Supported Volunteering

In response to the array of barriers faced by our clients when attempting to return to social functioning and rejoin the workforce, HAGAM launched Project Aspire.

Project Aspire is a supported volunteering programme offering individual support, structured training, organised social activities and volunteering opportunities for those completing their substance misuse treatment. Project Aspire empowers and assists the recovery of individuals experiencing drug or alcohol related problems. The project generates a momentum away from substance misuse towards sustained independence.

In this unique project, Aspire volunteers are effectively trained and supervised to gain the confidence they require to “give something back to the community”.

The delivery of the project comprises the following stages: Individual needs assessment / Individual action plan / Motivational work / Pre-vocational training including key skills / Access to vocational training / Placement search support / Volunteering experience / Exit guidance and post project support.

The project offers flexible solutions to individual needs of the participants to overcome the obstacles that had prevented them from securing and keeping a volunteer placement; by creating a healthy and safe environment; by helping volunteers to develop or improve their life and vocational skills and by fostering effective support networks. The emphasis of this project is hands-on experience.

With support from Volunteer Coordinators, Project Aspire volunteers will offer their time and skills to an appropriately matched local service.

Some of the possible volunteer positions Aspire volunteers can fill may include Administrative roles, Reception or Enquiry desk positions, IT volunteers, Befrienders, Sport companions (e.g. badminton or chess buddies), Trustees, Volunteer panel members for monitoring and commissioning groups of health and social care services, Fundraisers, Events helpers, Peer educators, Group co-facilitators, Interpreters, Occupational therapy assistants, Shop helpers, Advocacy roles, Mentors, Garden maintainers, Shopping assistants, Wheelchair pushers etc.

For further information about Project Aspire, please contact us on 01895 20 7788.