VOLUNTEERING

As WHISC is a voluntary organisation it is dependent on volunteers to run services such as the drop-in. The post of volunteer organiser is held by Margie Hughes and part of her work involves recruiting and training new volunteers. New volunteers are recruited through advertising via WHISC leaflets, by talking to groups in the community and from women visiting the drop-in centre.

Prospective volunteers attend a training course which lasts for six weeks and is usually held on a Monday afternoon at WHISC's premises in Bold Street.

The course usually operates twice a year. Volunteers without previous experience in women's health issues are encouraged to attend the Women's Health Course if they have not already done so, in order to extend their knowledge of the issues which are likely to arise at WHISC.

The course begins by introducing the history and structure of WHISC and it's policies. The policy of equal opportunities is discussed and how women may be discriminated against because of gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, age, religion or disabilities, and the need for positive action against discrimination.

The course also focuses on listening skills including the use of body language, the need to create a good first impression, how to empathise with clients and the importance of client confidentiality.

The course looks at telephone answering techniques and the problems associated with speaking to clients over the phone and also how to access information using the filing system and the computer database. WHISC has recently updated its computer system and is now able to provide volunteers with some informal training, and experience, in information technology.

The volunteer training course is not currently accredited by any educational body but we are investigating this possibility. Nevertheless, many volunteers have found their experience at WHISC a useful starting point for building confidence and skills to enter or return to the work force.

Although, of course, we regret the loss of trained volunteers we also feel that this progression is part of WHISC's aim in promoting the general health of women and in encouraging women to use their skills and knowledge for themselves as well as for others.

Women's Health Information and Support Centre

120 BOLD STREET
LIVERPOOL
L1 4JA

TEL: 0151 707 1826
FAX: 0151 709 2566