ASIAN VOLUNTEERS 'MIND THE GAP'
(11 April 2005)

Voluntary organisations in the East Midlands could be missing out on an untapped resource of willing volunteers through their inability to reach people from local ethnic communities. A survey of more than 500 people from black and minority ethnic groups commissioned by TimeBank and the Ethnic Media Group found that:

• 62% of respondents thought their local area needed improving, particularly with regards facilities for young people and safety
• And, incredibly, the same number said that, if asked, they would be willing to volunteer their time to effect these changes
• Yet more than half did not know where to go or who to ask about voluntary work.

Today, national volunteering charity TimeBank launches their Mind the Gap campaign that aims to raise awareness amongst ethnic minority communities about how to volunteer as well as the benefits of giving time. The campaign, which launched in the capital last summer, is promoting the message that volunteering is one of the best ways to gain new skills and get a foot in the door, increase employability and help local communities whilst doing something you enjoy. It aims to connect people with volunteering opportunities across the region.

Mind the Gap is being supported by Nottingham entrepreneur Madi Sharma, boxer Jawaid Khaliq, Keith Vaz MP, the Lord Mayor of Leicester – Councillor Piara Singh Clair and Gersh Subhra – lecturer in community studies at the University of Derby.

Madi Sharma, Asian businesswoman and entrepreneur said: “Volunteering is a fantastic way of getting work experience – as a business woman, I know that employers love to see evidence of skills. Volunteering can also be a great way to get some free training – many organisations will train you as a volunteer. So volunteering can help you learn more and provide proof of the skills you’ve already got.”

72% of people from ethnic minorities thought that charities would benefit if they had more volunteers from ethnic minorities, helping them to communicate with and therefore support and understand the needs of ethnic communities.

Whilst many people give time for altruistic reasons - because they want to make a difference, further research carried out by Continental Research on behalf of TimeBank revealed:

• 63% of employers in the East Midlands think employees who undertake voluntary work have a better chance of promotion and earning a higher salary
• 85% of employers in the East Midlands believe volunteering can add skills to their workforce
• 90% of employers in the East Midlands thought that volunteering increases team working skills, while 78% thought volunteering increases communication skills

Jawaid Khaliq MBE is the IBO Welterweight Champion. He lives in The Meadows in Nottingham and gives a lot back to his local community by voluntarily running a boxing gym at his local mosque. “I know that round here I’m seen as a role model and I wanted to do something to help young people. I wanted to put something back into the community that has always supported me and it seemed that I should use my skills. Also boxing training is a great way to learn discipline and stamina.”

Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Piara Singh Clair said 'I'm really pleased to be supporting the Mind the Gap campaign. Leicester needs volunteers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds to meet the needs of our community. Volunteering is also a great way to gain valuable skills for work and to really feel like you're making a difference. In my own experience of community work, I've found that there's nothing like giving your time to help others.'

Keith Vaz MP for Leicester East added 'Volunteering is about helping to put something back in the community. It is about giving our most precious commodity: our time. I am delighted to support TimeBank's campaign.'

ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS

The Asian Advisory Service, Pear Tree Road
Vandanna Bhanat - volunteer & Saima Ayez - volunteer coordinator

Vandanna is from the Punjab in India and only recently came over to the UK to get married. She's got an MSc in computer sciences and is currently volunteering at the Asian Advisory Service in Derby. 'I started off working with administrative duties but soon helped with things like organising trips and training. I've been given help with my CV and picked up interview and phone skills. I didn't have any experience of working in the UK but now I can talk about my volunteering on my CV. My ambition is to get a great IT job.'

Saima has taught her that you need to fail a few interviews before she can start succeeding. Her ambition is to get a great IT job.

Saima started off as a volunteer at the Asian Advisory service 4 years ago. She runs her own volunteering operation offering a sports facility for girls (we're always being told how important sports clubs are to boys, but what about the girls') It's an Asian-run thing, but girls from all communities go, as it's too expensive to go to some of the clubs. They only charge £1 but do martial arts and basketball etc. In her first month as a volunteer co-ordinator, she has taken in Vandanna and given her loads of "in house" training. Saima says that there is an attitude in some communities - including Asian communities in Derby - that says: "Don't volunteer, it's not worth it if you're not paid". This, she says, is a cultural barrier that needs to be broken. She was delighted when Vandanna came through the door.

Tirathpal Naute ' Nirvana Football Club

Tirathpal is a volunteer coach and secretary for the Leicester Nirvana Football Club, a multi-ethnic club teaching kids and adults. He was instrumental in setting the club up after him and a group of friends decided that they wanted to do something about the lack of Asian and ethnic minority professional players.

'I had been playing for a team myself, and we were the first Asian team to reach semi-professional status. However I retired from football but still wanted to stay involved. My friends and I felt passionate about trying to open up football to Asian and ethnic minority kids, so we decided to set up the club to change things for the kids in Highfields.'

Tirathpal is passionate about providing access to all and promoting people who would not otherwise get the chance to access good training.

'I volunteer for the club in lots of ways. I am a Level 1 qualified coach and also the secretary for the junior and youth teams. This involves fundraising, finding sponsorship, dealing with admin and correspondence and also dealing with disciplinary matters, such as representing the team at hearings.'

He gives a lot of his time to the club, and spends roughly two hours a week on club administration, and another eight hours at matches.

'It does take up a lot of my time, but I love being involved with the club. I feel that we are really helping kids who might not otherwise get the chance to play and to be taken seriously as players. We also try to help the kids out beyond football. We help get them legal advice, help them with homework and always promote an anti-gun message.'

The club has been really successful and they have had players go onto play for Jamaica and many professional sides. Despite being so committed to the club Tirathpal also manages to find time to volunteer on the management teams for two mental health charities, and work full time.

For further information visi www.timebank.org.uk.

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