Volunteering with Forever Active

The Forever Active Scheme has been expanding over the last few years and is now an independent group responsible for its own organisation and funding.

Volunteers can play a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Forever Active. To enable us to maximise our potential for utilising Volunteers the Department of Health have awarded funding to aid the introduction of our own Volunteer network, the 'Friends of Forever Active Project'.

Purpose of the Friends of Forever Active Project

The ultimate aim is to increase the amount of people who can access the Forever Active Project and make it financially sustainable so we are less reliant on external funding, which could cease at any time.

The project will:

  • Increase the number of Volunteers involved with the scheme
  • Increase accessibility of the scheme
  • Develop a “mentor” system for potential and new members
  • Increase participation rates within the local 50+ age community
  • Allow for expansion of the project to include more session and more variety
  • Provide training sessions for Volunteers to develop
  • Increase local awareness of the scheme through existing members
  • Increase fundraising potential for the group

A number of current members already volunteer without even knowing it! Our aim is to formalise the roles of those already volunteering and highlight new ways in which people can get involved.

Volunteering doesn’t have to take up a lot of time, the level of commitment is really up to the individual and how much time they feel they have to give.

Volunteering Opportunities

Forever Active has the following opportunities available within it's project. The times stated next to each role is to be used as a guide only, as any quantity of time individuals have to give can be used in some capacity for any of the roles. For more detailed information on any of the roles listed, or to register for a Volunteering role, you can download the two documents which are listed after the current opportunities.

Current Opportunities

Participation Buddy
Hours: Variable
This role requires confident communicators, to accompany individuals who require assistance in their exercise session. These sessions could be in the Gym, Pool or to an exercise class. Volunteers should ideally have experience of using facilities but full training will be given into the relevant area as required.

Walk Leader
Hours: Approx 1.5 hours per week as agreed with Walks Project Manager
This role requires Volunteers who enjoy walking and are confident communicating with others. Volunteers will get involved in leading Healthy Walks across Cambridge. Volunteers undertaking this role will need to be confident walking for up to 60 minutes and be willing to attend a short training workshop on Walk Leadership.

Class Facilitator
Hours: Approximately 1 hour per week
Not all classes require a class instructor to run. For these classes a facilitator acts as a point of contact for both new and existing members and helps to encourage participation in the sessions. They liaise with facility staff to ensure the correct equipment is available to members and report back to the Project Coordinator. The role requires a confident communicator who can put others at ease.

Project Representative
Hours: Variable
Forever Active continues to develop but there is always a need to get more information out to the local community. We require representatives to go out to local groups and talk about the project, give information and demonstrate the benefits of being involved in regular activity.

Administration assistant
Hours: Variable (Times agreed with Project Coordinator)
Organised individuals are required to assist in administration tasks linked with the running of the project. This is a varied role and is particularly important to ensure the smooth running of the project and the cascading of information to its members.

Event Assistant
Hours: Variable (Dependant on level of involvement)
Forever Active organises a range of events throughout the year. Volunteers are required to help in the running of the events and preparation leading up to the day.

Exercise Class Assistant
Hours: Approximately 1 hour per week
This role requires someone who is willing to assist the class instructor in the setting up of the class, the administration, (e.g. taking registers) and helping to integrate new members to the class. It requires someone friendly and approachable and open to help bring about change.

To register for any of the above roles, please download the Volunteer Registration Form below and return it to the address which can be found on the form and we will contact you to get you started in your role.

For a more in-depth look at what any of these roles entail, please download the following volunteer roles document.

What we do for Friends of Forever Active Volunteers

We appreciate that the majority do not volunteer for reward but we want to thank the people who do get involved by giving rewards relative to the amount of time given to the Project. These rewards range from free drinks to free activity sessions so we can show our appreciation for the support given to the project.

The volunteer coordinator will work with each volunteer prior to them starting their role to devise an individual training plan to meet the needs of the area they will be supporting and also to highlight what they would like to achieve in terms of personal development.

Each volunteer will receive a support pack containing in depth information on all areas of their role and also a log book to record their contribution to the scheme.

If you would like more information before deciding whether to get involved, or have any questions or suggestions relating to the project please contact:

Juliet Fabb
Forever Active Volunteer Coordinator
Email: Juliet@jlfabbleisure.co.uk
Mobile: 07533 653281

Forever Active Volunteering - Expression of interest form

Name:
Address:
Post Code:
Contact Number:
Email:
How would you like to volunteer:
Preferred Times:
How did you hear about the volunteer project: