Opportunities of the Month

All the Volunteer Opportunities listed below were 'Available' at the time the Volunteer Newsletter was put together. If, when contacting the charity, they tell you that a volunteer has started work on the Volunteer Opportunity, please ask the charity to contact info@iT4Communities.org.uk so that we can assist them in assigning the volunteer to the Work Package. Once the charity has assigned a volunteer, the Volunteer Opportunity state will be changed to “In progress”, and taken off the iT4C website.

Please go to www.iT4Communities.org.uk, then Log in and Search for volunteering opportunities - for these and more ‘Available Volunteer Opportunities’. Alternatively simply go to each Volunteer Opportunity using the live links under the Volunteer Opportunity Name (you will need to login en route).

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Opportunity Name: Access database interface change and develop reports
Skill Type: Database
Region: South East
Locality: Redhill
Postcode: RH1
Virtual: No

Description: This charity, based in Surrey provides specialist employment related services to people with mental health problems in the county. They have had a bespoke database built using Access that enables them to manage all the complex information they gather about their clients and about the programmes that the clients are attending. The database is used daily and is working well except for 2 problems: 1) the interface needs changing but the source code has been password protected 2) they would like to add a few standard reports as they need to regularly report to their funders They are unable to contact the original developer and are now in urgent need of a skilled database developer who can give them a day or two of volunteer time. They would like to work with someone who can visit them for a face to face meeting and are happy to pay reasonable travel expenses.

Opportunity Name: Improve interactivity of website
Skill Type: Website
Region: North West
Locality: Manchester
Postcode: M15
Virtual: Yes

Description: This Manchester based charity works to address inequalities in service provision and policy for drug users and their families from BME communities. They would like to add more interactive features to their existing website and would like to work with a volunteer to scope this and start development work on the improvements. They would like to use a forum, to put their videos online and provide a map of local services so that they can provide an improved service for their clients. This would be an opportunity to demonstrate how online technology can be used creatively to help those who may be disadvantaged and how it could really make a difference. The organisation is very committed and enthusiastic about making this a large part of the way they work.

Opportunity Name: Website - template driven (or remote)
Skill Type: Website
Region: East of England
Locality: Peterborough
Postcode: PE1
Virtual: Yes

Description: Website volunteer required to produce a website to a well thought out brief. This is an ideal project for someone to work remotely and to own this project and ensure it maintains momentum as the 'IT Committee' for the charity is finding it hard to find the time to progress it but will be very supportive of a proactive volunteer. The charity requires a template driven website that can be updated with ease by non technical users. They have a clear look and feel and clear understanding of their requirements, which is a relatively simple website. The volunteer should be experienced using a CMS (Jalbum or NVU for example) or template driven approach and be willing to produce a website to meet WAI guidelines of accessibility. This charity works with churches, community groups and theatre to promote drama which explores faith. Their website plays an important role in keeping in touch with members long term. Due to cutbacks they need to rethink how they maintain the site and need your assistance with this proposed solution.

Opportunity Name: Basic PC training
Skill Type: Training
Region: South East
Locality: Reading
Postcode: RG30
Virtual: No

Description: This charity provides support and therapy to people affected by MS in Berkshire. They provide therapies such as physiotherapy, dietary advice and counselling. They can also provide information through books, videos and information packs. The charity has a number of members who are interested in using computers and who would like some basic IT training. They would like a volunteer who can provide training to small groups of members. The members have different levels of IT literacy with some needing to learn how to switch on the PC. Others may be interested in basic word processing or accessing the Internet. The charity has a network of three PCs running Windows XP available for the training sessions. The PCs all have MS Office installed and broadband access. Some members are disabled due to their illness but the PCs are adapted for their use. The charity has run a similar project in the past and still has some training materials available or the volunteer may wish to develop their own. The training sessions will need to take place during the day but the charity is flexible about their exact timing.

Opportunity Name: Accessible Website Needs Design Refresh
Skill Type: Website
Region: London
Locality: Kensington and Chelsea
Postcode: W10
Virtual: No

Description: This older peoples charity provides flexible and practical assistance to support the well-being of older people in West London helping them to maintain their independence. They work with 150 volunteers per year to provide befriending, practical help, escorted shopping trips and gardening. They also run intergenerational schemes which include IT mentoring and health promotion based on self-help and peer support. They are looking for a volunteer to help them make a few design changes to their existing website. They have a website that has excellent accessibility ratings and it is extremely important that this is maintained but they would also like to give it a design refresh and make some content changes. This would suit a London based volunteer who has (or would like) a good understanding of accessible websites. (If you are a good designer and would like iT4C to help improve your accessibility knowledge please Request the Contact for the charity and then email iT4C for further accessibility information.)

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Please go to www.iT4Communities.org.uk, then Log in and Search for volunteering opportunities - for these and more ‘Available Opportunities’. Alternatively simply go to each Opportunity using the live links under the Opportunity Name (you will need to login en route).