Camden Volunteer Bureau believes that every individual has the right to volunteer, however acknowledges that many people do not have equal access to volunteering opportunities.This project aims to improve access to people with mental health difficulties and physically disabled people by tackling the barriers from the perspective of the potential volunteer.

The Equalities Support Project has been initially funded for three years by the National Lottery Charities Board to operate from April 1998 to the end of March 2001.

The project worker supports individuals to find appropriate volunteer work and works to extend the volunteer opportunities available to people with mental health problems and physically disabled people. The project also aims to work with other disabled people such as people with sensory impairment and people with learning difficulties.

The project worker can offer one-to-one support to help an individual to explore opportunities for volunteering and access voluntary work that is suited to their needs, abilities and circumstances. This may involve a supported introduction to a placement with an organisation and follow-up support as required.

The Equalities Support Worker also works to develop the range of opportunities in outside placements available to volunteers who need structured support.

Stop Press: The Project Worker post is currently vacant. The full service is therefore currently suspended, however other staff members will try to assist all individuals interested in volunteering.