A Brighton HIV and sexual health charity has issued a plea for volunteers to join its enthusiastic team.
The Sussex Beacon wants people with a range of skills, interests and experience to help with its vital work, supporting people living with HIV.
The charity said that the roles available include
- fundraisers
- reception and administration staff
- kitchen and dining room staff
- event helpers
- gardeners
- shop assistants
- people to collect and deliver items to the Sussex Beacon charity shops
Sussex Beacon chief executive Simon Dowe said: “Volunteers are a vital part of the Sussex Beacon. We simply couldn’t function effectively without them.
“We’re now looking for more people to join our enthusiastic, dedicated team. A little of your time could make a huge difference to local people living with HIV.
“So if you’re interested, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.”
The Beacon’s volunteer team recently won an award for its work with young volunteers. It was awarded a “certificate of recognition” by Skills Training UK, an organisation that supports disadvantaged young people to develop skills, qualifications and gain vital work experience with local employers.
A number of young people from the Skills Training UK programme have worked as volunteers in the Sussex Beacon’s shops.
The charity added: “All volunteers at the Sussex Beacon are given training relevant to their role, ongoing support and their expenses are paid.
“As well as helping others, volunteering often helps those doing it to develop transferrable skills and can sometimes lead to other employment opportunities.”
To apply, click here or call Jan on 01273 694222.
The Beacon provides specialist support and care to more than 500 people living with HIV a year, offering both inpatient and outpatient services to improve health and promote independence.
Those using the charity’s services may be facing serious HIV-related illnesses, dealing with mental health issues or struggling to cope with the side effects of new drug regimes.
The charity was recently rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the official independent health care regulator.
The outstanding verdict came as the Beacon faced a difficult year, with funding cuts putting services at risk.
The Sussex Beacon said: “Local support, grants secured from non-statutory funding bodies and a restructure have put the charity in a better financial position.
“The charity is now in the process of being redesigned to become more sustainable and less reliant on NHS funding.”
Hove MP Peter Kyle told The Vote, the politics and current affairs programme on Latest TV, that if the services provided by the Beacon were lost, it would add to the strain on the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
