A Pound Of Flesh

[nailit]

How much flesh does society want?
Been trying for the last 16 months to get a bit of voluntary work but because ive got convictions no one will touch me despite the fact that ive done loads of voluntary work in the past. Now im a ******* leper (or at least it feels that way).
Sorry if the tone of this post seems a bit negative, had a couple of drinks after yet another course of 'positive thinking' to get a job.
Just need to unload a bit because my head is hurting after banging it against the wall for so long...
*waits for the 'you shouldnt have broken the law' brigade to come along*
On the bright side its been a glorious day :-)

[DTCwordfan]

see nailit, there are some cracking ideas here...pixie's just one.

[nailit]

sounds great Pixie, wish it were here...

[tonyav]

Best of luck, nailit. Hope something turns up for you soon.

[pixie373]

Google it, or say which county you're in? They are all over the country.

[pixie373]

Here you are- click on "Find your local Mind"
http://www.mind.org.uk/

[askyourgran]

Best of luck nailit, keep trying and don't get down about it, come on here instead.

[Buenchico]

Volunteer Centres specialise in matching volunteers with suitable opportunities. They will know lots of organisations in your area that are seeking volunteers (and they'll know their recruitment policies, so you won't be asked to consider somewhere that is likely to refuse your help). Find your local Centre here:
http://www.volunteering.org.uk/where-do-i-start?view=map
(I've assumed that you're in England but there are probably similar bodies on other parts of the UK).

[queenofmean]

What about going back to college and learning a trade or is there any place that offers an apprenticeship scheme or something similar - that could open many doors too

[Buenchico]

PS: A further thought. DBS checks are only relevant where children or vulnerable adults are concerned. Charities that, for example, rebuild dry-stone walls, maintain countryside footpaths or help to renovate historic buildings shouldn't have such checks involved in their recruitment procedures. (Indeed most charity shops shouldn't have either, unless perhaps they have adults with learning difficulties, or schoolchildren doing work experience, working in those shops).

[nailit]

Thanks for link Pixie.
Really dont mean to be rude to anybody but have been down that route so many times in the past year or so. All these organizations claim to take anyone regardless but when it comes to it, its a different story. mention certain convictions and then its 'oh, we are there for you but we cant accomodate you ourselves in any kind of employment (paid or otherwise)'
got convictions you know........arrrrrrgggghhhh. GIVE ME A F***** BREAK.
PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSE

[nailit]

Buenchico..//Volunteer Centres specialise in matching volunteers with suitable opportunities.//
My local volunteer bureua got sick of me been there. I was sent there by so many different organisations it got ridiculous. And now im with a scheme organized by my local probation service and they want to send me to....the same f**** place again.

[nailit]

as regards charity shops please see my previous posts about trying to get with a charity shop and asking for a crb check. (never heard back from them).
Checks or no checks once its known youve got a record no one wants know.

[black_cat51]

well you only have 2 choices really
1) keep trying
2) buy a big tv and settle back for a life on benefits :)

[seadogg]

To be fair to voluntary organisations, their hands are tied regarding who they can use. The one I work for has to insist on a CRB check as the ages of the people it helps can be quite low. In spite of this there is no element of being judgmental.

[tamborine]

Sorry to read of ur work probs. You were thinking of being SE earlier, what work did you have in mind. If we knew the area you lived, your interests & abilities we might come up with more ideas. work is hard to find for lots at present.

Dont drop from ur hi-rise coz you might land on my head ;)

[nailit]

Thanks Tambo. By SE I presume you mean self employed?? Certainly something Ive looked into but at 48 funding is hard to come by though i'd certainly be interested in pursuing.
//what work did you have in mind. If we knew the area you lived, your interests & abilities we might come up with more ideas//

Done loads of work with the elderly in the past both paid and voluntary. Experienced driver (0ver 25 yrs, clean licence, everything up to 7 1/2 ton inc minibus etc. Stoke on trent area, also experienced paintor and decorator and DIYer.
There's got to be something godamit...

[sherrardk]

Do you have transport? If so, get on FB - offer reasonable odd jobbing, small house clearances, gardening (tidying). We've been down more than once and have managed to keep going. Easy to say, but keep positive!

[tamborine]

Painting & decor suits me, r u nr Windsor

[tamborine]

Helz belz, stoke is north Watford but u can live in my caravan free for 2w while u paint my house.