What we do Our primary function is called ‘brokerage’. This is the process of matching the needs of organisations or individuals who need volunteers with those who want to do voluntary work.

We liaise with about 80 organisations who need volunteers.  Some of these are national organisations that have local representation in of near Uckfield – eg Age Concern, Red Cross, OXFAM, National Trust etc.  Others are organisations based in East Sussex – eg Chailey Heritage, East Sussex Disability Association, Bluebell Railway etc. Some are Uckfield based – eg schools, clubs, charity shops in the High Street etc.

We also handle requests from individuals who need short term help – perhaps in getting to a hospital appointment or help with shopping or gardening or simply some friendship/conversation. Some of these requests for individual help come via organisations, eg Social Services etc, others direct from the person needing help.

These needs for volunteers we record as opportunities and try to match them to our volunteers’ requirements.

New or potential volunteers can visit the Centre to discuss the various options available to them. MAP We don’t expect people to commit to volunteering when they first visit us. We provide information and have leaflets, brochures etc for people to read and consider in their own time.  We will help in any way we can. We ask potentials volunteers to identify what area of interest they have, eg working with children or in education or animals or the elderly etc.

We also ask if you have any special skills or experience which you are happy to use in a voluntary work situation, eg experience in caring, teaching, administration, fundraising, befriending etc.

We will ask you what time (s) you have available for voluntary work, this is important for us in matching your availability with what’s needed.  If you wish you can register with us as a volunteer – this makes it easy for us to identify with your wishes and saves you and us time.

(If you have registered with us but are no longer available for voluntary work, please let us know so that we can keep our information up to date. Thank you)