Volunteer Telford

Ironbridge Coracle Trust is a small, registered CIO (Charity No. 1161685) focused on telling the story of the Ironbridge Coracle and its relevance to the wonderful World Heritage Site of the Ironbridge Gorge.  The Trust was established in 2015 and now has a strong core of 8 Trustees with varying skills that they bring to the board.

In 2019 the Trust was successful in securing National Lottery Heritage Funding and the project will be completed by the end of October 2022. The project has enabled the Trust to restore the Old Coracle Shed, create a Coracle Man Sculpture, and a New Shed which is now a visitor attraction telling the story of Coracles in Ironbridge, and run a varied programme of community focused events.

As the project comes to an end, we need to look at sustainability of the Trust without the financial support of the Heritage Fund. This can only be achieved by growing our fundraising. Therefore, we are looking a new Trustee with Charity or Heritage Sector Fundraising experience to ensure our resilience post project.

The Role of the Trustee

Ironbridge Coracle Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.

As a Trustee you will help develop and set the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. The skills and knowledge you bring will enhance the Board and support the Trust.

There is a core of Trustees who are very active in the delivery of events and organisational tasks, whilst others play a more strategic and guiding role.  All have something to offer the Trust.

Summary of Role: Ironbridge Coracle Trust (the Trust) is looking to appoint a new trustee with a professional background in charity fundraising to join Ironbridge Coracle’s Board of Trustees

Commitment: Flexible, initially we envisage more hours to help set up a fundraising strategy, but after this it may only take a few hours a month.

Fundraising Strategy

Once the project finishes at the end of October 22 the Trust will have no paid staff.  The Trust is currently clarifying its liabilities and developing a business plan for post project. The annual running costs are in the region of £7.5k- £10K with additional funding needing to be secured for discrete projects.

The Trust currently fundraises through a ‘mixed economy’ approach

- Sales of merchandise- (currently very limited)

- Sponsorship/ support from a local business

- Donations

- Events and activities including the annual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta

- Grants: four of the Trustees have experience in writing funding bids and as a small charity the Trust has been successful in raising funds this way.

To act as Presenter on the weekly East Shropshire Talking Newspaper recording, providing continuity and information.

In addition to Presenting the Wednesday Night Recording, some preparation work in the prior days is also required.

A team of people act as joint Presenters, (each taking their turn on a roster).

Smashroom Music & Wellbeing CIC is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help us deliver welcoming music and wellbeing sessions for adults in the Telford area.

Volunteers may support relaxed group activities such as guitar and music jams, singing, karaoke, songwriting, rhythm activities, beginner ukulele or keyboard, recording tasters and general social connection.

We would particularly welcome musicians and people with experience or interest in mental health and wellbeing, first aid, mentoring, community work, events, or supporting people who may feel isolated or lack confidence.

You do not need to be a professional musician or mental-health professional. The most important qualities are patience, empathy, reliability, and an ability to make people feel welcome.

Volunteers work alongside the CIC team and are not expected to provide counselling, medical advice, or clinical mental-health support.

Flexible volunteering opportunities are available around our music and wellbeing sessions.

Possible duties include welcoming participants, helping set up and pack away equipment, supporting music activities, encouraging quieter participants, refreshments, basic session administration, events, and fundraising. We can match duties to each volunteer's skills and confidence.

Please tell us about any musical instruments you play and any experience in wellbeing, mental health, first aid, mentoring, community work, or event

Why we need your help:

We need your help to raise awareness for our donor register drives.  You will research and book venues to host a donor drive.  From high streets to shopping centres, supermarkets to newsagents, community fairs to school fetes; the more bookings you make, the more opportunities we will have to ensure the public know about the work we do and how they can support us.

What we need you to do:

- Book sites in targeted locations.

- Research new opportunities and initiate relationships with site decision-makers.

- Book depots to use on the day of donor drive.

- Seek opportunities for adding value, such as organising entertainment, refreshments and car-parking for volunteers.

- Carry out administration associated with bookings, including sending confirmation letters and updating the database.

- Seek opportunities in shops and other businesses and secure other opportunities to promote the charity’s events in line with the objectives of the Community Engagement team.

What we can offer you:

- The opportunity to gain fantastic skills and experience within a supportive and professional team.

- To become part of the RABC volunteer family.

- Toolkits and guidelines to support you in your role together with regular support and contact from your Community Engagement team.

- Valuable experience in sales, fundraising, communication and organisation.

What we ask of you:

- To follow RABC’s policies and procedures and complete documentation relating to the role.