Ongo invites businesses to take on volunteers

Volunteers (left to right) Mark Jackson, Matthew Robinson and Rob Beckett.

ONGO's Employment Support Team held an event on Friday 25 January, aimed at businesses in North Lincolnshire.

The event took place at The Arc in Westcliff, Scunthorpe and was a huge success with over 30 people attending. This included current and past volunteers, Ongo staff and representatives from businesses including Humberside Police, Cat tech, Hall Farm, Bupa and North Lindsey College.

Throughout the afternoon there was information about how volunteers benefit businesses and the process of taking them on, along with real life stories from those who have been through the programme.

Rob Beckett, who completed an Ongo volunteer placement, is now in full time employment. He shared his experiences at the event: “When I came to Ongo I was at rock bottom in life. I’d been in the armed forces for years and I’d always worked, so when I found myself out of a job, I felt lost.

“I can’t thank Ongo enough. They supported me to get qualifications I needed and put me on a volunteer placement, which I really enjoyed. A job then came up and I’m pleased to say I’m now working full time in the Ongo Caretaking Team.

“Volunteering is a great opportunity and I’d recommend it to anyone. It changed my life.”

Scott Stalgis, Volunteer Coordinator at Ongo’s Employment Support Team says: “The aim of today was to help businesses understand the huge contribution volunteers make to a business, and the change it can make to someone’s life.

“Volunteering is a great way to get people ready for work and build up their CV, and the outcomes we see with people getting jobs prove this.

“We already do great work with businesses in Scunthorpe, but would love to get more signed up. If you think your business could help, please get in touch with us.”

From April 2017 to March 2018, Ongo’s Employment Support Team has worked with 104 people to secure volunteer placements, with all of them also completing recognised training.

If you think your business could support Ongo’s volunteer programme, get in touch with them on 01724 844848, or visit their website: www.ongo.co.uk/employmentsupport.