As Volunteering Week kicks off, we are excited to shine a spotlight on a groundbreaking initiative that is set to transform the volunteering landscape for adults with learning disabilities: the Volunteering Hub, featured within our free community app, Insight.
How are we tackling social isolation?
Isolation is a challenge many face, but for adults with learning disabilities, digital exclusion can amplify this.
That’s where our Insight app steps in. More than just an app, Insight is a safe, supportive, and person-centred digital space designed to combat isolation and foster true digital inclusion.
And now, its newest feature, the Volunteering Hub, is aimed at empowering individuals like never before.
What is the Volunteering Hub?
Imagine a space where understanding volunteering, its incredible benefits, and even connecting with volunteers is simple and accessible.
The Volunteering Hub is just that!
Packed with features, it’s compatible with screen readers, soon to be available in Welsh, and boasts a wealth of Easy Read resources and straightforward video guides.
Here, individuals can dive deep into what volunteering truly means, why it is so rewarding, and share their own experiences.
But it doesn’t stop there.
The Volunteering Hub is a gateway to real-world opportunities.
Tailored volunteering opportunities
Currently, 10 incredible organisations are advertising volunteering roles, each specifically tailored for adults with learning disabilities.
Every opportunity is meticulously vetted, comes with an accessible role description, and offers a simple application process – just a quick call or email to express interest. Finding the perfect fit has never been easier!
The journey to create this innovative Volunteering Hub began with crucial funding from the Volunteering Wales Strategic Grant for the Insight Investigators project.
This initiative ensured a thorough, peer-led evaluation of the Insight app.
What did they discover?
A resounding desire from individuals to volunteer and to access suitable information in a space where they already felt secure. And so, the idea of a dedicated Volunteering Hub was born.
With the success of the Insight Investigators project, a second round of funding propelled the creation of the Volunteering Hub into reality.
A co-produced haven
Adults with learning disabilities can explore tailored resources, share their ideas and stories with peers, and discover meaningful opportunities presented in an accessible way.
The Volunteering Hub is a testament to incredible collaboration.
It is the result of the tireless efforts of Innovate Trust’s Skills and Wellbeing and Digital and Technology teams, all guided by the invaluable insights and feedback of our Creator Volunteers.
This is not just an online space. It is a co-produced haven.
Who are our remarkable Creator Volunteers?
Our Creator Volunteers are groups of adults with learning disabilities who share their thoughts on the content they want to see on the Volunteering Hub and what improvements are needed to increase the number of volunteers with learning disabilities in the community.
Across groups in Cardiff, The Vale, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and online, 80 adults with learning disabilities have regularly volunteered their time, contributing an astounding 564 hours collectively to achieve this vision!
User testing
The Hub has undergone rigorous testing and trials, with 145 volunteers ensuring it meets the highest accessibility requirements.
This includes vital feedback from groups supported by Ysgol Y Deri (a special educational needs school), the autism unit at Llanishen High School, the Ty Draw day centre, and support provider Mirus.
Every piece of feedback has been meticulously incorporated, ensuring the Hub is truly inclusive and user-friendly.
The impact of this work is already being celebrated.
Wow! Diolch Innovate Trust.
As part of my work at WCVA towards more inclusive volunteering in Wales, we are grateful you are paving the way in the realm of providing guidance and support for organisations that would like to be more inclusive for volunteers with learning disabilities.
At a time when there are some people finding it more difficult to volunteer, it's important that we all strive for inclusive practices, so that everyone who wants to volunteer can find an opportunity they can enjoy and contribute their time in ways that are meaningful.
Your new co produced resources and guidance show what is possible when you really listen to users and use this to drive change.
Join us throughout Volunteering Week as we delve deeper into the transformative power of Insight’s Volunteering Hub and celebrate the incredible individuals making a difference in their communities!
