The Bright FM Help Point

If you're part of an organisation with a charity event to promote, or you're looking for assistance or new volunteers, please email all the details to: helppoint@brightfm.net

Declare your love at the British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation shop in Church Walk Burgess Hill, South Road Haywards Heath and the High Street in Lewes are again inviting you to leave a message in their shop window this Valentine 's Day and help raise money for the brilliant charity.

You can chose from a £1 or £2 love note to whoever you want, or local businesses can advertise in the shop window for £10, £20 or £50. Call into the shop as soon as possible to donate and write a love note.

Don't forget to have a look in the window to see if someone has left a note for you!

Urgent help required for Oakmeeds Nursery in Burgess Hill

The Oakmeeds Nursery in Burgess Hill is shutting down as they are in need of £1500 to keep it open.

The money needs to be raised in the next few months to meet the deadline and If it can't there will be a vast number of children and parents affected by this.

If anyone is able to donate anything to the school either prizes to raffle or money donations or time for upcoming fundraising events this will be greatly appreciated.

For further information call 01444 230638

Burgess Hill Lions require urgent book donations

The Burgess Hill District Lions Club are in urgent need for more books to sell in their Book Den in Burgess Hill Town Centre.

During an average week, they sell approximately 1,700 books over the counter, and stocks are currently running low.

They also also recycle mobile phones, hearing aids and spectacles.

Donations can be dropped into the Book Den at 99 Church Walk, Burgess Hill. They are happy to collect donations too - simply call 01444 233278 and speak to one of the team

There is also a collection point at South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks

Volunteers needed for Mid Sussex Mencap Gateway Club

Every Wednesday Mid Sussex Mencap Gateway Club meets. It's a social club for young adults with learning disabilities.

They get together during term time from 7pm to 9pm at St Andrews Community Centre, Cants lane, Burgess Hill.

They organise social, leisure and sporting activities, bingo, discos, quiz nights and so much more

They are currently looking for volunteers to help run the club. You don't have to be available every Wednesday evening, just a few hours when you can. Without enough volunteers the group will not be able to run so any time you can spare would be greatly appreciated.

If you can help or you want to find out more call club leader Diane King on 07592 609785 or go to www.midsussexmencap.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society – volunteers required

Alzheimer's Society in Sussex are currently looking for dedicated volunteers to join with existing or form new Volunteer Fundraising Groups in East, West and Mid Sussex and the surrounding villages.

The groups will start some exciting new fundraising events and activities in the local area as well as increasing dementia awareness.

The groups will be actively supporting the work done at the Alzheimer's Society by funding local services for people with dementia and their carers as well as raising funds towards research programmes into finding a cure for dementia.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like further information, please contact Kylie Prankerd (Community Fundraiser – Sussex) on 01403 276649 or email kylie.prankerd@alzheimers.org.uk

Age Concern Hassocks & District

Hassocks branch of Age Concern are desperate for new volunteer drivers to bring members to lunch at their Pauline Thaw Centre on Dale Avenue.

An allowance of 45p a mile is paid for all journeys.

Up to 50 people a day currently enjoy a freshly cooked lunch every weekday and many of them would be house-bound if it weren't for drivers picking them up at home and delivering them back in the afternoon.

If you can give some of your time on a regular basis, please call us on 01273 844461 for details.

Freinds of Lewes Library are after a few more!

A few volunteers are needed to join the committee of Lewes Library Friends, including two to take over as chairman and secretary.

The group works with the library staff encouraging the maximum use of the town's new library.

Anyone wishing to join the Fiends' committee should contact Micheal Turner on 01273 472799, e-mail michealturner@btinternet.com, or the retiring secretary, Christine Murphy on 01273 475172, e-mail chkingmurphy@hotmail.com

Volunteer Vacancies

4 Sight - Area chairperson to prepare for and chair quarterly committee meetings and the Area AGM.

Jack and Jill Windmill – Painters to help with maintaining this landmark building.

Salvation Army – Shop helpers to work in the charity shop in Burgess Hill serving customers, sorting and pricing goods as well as some till work. Shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-3.30pm

Mid Sussex Older People's Council – Treasurer to keep financial records of MSOPC. Would suit someone who is computer literate, with basic book-keeping/accountancy skills.

Age Concern Hassocks, Pauline Thaw Centre - Assistance in the kitchen 10am -1.30pm Wednesday and 10am -12.noon Thursday, but hours to suit volunteer.

Wivelsfield Youth Group – Help for a qualified youth worker to run youth evenings. Age range for this group is 8-12 years. Any specific skills, e.g. IT, crafts, sports would be a plus but not an essential.

Prince's Trust – Mentors required to support 16-25 year olds to help them achieve their personal development goals, increase their skills and confidence, give practical support

For more information about these positions and many more opportunities to volunteer please contact Volunteer Centre, Burgess Hill 01444 870711

www.westsussexvolunteering.org.uk

Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network

RAYNET, the Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network provide communications services from local community events right up to major civil emergencies.

