Anyone been an IPSEA volunteer?

[flyingmum]

Just wondered. They sent a letter asking for donations towards a new telephone system which I think is well worth donating towards as they do fantastic work. They also asked for more volunteers. I used so many volunteer organisations on the tribunal path last year and gained much from their support that I feel I ought to give something back but don't want to bite off more than I can chew given that I work and have two kids and a vague attempt at a life . Is anyone a volunteer or do you know roughly how much work it might involve?

Their website gives the time commitments for volunteers. It's quite full on.

im thinking of doing this when ds goes back into school, they have helped me so much over the last 2 years and i want to give something back, even if its just 2 hours a week on the phones.
im definately looking into this as soon as he goes back into school

I was (and am) interested in doing this. However I don't know how many hours a week you ahve to commit too. I suppose it takes quite a long while to train people up and they don't want to waste that. If I could ever get through to them I might be able to ask them direct!!!

FYI, I've looked on their website and it is a fairly big commitment. You have to undergo the training which is 20 hours of self study plus a two day course (which I think is fairly similar to the SOS SEN courses - full of legal stuff). You have to commit to at least two years and be able to man your phone for a minimum of one session a week for a three month period and undertake at least two three month periods. If you do tribunal work then you get five cases to oversee.

To be honest, I'm likely to be increasing my hours at work rather than dropping down so I'm not sure it is feasible. If anyone is out there who is a volunteer and has a different perspective it would be lovely to hear from you.