Gateshead Access Panel's Volunteer Project is one of 46 projects, nationwide, currently funded by the GoldStar Volunteering and Mentoring Programme - a national initiative designed to promote good practice for volunteering from socially excluded groups.

Involving Disabled People As Volunteers

Over the past year and a half our team of GoldStar volunteers supported by Sharon, our GoldStar development worker, has be working with volunteer-involving organisations to help them identify and reduce the barriers to volunteering for disabled people and people with limiting long term illnesses.

'Practice to Include' - Good Practice Training and Manual

Having talked to local disability groups to gain their views and experiences, we are currently running training seminars and have developed our 'Practice to Include' manual which provides organisations with practical information on how to recruit and support disabled people in volunteering opportunities.

If you would like any further information then please contact Sharon on:

• Tel: 0191 443 0058
• Fax: 0191 487 7298
• Email sharon@access-gateshead.org.uk

For more information about GoldStar visit http://www.goldstar.org.uk/