Often raise awareness of issues and campaign on behalf of the client group (e.g. press the government for additional funding).
Also promote equality for the client group challenging discrimination (e.g. within education).
1 of 11
Support
(+)
They can provide befriending services to give emotional support to clients which professionals within the statutory sector may find themselves with little time to do
2 of 11
Experience
(+)
Often the volunteers have had personal experience of the situation themselves. This helps them understand the personal needs and issues of the clients and can educate clients and their families about their issues
3 of 11
Expertise
(+)
Often the experts of different issues are the voluntary services. They're often less bureaucratic which means needs can be met more quickly - more responsive
4 of 11
Stigma
(+)
Clients don't feel they are being labelled when using a voluntary organisation particularly a self-help group
5 of 11
Meeting of Specific Needs
(+)
Very often the special needs of groups in society cannot be met by the huge and impersonal health and welfare services. This is where the voluntary groups fit in. They fill the gaps left by statutory provision.
6 of 11
Patchwork
(-)
Voluntary services provide an uneven spread of services. The area is best covered are the ones which are more attractive (looking after children), while others attract less interest (older people). The more effective an organisation is at raising its prof
7 of 11
Geographical Variations
(-)
One place may have more provision because the group is more enthusiastic
8 of 11
Inadequate Funding
(-)
Often the funds are uneven or inadequate. This results in an insecure service with inconsistent standards. Funding varies annually so they may be able to provide services one year and not the next year (e.g. a day centre may have to close down and clients
9 of 11
Duplication
(-)
The tasks that a voluntary organisation sets out to do are often performed by a statutory agency - some confusion can result if close cooperation is not used
10 of 11
Lack of Proper Accountability
(-)
Many voluntary organisations are subject to less public scrutiny. It can result in unsatisfactory, inefficient or dubious practices being less likely to be spotted
11 of 11
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
They can provide befriending services to give emotional support to clients which professionals within the statutory sector may find themselves with little time to do
Back
Support
(+)
Card 3
Front
Often the volunteers have had personal experience of the situation themselves. This helps them understand the personal needs and issues of the clients and can educate clients and their families about their issues
Back
Card 4
Front
Often the experts of different issues are the voluntary services. They're often less bureaucratic which means needs can be met more quickly - more responsive
Back
Card 5
Front
Clients don't feel they are being labelled when using a voluntary organisation particularly a self-help group
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