Eastbourne and Wealden RAYNET Group supply safety communications at a wide variety of events including the Beachy Head Marathon, the Lewes to Newhaven Raft Race & The British Heart Foundation 1066 walk.

The group is funded by annual subscriptions from its members and donations from the public.

For more information email alan.j-young@tiscali.co.uk  

Donations required at the Salvation Army Shop

The Salvation Army Charity Shop in Church Road, Burgess Hill now require more brick-a-brac and china.

They also need good quality furniture and electrical items.

A collection service is available if needed, call Della on 01444 258601 for more information

RSPCA - volunteers needed!

The RSPCA are searching for volunteer to help out with an array of tasks, ranging from fundraising, assisting in the shops and customer service to and having a say in key decisions as a branch trustee.

Many of the tasks they need help with could help you if you are struggling to find work to gain employment in the future or it could give school leavers and recent graduates that all-important work experience.

The RSPCA is a charity and receives no Government funding. It relies on members of the public to continue encouraging kindness and preventing cruelty to animals.

Experience is not necessary for many of the tasks, so whatever your forte in life, there should be something for you.

If you're interested in getting involved then they can contact the RSPCA enquiries team on 0300 1234 555, click www.rspca.org.uk or contact your local branch to find out more.

The Cuckfield Dramatic Society are after new members!

The club has been going for 17 years, and during that time they have lost many key members. Those remaining have grown older,(surprise!!) and they are particually short of young actors for their plays

They need two actors aged 18-24 to play a newly wed couple in their next play, Honymoon Suite by Richard Bean.

If you are looking for a new exciting hobby, and a chance to act on stage, they would love to hear from you!

Please contact Bob Bayliss on 01444 455430 for more details.

Haven pregnancy services – Burgess Hill

'Haven' are a local charity based in Burgess Hill who are a crisis pregnancy counselling service.

The services they offer include pregnancy advice and counselling, free pregnancy tests and post abortion counselling.

They also work with local schools and youth groups to raise awareness of pregnancy options and that there are advisers who can help.

For more information you can call 01444 233333 or click www.careconfidential.com/BurgessHill  

Heartbeat Hurstpierpoint and Hassocks

‘Heartbeat Hurstpierpoint and Hassocks' are a team that provide life support to those in need by responding to 999 calls sent through Ambulance Control. They are currently looking for Community Responders, who must live within the BN6 postcode area.

After full training, volunteers will be sent, when on duty, to attend 999 calls within the BN6 area.

Volunteers need to have a car and be fully mobile, able to carry equipment and willing to give a minimum of 4 hours cover a week.

If you'd like to find out more about volunteering for ‘Heartbeat Hurstpierpoint' and Hassocks, get in touch with the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill on 01444 870 711

The Sussex Ice skating Club - volunteers required

The Sussex Ice skating Club aim to provide ice skating opportunities for the people of Sussex by organising trips to various rinks and ice skating events, whilst raising awareness of the need for Sussex to have a permanent local rink.

The club are currently trying to recruit volunteers to fulfil a range of roles including a team of fundraising officers; a legal officer with knowledge of the legal aspects of running a club, membership and merchandise secretaries, a treasurer and a website coordinator.

If you'd like to find out more about volunteering for the Sussex Ice Skating Club, get in touch with the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill on 01444 870 711

Mid Sussex Community Support Group - Volunteers required

The Mid Sussex Community Support Group run a drop-in centre for people in the Haywards Heath and the surrounding villages who have had, or currently have, mental health problems.

Volunteers are needed to help with an arts and crafts session on Mondays between 4 and 7pm. The trust is also looking for an auditor to prepare the closing accounts and produce financial information for their AGM.

If you have time available, and you'd like to find our more about volunteering for the Mid Sussex Support Group, contact the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill on 01444 870 711

The Anchor Trust – specialist volunteer required

The Anchor Trust's “Staying Put” initiative helps the elderly, disabled other vulnerable groups live independently in their own homes for as long as they choose to do so.

The organisation is currently recruiting volunteer gardeners, plumbers and electricians to provide practical help in homes – and they are also looking for someone to provide office assistance.

The organization has been awarded for its efforts in looking after its volunteers – so if you'd like to find out more about becoming part of the team, get in touch with the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill for more information on 01444 870 711

Burgess Hill District Lions – volunteers required

The Burgess Hill District Lions are looking for more volunteers to help run their Book Den, which can be found in Church Walk, Burgess Hill.

They need people who can give up half days to help run the store – particularly on Mondays and Fridays.

If you have time available, and you'd like to find out more about volunteering for the Burgess Hill District Lions book Den, call John Gee on 01444 236558 or pop into the Book den, and leave your contact details with a member of staff.

The Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

The Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare near Lewes is appealing for new homes for the large number of cats and kittens currently at their cattery.

The centre currently has 23 cats and 29 kittens seeking new homes, but in a period of just eight weeks, they have had requests for re-homing over 100 cats.

