Get crafty with Hackney Carers’ Collective

(2019 – opportunity now closed)

This autumn, Volunteer Centre Hackney and City & Hackney Carers’ Centre are embarking on a new project to help engage carers’ in new, fun activities to give them time to themselves and much needed respite from their caring responsibilities. Carers will take part in a 6-week courses for 2 hours once a week where they’ll get the opportunity to try their hand at a whole different array of arts-based activities which could involve painting, drawing, working with textiles, stitching, and will be led by a professional artist.

We’re seeking friendly people to become Creative Collaborator volunteers, to help create a welcoming, safe and supportive environment, and to provide carers with the support and confidence to try doing something new and completely different. You’ll help the carer with the art/craft work during the session, giving ongoing encouragement as well as helping the artist to prepare and set up for the class. Some volunteers may also be supporting the people that the carers care for in another space. All volunteers receive free training to help prepare for the role, and will then attend the weekly course, for 2 hours every week for 6 weeks. These sessions are currently planned for Wednesday afternoons, 2 – 4pm (with the 1st series from 18 Sep – 23 Oct).

This a great role if you want to try volunteering on a short term basis, and you can volunteer on one 6 week course or volunteer for all the courses. It’s ideal for anyone interested in community or support work, arts/crafts and making, or who just want to help people in their community for a few hours each week. Read more about the role here and find out what’s involved!

VCH is running a free training session for the role from 10am – 1pm on Thursday 12 September, here at Volunteer Centre Hackney, 13 Springfield House, 5 Tyssen Street, E8 2LY. If you’re interested in the role and want to take part, or just find out a bit more, call us on 020 7241 4443 and speak to Charlotte, Krithika or Lauren. And if you can’t make the training but would still like to be involved, get in touch – we’ll be running more training soon!