Developing Volunteering for Children and Young People in Radom

The project aims to systematically develop volunteering initiatives that support the mental health of children, young people and older adults.

The project will be implemented in three stages:

1. First Stage: Planning & Recruitment

1.1 Developing a Volunteering Model

We will evaluate our existing activities in terms of their effectiveness and beneficiaries’ feedback to identify which forms of volunteering are most effective in supporting mental health and expanding services to new groups within the community.

We also want to expand our offer for young people by joining youth networks such as Eurodesk and the European Solidarity Corps. Participation in these networks will give us access to new approaches, tools and opportunities for working with young people.

We also plan to create a volunteer development pathway, strengthening the Association’s role as a centre for non-formal education.

Every long-term volunteering placement will end with a certificate confirming the skills and experience gained, depending on the scope of the volunteer’s involvement.

We also want to expand our activities to reach new groups at risk of social exclusion, including:

older adults, through intergenerational events and activities;

children and young people in hospitals, youth educational centres and children’s homes.

Our psychoeducation workshops have been well received, and we want to bring them to new settings while also increasing the number of workshops delivered in schools.

1.2 Volunteer Recruitment & Training

We will launch a recruitment process, select suitable candidates and provide training to prepare volunteers for working with beneficiaries.

1.3 Developing a Volunteer Support Plan

We will develop a support system for volunteers covering mentoring, training and emotional support.

In addition to the existing support system provided through the Information & Education Centre, we need a similar structure to support volunteer activities and evaluate initiatives carried out outside the Centre.

2. Second Stage: Implementing Volunteering Programmes

2.1 Launching Volunteering Programmes

We will introduce different forms of volunteering identified during the first year of the project, such as support groups, workshops and educational sessions.

2.2 Monitoring & Evaluation

Volunteering programmes will be regularly monitored and evaluated to identify which activities are most effective and which may need to be adapted.

2.3 Ongoing Volunteer Training & Support

We will provide continuous development and support for volunteers, including additional training sessions and group meetings.

3. Third Stage: Expansion & Consolidation

3.1 Expanding Volunteering Programmes

Based on the evaluation results from the second year, the most effective programmes will be expanded.

3.2 Consolidating Volunteer Support

We will strengthen and embed support systems for volunteers, including regular meetings, debriefing sessions and opportunities for further development.

3.3 Building a Community

We will begin developing a community around the Association and its mission. This may include organising community events, building partnerships with other organisations and promoting the Association’s mission.

Throughout the project, regular communication and feedback between the organisation and volunteers will be essential. This will ensure that everyone stays informed about the project’s progress and has an active role in shaping it.

The organisation will also work to build long-term relationships with volunteers, helping to ensure continuity of care and support for beneficiaries.

Project Funding

Funded by the National Institute of Freedom – Centre for Civil Society Development.