Volunteering
Volunteers have always played a vital part in the sport and physical activity sector. Without them, most activity simply wouldn't happen. Approximately 150,000 Somerset residents volunteer at least once a month, a large number of these in sport and physical activity.
Volunteer with us
Would you like to volunteer or 'lend a hand' with SASP? Volunteering is a great way to make friends, learn new skills, get fit, fill a gap in your CV, get work experience and make a real difference to sport and physical activity provision in Somerset.
Whatever way you want to volunteer, we have options for you. From a weekly commitment to one-off events, there is a range of flexible opportunities available. Listed below are regular volunteering opportunities, however, if you would like to be more flexible and volunteer when we have one-off events please email Jenny Street on jstreet@sasp.co.uk.
As a SASP volunteer you will be provided with all the necessary training and knowledge that is relevant to your role.
Take a look at our current volunteering opportunities below.
SASP Volunteering Opportunities
Move More Together is a programme designed to help older adults get more active with the one to one support and encouragement from a volunteer. As a Move More Together volunteer you will be matched with a participant and meet on a regular basis to provide ongoing friendly help and encouragement to enable them to take the first steps towards being more active.
Flexibility is key to meet the individual needs of you and the participant. A DBS check will be required and you will receive full training and support to give you the confidence to complete the role, however as we want to be available to support you every step of the way we do ask that you will be able to meet Monday - Friday between 9 and 5pm.
To find out more visit Move More Together or contact Jenny our Volunteering Project Officer jstreet@sasp.co.uk.
Somerset Health Walks
What is a health walk? - It's a gentle walk done on a regular basis for well-being. It can help you to feel good, to have more energy, to sleep better and to manage your weight. There are so many benefits from health walking - we're sure you'll see a difference in yourself even after your first walk! Find out more here.
Want to get involved...volunteer as a Walk Leader?
Somerset Health Walks wouldn't exist without our fantastic volunteer walk leaders, who lead health walks taking place around the county. As a volunteer walk leader, you would be helping people in your community to get active and healthy.
Find out more information here: become-a-walk-leader-volunteer or complete the expression of interest form here.
We currently have opportunities across Somerset and specific vacancies in Taunton, Street and Glastonbury.
Adults' Social Participation
Volunteers have always played a vital and essential role in community sport and physical activity, and without their time and commitment a large proportion simply would not happen. At SASP we offer a range of social opportunities for adults in Somerset to get active and our volunteers can get involved in various sports programmes included rounders, walking football, social netball to name a few. To find out more contact Stewart Collins at scollins@sasp.co.uk or have a look at our website here
Ambassador Opportunities
At SASP we are very fortunate to have some wonderful ambassadors that have joined us in our mission to improve the health and happiness of residents in Somerset through physical activity. Our Ambassadors are inspirational people from across the county, each with their own stories of challenges and different experiences. They may be managing long term health conditions or actively taking steps to future proof their body to maximize their potential to live longer better. All are united in their goal to promote the dual benefits of being active and getting out and about to improve both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Sound like something you would be interested in? Take a look at some of the options currently available:
In it Together – Offering Exercise and Sports Activities for Women aged 16+.
In It Together wants to break down the physical and mental barriers for women and empower them to get more active and have fun. To learn more or see how you could get involved have a look at their website www.inittogethersomerset.co.uk or contact Charlotte Norman at cnorman@sasp.co.uk.
We are Undefeatable – Supporting People with Long Term health Conditions to be Active.
Our amazing We are Undefeatable Ambassadors all have one or more long term health condition and share their stories of the positive benefits of being active. You can find more details here www.sasp.co.uk/somerset-ambassadors or contact Lauren Dyer ldyer@sasp.co.uk.
Stronger 4 Longer helping people aged 50 – 65 to build strength.
Our muscle strength is reduced as we get older so strength building exercises are recommended to prevent loss of balance and strength as we age. Our Stronger 4 Longer Ambassadors share their experiences of how incorporating strength building exercise into your daily routine can have huge benefits. Have a look at the website www.sasp.co.uk/stronger4longer or contact Sarah Coombs at scoombs@sasp.co.uk
Get outside in Somerset- helping our community to get outdoors and move in more ways that suit them.
Get Outside in Somerset wants to encourage us to get out more often and enjoy our beautiful home county - Somerset. Their ambassadors are keen to inspire the community to get outside more and enjoy the benefits to their physical and mental health. You can learn more and read their stories at www.getoutsideinsomerset.co.uk/ambassadors or contacting Sarah Crossley scrossley@sasp.co.uk
The Role of an Ambassador
Have a look at what you can expect if you would like to get involved:
The Role of an Ambassador (PDF, 185 Kb)
Some Case Studies From Our Volunteers
Find other volunteering opportunities in Somerset
Spark a Change is managed by Spark Somerset, a local charity which runs the county-wide volunteer service.
Spark Somerset helps people to volunteer - to spark a positive change within themselves, for those they support, and their local communities. They also provide free advice and support to charities and community groups.
Managing Volunteers
Without the time, energy and commitment of volunteers, grassroots sport simply wouldn't happen.
Whether they give up a few hours a month to lend a hand, or travel up and down the country every weekend coaching a team at matches, volunteers are the life and soul of community sport.
This means that if you are a club or organisation that relies on volunteers, it's important you know how to inspire, manage and support them, recognise their hardwork and make sure they know how valued they are.
Club Matters is Sport England's one stop shop for sports clubs. Club Matters provides free, convenient, practical resources to help you develop and run a sustainable club.
Club Matter has a range of flexible resources whether you are thinking of setting up a club or already running a club large or small. They can help you attract and retain members they provide practical tip and offer tools to help you improve and develop your skills.
NCVO's main information and guidance site offers a range of resources on volunteer management - practical and step by step guidance to help you manage volunteers and the process of volunteering well
They run training courses on volunteer management throughout the year. Take a look at the event listing to find out more and browse their training.