Anyone interested in finding out more about homing a cat or kitten or other Raystede animals looking for new homes, should contact the Centre on 01825 840 252

The British Heart Foundation – volunteers required

The British Heart Foundation are looking for help in their Burgess Hill charity shop – doing things like serving customers - plus pricing, tagging and sorting items.

Experience of shop work would be an advantage but is not essential as full training is provided.

Hours are flexible, but commitment to a regular time each week is preferred.

If you'd like to find out more about volunteering for the British Heart Foundation charity shop ion Burgess Hill, call the town's Volunteer Centre on 01444 870 711

Southdowns Healthcare NHS Trust - befrienders required

Southdowns Healthcare NHS Trust provide healthcare in the community, mental health, learning disability and specialised children's services.

The team are currently looking for befrienders, to help provide company and social activities for children and young people with disabilities at their respite care homes in Burgess Hill and Chailey.

Volunteers would help with play, communication and with outings, which take place school during term-time, plus during the day at weekends and in the school holidays.

Potential volunteers would need to be regular and reliable, enjoy being with children, and have an attitude of respect for people with disabilities.

The role is ideal for a student or anyone who is young in spirit.

If you'd like to find out more about volunteering for the Southdowns Healthcare NHS Trust, call the Burgess Hill Volunteer Centre on 01444 870 711.

Cancervive - trustees and fundraisers required

Cancervive is a national charity based in Mid Sussex and was established to address the needs of anyone whose family or friends are cancer sufferers.

They are currently looking to recruit trustees and fundraisers to be involved in the growth and development of the charity.

Skills in a variety of areas would be valued - whether business, fundraising, finance, legal or health issues.

If you'd like to find out more about volunteering for Cancervive, call the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill on 01444 870 711.

Cruse Bereavement Care

Cruse Bereavement Care are looking for a ‘fundraising and communications coordinator' in order to help research funding opportunities and submit funding applications to relevant organisations.

The role would also include organising fundraising events, promoting Cruse in the local media and liaising with bereavement volunteers.

Much of the work could be undertaken from home but occasional travel would be necessary.

Applicant need to be literate; have experience in any of the required areas of work; have initiative and drive; be able to organise his or her own time and work as part of a team.

If you'd like to find out more about this post with Cruse Bereavement Care, call the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill on 01444 870 711.

Cancer Journey (Cuckfield) - Volunteers needed

‘Cancer Journey' is a Cuckfield based charity, which has been set up to ensure that everyone affected by cancer can find the information they need at the time they need it.

They provide a Helpline, open 10am - 4pm seven days week, as well as a website with a comprehensive enquiry service.

The charity is completely reliant on donations and proceeds from fundraising events - so volunteers are needed to organise (and assist at) local events, and help raise awareness of the service through distribution of leaflets.

If you'd like to find out more about ‘Cancer Journey', or you'd like to volunteer, go to www.canerjourney.org.uk

Age Concern - Saturday Club

Age Concern in Haywards Heath run a twice-monthly Saturday Club, which offers support to carer's of people with Dementia.

For nearly four years, the club has helped many carers enjoy a days break, knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and caring environment.The Saturday Club is open every 2nd and 4th Saturday in the month at the Age Concern Day Centre in Perrymount Road , Haywards Heath.It costs £15 a day to attend. The day centre provides a full care service, lunch, entertainment and refreshments within the cost. Transport can be arranged if needed too.

If you'd like to find out more about Age Concern's Saturday Club, get in touch with Nicky Cooksley at the centre on 01444 450 248.

National Talking Newspapers/Magazines - Volunteers required

'National Talking Newspapers and Magazines' is a registered charity which brings print to life by transcribing a wide variety of popular newspapers and magazines into a range of accessible formats for the blind or visually impaired.  Volunteers are needed to come into their studios in Heathfield to be the ‘voice' of various newspapers and magazines - which are then put onto CD and cassette.   No previous experience is required, but all potential readers will be asked to an audition to check their suitability. Full support and training is given.

If you'd like to find out more about volunteering for “National Taslking Newspapaers and Magaines” get in touch with the Volunteer Centre in Burgess Hill on 01444 870 711.

Cancervive Support Groups

Cancervive is a local organisation offering help to families, friends and colleagues of cancer patients. They hold 3 separate support groups all dealing with a different aspect of support. They also have a special support line, which is open every Monday and Thursday evening.

If you'd like to find out more about the services offered by Cancervive or you'd like to help them by assisting at some of their events, go online to www.cancervive.org.uk

Southdown Housing Association - West Sussex Signpost Service

If you're struggling to solve housing-related problems (such as debt, homelessness or anti-social behaviour from neighbours), there is an advice surgery in Burgess Hill that may be able to help. The West Sussex Signpost Service surgery is run by Southdown Housing Association, and is held on the second Friday of each month between 9.30-11.30am at the Burgess Hill Help Point in Church Walk. The Signpost Service is available to anyone who needs advice or support to help resolve their housing related issues. The facility provides telephone advice, face-to-face support, plus referral onto specialist care and support services.

For further information call 01403 263202, or head to their next Surgery in Burgess Hill.