The annual meeting of the volunteering and shopmobility charity CIRCA was told that the organisation had helped 63 local groups in the past year by finding volunteers for them. A total of 219 people - including 68 officially classified as 'vulnerable' - had been given placements.
In addition, during the year under review 6,763 pieces of equipment had been hired out under the shopmobility banner. An increase of 18% had been recorded in the period April to September alone. The service provides freedom and independence to anyone with limited mobility.
The facts were given in her annual report by Acting Chair Margaret Brown who said the year had been one of great progress on both the volunteering and shopmobility sides.
Mrs Brown explained that the volunteering element of their work helped to enable members of the public find suitable placements within Island charities. In addition, CIRCA was instrumental in placing many vulnerable people who had been referred to the charity by various areas of Government including mental health, occupational therapy. drug and alcohol, prison and probation, youth justice, job seekers and the disability employment service.
Finding suitable voluntary roles had made a difference to the lives of many people by giving them a purpose, self belief and a structure. It had enabled them to move forward and achieve more than they had thought possible - sometimes even leading to paid employment.
She thanked the Department of Health and Social Care for their past support. The Board planned to build on what had been achieved so far and, going forward, it was hoped Government would commission CIRCA to offer services on a contractual basis.
She added: 'One of the board's aims, as well as to maintain and develop our excellent services, has been to raise CIRCA's profile and recently there have been articles in the press on the volunteer service - and its 1,000th volunteer - together with features on websites and magazines. We also had an entry in the Douglas Carnival showcasing our shopmobility equipment.' The Acting Chair went on to pay tribute to the various local media for their help and understanding in progressing their publicity initiative.
Mrs Brown concluded her report with the words: 'I am sure you will agree that with a very small staff team the amount of work done by CIRCA is phenomenal.'
