The European Foundations' Initiative on Dementia (EFID) launches the European Awards: "Living well with Dementia in the Community".

A group of foundations, composed of The Atlantic Philanthropies, the Fondation Médéric Alzheimer, the King Baudouin Foundation and the Robert Bosch Stiftung, join forces to launch the 'Living well with Dementia in the Community - European Foundations' Initiative on Dementia-Awards' in order to improve perceptions of dementia and to stimulate solidarity at the local level. The overarching aim of the Initiative is to contribute to a better quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.

Up to 10 projects will be funded with up to € 10.000. The application is to be filled in English as the Awards are pan-European and partners are required to communicate and exchange their achievements at the European level and amongst their peers. To apply, send your application by 31st August. The full call for proposals and application form are available on the NEF website:

http://www.nef-europe.org/content/12/nef-glad-announce-launch-efid-awards

Older people and volunteering Factsheet, EUROFOUND - European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, 15 February, 2011

Older people have typically been seen as the beneficiaries of voluntary activities. Indeed, the role of voluntary services is likely to become increasingly important in the context of cuts in state-provided welfare services and payments as a result of the economic crisis. However, increasing attention is also being paid to the contribution and potential of older people as voluntary workers. 

Volonteurope Reviews: The Value of Volunteering. Tamara Flanagan and Piotr Sadowski, London, 18 February 2011

OPINION of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) on combating homelessness. ECOS-V-001, 86th plenary session, 5 and 6 October 2010 

p 8 "41. Local and regional authorities should improve their support for the voluntary sector. Homelessness is a structural and policy problem that all public authorities must engage with, but where voluntary organisations also play an important role. Thought should be given to how the European Union can help voluntary organisations to play a more prominent role. The European Year of Volunteering 2011 should be used as an opportunity to raise awareness and explore new forms of cooperating with voluntary organisations on this important issue." 

OPINION of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) on the contribution of volunteering to economic and social cohesion. ECOS-IV-017, 73rd Plenary Session, 6-7 February 2008.

Since its opening in 1997, L'ENVOL pour les enfants européens has welcomed in the spring and summer close to 6,000 children (about 600 per year). All of them suffer from chronic and serious illnesses which usually confines them within a caring yet narrow world of hospital and family.

In twelve days in an exceptional setting, the domain of Echouboulains -- chateau, park plus 30 hectares complete with swimming pool and workshops -- the children discover a community through numerous activities. Their stay is safe: they benefit from constant medical supervision and a adult for every two children. This adventure allows them to live more easily with their illness and regain confidence in their bodies, their future and other people.

 

The involvment of many volunteers to insure the welcome of children with serious illnesses is a fundamental part of the spirit of L'ENVOL. About 30 volunteers participate at each of these camps. About 200 volunteers per year. They are totally involved in our mission for children. The volunteers are carefully selected, trained and managed by our staff. They support us to implement the activities at camp. It allows all those wishing to live a unique experience supporting children with serious illnesses.

There is a great need for volunteers, apart from taking care of children, on a permanent basis which covers the activities of doctors, nurses, activities leaders, etc. The duration of this support can be adapted to each case and the volunteer's time available.

 

The volunteers stay for a session in the center, attached to a group together with salaried counselors. Four counselors take care of eight children.

Volunteers are fed and lodged.

 

Volunteers'enrolment files should be sent to L'ENVOL according to the model given here: http://www.lenvol.asso.fr/IMG/pdf/Dossier_Benevolat_2011-5.pdf

 

Candidates must be more than 20 years old,  stable minded, strong and speak french. Like taking care of children is an other condition.

 

They can get additional information by calling Volunteer and counsellor Departement:
Christine Marques
Téléphone: +33 (0)1 60 73 58 72
Fax: +33 (0)1 60 73 58 59
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Measures for social inclusion of the elderly: The case of volunteering, Working Paper. Eurofound - European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, 2010

Inspiring people, improving places.The positive impact and behavioural change achieved through environmental volunteering with BTCV, 14 May 2008.

Changed Places, Changed Lives. The social impacts of environmental action. This report has been produced and edited for BTCV by Chris Church, 2007.

The report summarises the results of a collaborative research initiative involving BTCV and partners from the Black Environment Network (BEN)and the Evaluation Trust.

Volunteering as a tool for social inclusion of people with mental health problems. Policy position of Mental Health Europe - Issued on the occasion of Mental Health Europe's debate in the European Parliament on 17 November 2010.