Council honour work of volunteer agencies

Apr 10 2008 By George Topp

THE work of three voluntary organisations within Clydesdale has been recognised at a ceremony in Hamilton.

The SoLVE Quality Standard Awards were presented by South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie at the council headquarters in Almada Street.

The Provost told those attending that these awards were for organisations which involved volunteers. The groups had also demonstrated their commitment to quality volunteering policy and practice and were an excellent role model.

He added: “Our communities would not be what they are today if it were not for the army of volunteers who provide a specialised and valuable support system for a wide cross-section of our society.

“Behind this fantastic group of people are the organisations which, in turn, support them in an equally diverse way. All your efforts provide such a great and positive impact on the individuals and groups you support. That is why we are here — to acknowledge that work and to thank you for enriching so many people’s lives.”

This year, organisations were recognised for demonstrating a commitment to providing quality volunteering opportunities. Each group undertook an assessment process which examined, among other things, their approach to training volunteers, providing support and supervision, reimbursing expenses and ensuring that volunteers are involved as part of the whole team of an organisation, not simply sitting on the sidelines and being identified as ‘the volunteer’.

Bill Tynan, acting chair and director of SoLVE, said: “The organisations honoured here today are among the most likely to witness volunteer development — a growth in confidence, a new job or a decision to go back to college, or perhaps, more fundamentally, a volunteer who is happy with their role and volunteers long term.”

One of two Quality Standard Awards went to Clydesdale Archaelogical Society which promotes interest in the historical and archaeological nature of Lanark by running a programme of lectures and events and a programme of site visits and digs.

Their aim is to stimulate public interest in the history and archaeology in Lanark and surrounding district, and to encourage the preservation of features of general historic interest.

Clydesdale has a wealth of areas of archaeological interest and importance and the 35 volunteers of the society work together to promote and preserve the rural heritage.

The society’s David Hill is pictured (top, left) receiving an award from Provost Clearie.

The other standard award went to Clydesdale Museum Forum.

It provides opportunities for volunteers on boards and management committees of museums in South Lanarkshire to share information, exchange views and provide a mechanism for effective liaison between South Lanarkshire Council and the independent museum and heritage organisations in the area.

There are many independent museums in South Lanarkshire, all of which are managed, maintained and staffed by volunteers.

The forum organises seminars, lectures, conferences and workshops, and shares support services and facilities which collectively makes an improvement in the museum services and facilities in South Lanarkshire.

The foum’s Ed Archer is pictured (below, left) receiving an award from Provost Clearie.

Oxfam charity shop in Lanark received a Quality Standard Plus Award.

The ceremony heard that Oxfam is widely recognised and respected in its remit to overcome poverty and eradicate suffering nationally and internationally.

In addition to its widely publicised role in delivering support and aid in emergencies, Oxfam also work to achieve sustainable living, education, training, employment and lifestyles, and to give all children a chance in life.

The Oxfam Charity shop in Lanark specialises in books, and has been supportive in providing placements for volunteers who have additional support needs. Thirty volunteers staff the shop under the guidance of manager Pauline Branson and work as a close team to provide support and training for new volunteers.

Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 organisations working with over 3000 partners in more than 100 countries.