Other opportunities
As well as the 'mainstream' projects described on other pages, local RSVP organisers run a huge variety of more unusual and imaginative projects.
- 'City Can Cycle' in Brierley Hill, West Midlands. RSVP organiser John Lane collects and refurbishes unwanted bicycles, then donates them to his local community - see sidebar for more details.
- 'Stepping Stones Project' in Mill Hill, Outer London North. RSVP organiser Bill Ibbotson has formed a partnership with the Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation, to provide regular free cooked meals for the homeless.
- RSVP volunteers in Bridgend, are working in the Young Persons Unit at Parc Prison and Young Offenders Institution. They supplement the work of the education team in the unit by giving support with literacy, numeracy and life skills such as gardening, cookery and painting and decorating. Although still at the pilot stage, there are plans to develop the project further by providing enrichment activities for 18-19 year old young offenders, to enable a smooth transition on release back into the community.
- 'In Touch' in the London Borough of Camden, is a telephone befriending service available to people over 50 living in the borough. Telephone conference calls enable people with common interests to talk and listen in the same session. The latest group is a telebook club - the group reads then discusses a monthly book choice.
If you have an idea for an unusual project that is dear to your heart, we would love to hear from you.
