Punch Taverns, the UK’s leading pub company has pledged its support to the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) by sponsoring the charity’s Volunteer Visitor programme. The LTC is the organisation that helps those who specifically work in the licensed retail sector.
Punch has donated £12,100, the total amount of money needed to fund a year’s work of the programme.
Since the scheme was set up in 2005, in its first year alone, volunteers visited 120 people and their families. The response was so positive that the LTC has recruited more volunteers and throughout 2007 it is anticipated that they will conduct over 300 visits.
The cost of running the programme* in 2007 has doubled from £6050 to a predicted £12,100. In addition, the time donated by the volunteers is the equivalent of £32,000.
Giles Thorley, Chief Executive of Punch Taverns said; “We are delighted to help fund and support the LTC’s Volunteer Visitor programme which provides such vital help. We are proud to contribute to an organisation which does so much to help those who have worked, or who are still working in the sector.”
The scheme currently has volunteers around the country visiting potential beneficiaries of the LTC and those who are already receiving help, to ensure that they are getting the appropriate support.
Each person gives their time free of charge and that includes the training and assessment needed before the volunteers can make visits. The average visit takes 90 minutes as well as an additional 30 minutes for writing up each report.
Liz Gaffer, Director of Marketing and Charity Services said; “Thanks to the generous donation from Punch Taverns it means we can continue to visit and offer help to those who desperately need it. The Volunteer Visitor Scheme has gone from strength to strength and means so much to us that a company such as Punch Taverns has seen fit to support the scheme.”
The LTC is always on the look out for Volunteer Visitors across the country. If you can commit to around 7-8 hours a month or know someone who would be interested and would like to contribute towards helping to deal with the increase of people who call on the Charity in times of need, then please call the Licensed Trade Charity for further information.
No experience is required and full training will be given. To take on this role you need to have a listening ear, empathy for people and the ability to convey relevant information. In return the LTC will cover all necessary expenses, provide full training and keep you in touch with developments within the charity.
If you would like to find out more information about becoming a Regional Volunteer Visitor or know of someone who may be interested in volunteering, please contact the Welfare Department on 01344 898550.
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