Orpheus would cease to exist without the large team of volunteers who undertake regular support roles at the centre. The commitment, enthusiasm and dedication of each of our volunteers has a fantastic impact and has contributed to transforming the lives of hundreds of young disabled adults over the past twenty five years. In 2016 our volunteers were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Orpheus please complete the Volunteer Application Form and a member of the team will get back to you by email or phone for an informal chat. Alternatively, you can call 01883 744664 or email: Volunteering@orpheus.org.uk.
Our minimum age for volunteering is 18 years. If you are part of an organisation or company that would be interested in supporting Orpheus, you can find out more in our Corporate Support section of our website.
Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all learners. As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022, online searches will form part of this process. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.
These posts are classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. They are therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service.
We have made a positive commitment to employing people with disabilities. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a person with a disability is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate.
All applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be guaranteed an interview.
Orpheus would cease to exist without the large team of volunteers who undertake regular support roles at the centre.
Volunteering provides an opportunity to put your skills to good use or to learn new ones. You will meet some wonderful people and enjoy helping within our supportive community. And most importantly, it is a way of using your spare time to do something worthwhile that makes a real difference to the students here at Orpheus.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, whether you are able to give up a couple of days as a one off, or a couple of hours a week in a long term position. As long as you have some spare time and enthusiasm, we would love your help. If you feel unable to commit to volunteering at this time but would like to support Orpheus another way, why not take a look at our fundraising ideas?
Read Ann’s Story
Thirteen years ago, I knew nothing of Orpheus. Then one day, in 2001, I was asked if I would direct Orpheus students in their Christmas show. Their usual director was unable to do it and my name was given as someone who could help. From the moment I arrived and was taken into the Barn to meet everyone I was hooked. There were only about 13 apprentices then. I thought the show would just be a one-off but to my delight, a few weeks later, I was approached to see if I would take on another project.
For the next few years, I continued directing end of term shows as well as running weekly drama sessions. Then as Orpheus grew and developed, I began to step back from drama and have taken on different roles. For the last three years I have been working with Jenny Musselle on her script-writing. She has been an inspiration to me and I count it as a privilege to help her develop her creative talents.
Finally, my latest role is fundraising. I give talks to local groups, sharing my enthusiasm for Orpheus and raising awareness (and money!) for the place that has been so much a part of my life for so many years.
I have been a volunteer at Orpheus since in 2013. I had run my own business for quite a few years and when I decided to retire I needed a new challenge to fill my time. I approached the Tandridge Volunteer Centre, a wonderful organisation who told me about The Orpheus Centre. Although I live locally, I knew very little about the college but was very interested in working with young people . On my arrival, I was thrown in the deep end as I was asked to accompany a group of students to do their weekly shop in Morrisons, this required a balance of being a friend who encouraged the students to make decisions and a surrogate mum who had to say no to massive bags of treats!
I initially started helping on the reception desk, a role which puts you at the very centre of the daily goings on, and was also involved in one classroom based session a week. I am currently helping the Butterfly Catering Company one afternoon a week; they have formed a small company to provide catering for both college and outside events, this gives the students really useful skills to take with them into the outside world.
Volunteering at Orpheus is extremely varied and takes as much or as little time as you have available, I have met hundreds of students who have inspired and entertained me, worked with many wonderful members of Staff and made great friends amongst my fellow volunteers.
The Orpheus Centre. North Park Lane, Godstone. Surrey. RH9 8ND
