Connexions Salford

 

The ‘In Touch’ Volunteer Programme is an exciting project run in collaboration between The Manchester Museum and Imperial War Museum North. All volunteers who join the programme follow a ten-week tailor made Cultural Heritage Course, which has basic literacy skills embedded into the training.

Through this innovative volunteer programme, individuals will learn about both Museums, handle objects, make new friends and pick up skills for job hunting. Ultimately the programme aims to develop self esteem, interpersonal skills and confidence.  

Recruitment

Each Museum runs three intakes a year in February, May and September. Both Museums are now recruiting for 10 new volunteers for the next ‘In Touch’ Volunteer Training Programme starting in February 2009.  We are actively seeking to recruit individuals from a variety of backgrounds; long term unemployed, people with low skills levels and outdated skills, young people (post 16) at risk of exclusion and/or offending, asylum seekers, refugees and individuals with disabilities.

Programme Structure

The ten week Cultural Heritage Course is run on a Monday and Thursday afternoon at both Museums. On completion of the course all participants achieve a literacy Basic Skills qualification from Entry Level 3 to Level 2. Individuals are fully supported by The Manchester Museum and Imperial War Museum North’s friendly volunteer team.

Additional training and support

In addition to the Cultural Heritage course there is a continual programme of training to further develop skills and knowledge. This includes:

• Vocational training in Customer Care, Presentation Skills, Disability Etiquette, Refugee Awareness and Conservation training
• Visits to cultural sites within the Northwest including Liverpool World Museum, Liverpool
• We also have links with Trafford IAG and the Open University who come and run workshops and one-to-one advice on job applications, interviews and further learning opportunities
• Skills for Life literacy, numeracy and ICT courses.
  
  

The Volunteer Role

On completion of the course volunteers will have the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute to the Museums’ service. They help out in the galleries providing customer service or handling Museum objects.

Progression routes

Volunteers who’ve joined the Programme have gone on to:

• Gain employment in the Cultural sector such as: The Manchester Museum, Touchstones, Salford Museums, Manchester Art Gallery, Urbis, IWM North, and non-Cultural sector such as: Homebase, Support work, Travel Agency, call centre, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Cheetham Hill advice centre
• Undertake further learning including, Literacy and numeracy, ICT, Access courses music technology, catering and media training
• Additional volunteering, including with the National Trust and Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.
  

Volunteering Benefits

The programme funds all out of pocket volunteer related expenditure such as travel, lunch and childcare and volunteering does not affect state benefits. Volunteers are entitled to a discount at the Manchester Museum or Imperial War Museum North café and shops, and are invited to attend events and organised trips.

Registration Process

Registration is by completion of a simple form, all those that register their interest will be invited to a Taster Day at their chosen Museum in April followed by an informal one to one session. This will be an opportunity for individuals to find out more about the programme, visit the Museum and meet the staff. Support workers or friends are also welcome to come along on the day. 

Download and print a registration form:

For The Manchester Museum or phone Kater Clancey on 0161 306 1773 or alternatively e-mail.

For The Imperial War Museum or phone Danielle Hird on 0161 836 4081 or e-mail

Next Taster Sessions: