CHAP has relied on volunteer involvement since it's birth, and now has a robust volunteering department. As the organisation has grown over the years, the services that CHAP can provide have been enhanced by volunteer involvement.

Jean Gardiner is one such volunteer, it has been a life changing experience for Jean and has boosted her confidence and self esteem, " It has given me a push to go back to college, if I hadn't volunteered I may have just sat about ". Jean's greatest moment so far is the completion of her Volunteer Advocacy Skills training, " Gaining the certificate really showed me I had achieved something, it was great to show people what I had achieved " Jean concluded, " Volunteering for CHAP is great, I have always wanted to help and support people when they are in times of need and this opportunity allows me to do that. "

   There are many volunteering opportunities within CHAP, as there are many different 'arms' to the project. At present, the

   volunteer opportunities include;

  * Housing Support - assisting support staff to help clients sustain their tenancy. This opportunity is subject to     volunteers completing an enhanced disclosure.

CHAP is also a registered provider for the Millennium Awards. The Millennium Awards are a key feature in the Volunteering Strategy which was produced by the Scottish Executive in 2004. The scheme enables volunteers, who are aged between 16 and 25, to receive recognition for their voluntary work. This recognition is awarded after 50, 100 and 200 hours of voluntary work. The volunteers receive signed certificates by the Deputy Minister for Communities for 50 hours of voluntary work, Minister for Communities for 100 hours of voluntary work and the First Minister, Jack McConnell, for 200 hours of voluntary work. These certificates may enhance the chances of volunteers when applying for employment as they are an opportunity to provide evidence of commitment to a project/organisation.

Volunteers within CHAP also have access to internal and external training which enables volunteers to further expand their knowledge and development. CHAP invests a great deal of time and support in their volunteers to ensure that their volunteering experience is a positive one.

If you would like to know more or join our team of volunteers, get in touch with our administration department on 01294 313137.

Altternatively, if you prefer, the volunteer applcation forms can be opened and saved to your hard drive by clicking on the links below  Pleae send the completed forms to

CHAP

Marlin House

12 Heatherhouse Road

Irvine

Ayrshire

KA12 8HQ

Volunteer Application Form

Equal Opportunities Questionaire

Health Questionaire