Donations in time

The LTC is making a real difference to people's lives through its team of volunteer visitors, who give their time, rather than money, to help those in need

Have you ever wondered how organisations such as the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) ensure that their beneficiaries, both existing and potential, receive the appropriate help for their

circumstances?

In many cases, charities operate a volunteer visitors scheme and the LTC, the charity for the licensed drinks sector, is no exception. As the number of people seeking support from the LTC increases, so does the need to ensure that those who are entitled to help are being visited; it's the best way to make sure that the aid given by the LTC is suited to their needs.

"The LTC's regional volunteer visitors play a vital role," says Colin Wheeler, chief executive of the LTC. "Many of our beneficiaries now live on their own but they are still very outgoing, sociable people whose job meant that they spent a lot of time with other people, serving the public and talking to their regulars.

"For some of them, retirement can be very lonely and the feedback we get is that they really appreciate the visits from our volunteers, not only from a welfare point of view but because they also enjoy the company."

Each volunteer attends an induction and training course to prepare them for their role. It covers what is involved in the programme and what information is needed from their visits in order for the welfare committee to make a decision on that particular appeal.

Dependent on the goodwill and philanthropy of others, the LTC scheme has been running for almost two years and has 13 regional volunteer visitors across the country.

Making connections

In 2006, the LTC's regional volunteer visitor programme cost just over £6,000 and over 120 people were visited. The National Association of Licensed House Managers (NALHM) donated £6,000 towards the cost of the programme; this covered the costs of the two-day training and induction course for the volunteers, travel expenses to visit beneficiaries throughout the year and a half yearly review day of the programme.

Many of the volunteers are people who formerly worked in the licensed drinks sector. Recruitment for the programme comes from a variety of sources but experience of working in the industry is not always needed, as Katie Smith found out.

Her two children, Oliver and Maisie both attend the Licensed Victuallers' School (LVS) in Ascot, Berkshire, which is run by the LTC. She was looking for a way to give something back during her spare time, when not working for her husband.

"One night I was searching through the Licensed Victuallers' School website, to see how I could get involved with the PTA, and I ended up on the Licensed Trade Charity's site," says Smith. "I had no idea about the link between the LTC and the LVS, the work of the charity and who it helps. As I started to look around the LTC's website, I found out about the volunteer programme."

Training and support

Smith's background had previously been in nursery nursing and she had worked as a play specialist at a hospital in Slough.

"I'm very lucky that I have time to volunteer," she says. "And I wanted to be able to use my spare time to help others. Some of the people that I've met are in desperate need and it's reassuring to know that, in some way, I am part of the process that will see them get help. What is heartening is that there are organisations such as the LTC that can help people when they have nowhere else to turn."

Smith says that any concerns about becoming a volunteer were quickly dispelled by the two-day training and induction course, which was extremely thorough and informative. "It's always good to know that if I ever do have any questions, I have support from the LTC's welfare department, which is just fantastic."

She adds: "At my first visit I was slightly nervous. Would I remember everything? Would I forget to pass on any vital information to the beneficiary, advice on benefits, for example? Thankfully, it all went really well and I have since learned that some beneficiaries don't see many people throughout the week and are happy to share an hour or so chatting.

"On every visit I have been met with smiles; everyone is very happy to see me and they've been very welcoming and friendly. I absolutely love volunteering for the LTC and would

encourage anyone that has ever thought about volunteering to get out there and do it. It's extremely rewarding."

"We were thrilled when Katie asked to become a regional volunteer visitor," says Liz Gaffer, director of marketing and charity services. "It's fantastic that our charity has touched people outside the industry and Katie is a great addition to our dedicated team.

"Volunteering is so rewarding, for both the people that do it and the people that they visit. Many people are content to contribute money to a charity, which is a great way to lend your support, but volunteering offers so much more for you, the donor. It gives people a real idea of who and how they are helping."

When asked how she manages to fit in all her obligations, Smith says: "It helps that I really love volunteering and meeting the people that the LTC helps, so it's about making time."

The LTC is looking to build up its team of regional volunteer visitors, particularly across the West Midlands.

If you would like to find out more information about becoming a regional volunteer visitor or know of someone who may be interested in volunteering, please contact the welfare department on 01344 884440.