Orbit has funded the Hastings Volunteer Hub as part of our Better Days programme, which supports thousands of people to find a job, improve their digital skills, increase their money and improve their overall wellbeing.
Placemaking and Partnerships Manager for Orbit in Hastings, Gary Storer, explained: “Volunteering provides opportunity, experience and purpose to so many people but not everyone knows where to start. We are following the recruitment agency model but applying it to the volunteer sector, so the Hastings Volunteers Hub will match people and organisations together to get the best fit possible. Volunteering has become increasingly popular since the pandemic for various reasons. Some people have felt they want to put something back into their local community and donating their time to help has been a way for them to do that; others want to retrain in a new career while there are those who have been furloughed and want to do something to fill their time. Whatever reason people have for volunteering, this new hub will assess their skills and interests and pair them up with the right organisation for them.”
The Hub is keen to get feedback from those who want to volunteer, organisations seeking volunteers, and those who cannot or have no interest in volunteering to understand the barriers.
The Manzi Foundation has offered window space in Robertson Street, Hastings, for volunteering opportunities and as a place to collect and leave information.
Anyone wishing to get involved can follow the group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/volunteeringhubproject
During the pandemic, all interviews and discussions will take place either through calls, email or online to ensure everyone is covid-safe.