Volunteering with Sunderland VLB
The Brigade offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and abilities:-
Fundraising
The Brigade is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It has always relied on fundraising, grants and donations to purchase vital equipment, run the vehicle, maintain the Watch House and provide training. As well as applications to grant making bodies, which often cover large and expensive items of equipment, the Brigade members are involved in many money raising activities. These include collections in stores and supermarkets, stalls at local events, social evenings and sponsored events. Volunteers from all sections of the Brigade can be involved in fundraising and we also have some volunteers who concentrate just on this important task. If you feel that you can help on a regular or occasional basis with supporting the Brigade by fundraising, please get in touch with Rose – details on our contacts page.
Search and Rescue Team
A commitment to training and being able to act as part of a team are vital to our Search and Rescue volunteers. No experience is necessary as full training is given; the only criteria are that you must be of reasonable physical fitness, have good vision and be able to use communication methods clearly. A commitment to regular training, patrols and exercises is needed to keep up to date with team work and health and safety. If you would like to know more about volunteering with the Search and Rescue Team please get in touch with Rose or Fred – details on our contacts page, or more online details on our Rescue Team page
Coastwatch Team
The Watchkeepers are based in the Roker Watch House which is fully equipped to enable them to keep a visual watch of the coast and harbour areas. Watchkeepers range in age from 18 years to people in their seventies – we also take younger people training under the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Although some Watchkeepers have maritime experience this is not essential as full training is given. All we ask is a commitment to a regular watchkeeping duty to enable us to provide cover seven days a week. If you would like to know more about volunteering with the Coastwatch team please get in touch with Rose – details on our contacts page.
Museum Team
Stewards and helpers are needed to be at the Watch House when it is open to the public. Duties include answering queries, serving in the tea bar, offering children’s activities and helping to keep the place clean and tidy. We want to be able to extend the opening times particularly during the summer months. As well as people to be ‘out front’ we also are keen to recruit those who can assist with the cataloguing of items, conserving, cleaning and information displays. A Museum Guide will be provided to all Museum volunteers who work with the public and training courses run locally are often available. Museum volunteers can also assist when groups visit the Watch House or with talks to external groups. If you would like to know more about volunteering with the Museum team please get in touch with Katy – details on our contacts page.
