up to take part and help to provide additional care to those who need it most. By working in partnership with organisations across the city we’re able to offer the students valuable training and experience in providing quality care.

"We’re still looking for more VIP volunteers, so I’d urge anyone interested in getting involved to contact us to find out more about how they can help make a real difference in the local community.”

Joanna Chalmers from Plymouth High School for Girls said: “This is an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and gain valuable experience. The programme is ideally suited to students who are considering careers in the caring professions and allows them to offer something back to the community.”

The VIP project is recruiting volunteers and would urge any other schools or colleges interested in volunteering to get in touch to find out more information by visiting: www.vipplymouth.com or calling 01752 246 563.