Foundation of Light awarded County Durham Kitemark for volunteering

Foundation of Light are proud to have received the County Durham Kitemark for volunteering which certifies the organisation for providing high quality volunteer experiences, including inclusive practices to overcome barriers to volunteering.

More than 100 volunteers work with the Foundation of Light in roles ranging from football coaching to assisting teaching, providing essential support to the delivery of life-changing programmes.

Sunderland AFC’s official charity ensures positive experiences for their volunteers by providing training opportunities, regular email communications and progress checks to ensure their volunteers’ ambitions are being met, and hosting regular drop-in sessions for new and current volunteers.

Achievement of the County Durham Volunteering Kitemark demonstrates that the Foundation of Light meets standards to overcome barriers to volunteering, and recognises the value of recruiting and retaining volunteers, as set out by Durham Community Action.

The Kitemark shows an organisation manages a volunteering programme where volunteers receive a high quality, positive volunteering experience. It will help volunteers to make informed choices when they apply to volunteer, and they can be reassured that the Foundation of Light has the correct policies and processes in place to offer a rewarding and positive experience.

We are proud to have over 100 volunteers who make the Foundation the special place that it is. Volunteers provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere and use their skills to help make a real difference to the lives of those we work with.

Charlotte Linton, Volunteering Specialist, said: “Durham Community Action were delighted to present Foundation of Light with the County Durham Volunteer Kitemark award.

“Volunteers from Foundation of Light played an active role in giving their views as part of the Kitemark assessment process.

“They also felt very valued in the voluntary work that they undertook and they feel valued and can see the impact that their roles have on the community, and this shines through in the passionate way they talk about Foundation of Light and the great work that it does.”

Andy Williams, a volunteer football coach with the Foundation of Light, shared his experience: “I love my role.

"I have received a tonne of support from staff within the Foundation of Light to help me grow and learn how to be the best coach I can be.”

Foundation of Light volunteer coordinator, Tom Knox, added: “Volunteers provide crucial support to the work of the Foundation of Light.

“We now have 120 amazing people who give their time to support our work in many different ways and we are proud of each one of them.

“We aim to provide volunteers the best environment possible to come and make a difference. Achieving the Kitemark is a huge milestone, but it reflects as much on our volunteers, who are a pleasure to work with and who continuously drive improvements, as it does the organisation.”

If you are interested in volunteering with the Foundation of Light, we would like to hear from you. Whatever your interests, skills or circumstances if you have the time, talent and enthusiasm, we need your help.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities at the Foundation of Light, head to foundationoflight.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer