What does a volunteer do?

As a volunteer you will be part of a team.  A good team will include organisational skills, artistic experience, finance management and making the refreshments.  Volunteers are the people who make Conquest Art possible. Your few hours a week could make a real difference to people’s lives. Could you join a team?

Conquest Art volunteers can rely on the support and encouragement of the Trustees and Charity Co-ordinator.

Group leaders try to ensure a safe and happy environment for both members and volunteers. In order to achieve this, they need to give careful consideration to the right balance within the group when considering requests for new memberships and, as a result, sometimes it may not be possible to accept all applications.

In cases of severe disability, a group leader may insist on members being accompanied by a responsible carer or family member at all times.

How can you help?

Not every volunteer needs artistic ability, but you do need to be over 18 and a ‘people person’ – enthusiastic, and ready to help create a friendly, welcoming environment where members feel relaxed and able to make the most of their time with us.

What support do we offer?

An Induction day is held for new volunteers to welcome and help them understand the ethos of the Charity.  The day is also to prepare new volunteers for the role within the team.  A guide for group leaders and helpers is handed out on the day explaining the role in more detail and providing art techniques we have found useful for beginner members to help them get started.  We continue to offer opportunities to meet other volunteers and share ideas.  We support our groups by providing all art materials and financial support when needed.  All you need to do is tell us you are interested.

Could you start a new group in your area?

Groups are usually set up in locations where a need for activities and support for less able members of the community has been identified.

Together, we can work out if it’s possible, then give you advice to help in the start-up.  We would also recommend visiting an existing group to gain first-hand knowledge of what it’s like.

You will need to think about a suitable venue. Most of our groups are held in village and church halls or community centres, which have suitable parking, disabled facilities as well as furniture that are used by the group members.

Conquest Art provides all art materials and equipment for new groups, covers all set-up costs, as well as help with ideas and techniques to assist group members and encourage the best possible outcome for every individual.  Each group needs a group leader and one or more helpers, to provide the necessary level of support and prepare refreshments for the members. Also, two volunteers at each location need to be trained in First Aid. But don’t worry – we’ll arrange a suitable course and we cover the cost.

Running a successful art group is a team effort which needs a variety of different gifts from organisational skills, artistic experience to someone dealing with the money or making the tea.  But most of all we need your enthusiasm.