We are aware that some of our Members have had to take the difficult decision to furlough some of their staff due to the ongoing pandemic. Whilst regrettable, it seems that many of our Members are busier than usual with increasing calls for help and support from their beneficiaries, and that many could benefit from additional assistance from volunteers. Some of this increased demand could be met by those who have been furloughed who, whilst unable to volunteer for their employer, could offer their expertise and skills to a fellow Cobseo Member and continue to support the sector and make positive changes during this very difficult period.
To this end, Cobseo has launched the furloughed staff volunteer matching scheme area where Members can advertise volunteering opportunities in the same way that the current Cobseo Jobs board and bulletin are run. These volunteering opportunities will also be included in the Cobseo Jobs Bulletin from now, in a dedicated area of the bulletin to highlight all opportunities. Whilst we will host the opportunities, Cobseo would not have a role in matching applicants to posts; this will remain the responsibility of the Member looking for the volunteer(s).
Please find volunteering opportunities below:
Volunteering opportunities
Communities Fiji Britain
2020 is a big year for Fijians in the UK. It marks both VJ day in August and 50 years of independence for FiJi (and more or less 50 years since Fijians became members of the UK armed forces). CFB are looking to reimagine our commemoration and celebration campaigns for both of these events. Where physical events are now not possible, CFB are looking to do a social media campaign and we would love for someone to help us get short stories about grandfathers/mothers and relatives , who served in VJ and stories of the last 50 years of Fijians in the UK.
We would love a creative sole to help us shape this media campaign, interview individuals and write up their stories.
Please contact Hilary Pearce – Executive Project Manager – to discuss,
War Memorials Trust
War Memorials Trust, the charity that works to protect and conserve war memorials in the UK, runs War Memorials Online, www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk a website seeking to create a greater understanding of war memorials in the UK. Anyone can register to become a Contributor to the website.
Whilst it is difficult at the moment to go out to undertake condition surveys, take photographs or collect new information the website can still be improved by Contributors able to review records to edit or add information from home. You may have old war memorial photographs which could be uploaded to help create timelines for each war memorial. Or your local knowledge might enable you to add missing memorials or enhance existing records.
Then, once we can get out and about a bit more, and buildings such as churches become more accessible, you may be able to follow up work done at home. Go and check on condition and take up-to-date photographs. Such activity should be possible whilst respecting social distancing guidance.
To be a Contributor all you need to do is register and you can do as much or as little as you like. Guidance on assessing condition can be found on the website or you can contact War Memorials Trust for further information.
