LEAGUE LAUNCHES TRAINING DRIVE FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Ebac Northern League has today launched a new training programme for volunteers at its clubs.

The programme is being run by local training company SMARTT (Specific Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound, Training) and will involve sessions covering a range of issues including:

• Health and safety/risk assessments,
• food safety,
• fire safety and marshalling,
• first aid,
• customer service, and
• control of hazardous substances.

The training programme has been organised by league treasurer Frank Bell who is also chairman at Consett where the courses will be held.  He said:

“As a league we are always looking to help, improve and support our clubs.  Volunteers play an essential part in the running of our clubs and it’s vitally important they are trained across a range of areas.

“As a club we already work closely with SMARTT in providing training for our staff and we are very grateful to Durham County Council who have provided the funding to allow us to run these courses for free for participants.”

Barry Joyce, managing director of SMARTT, added:

“Many clubs struggle to fund this kind of training so this is a great chance for them to have their volunteers able to deal with health and safety issues.

“The training sessions will include practical activities and by the end of the course, participants will gain qualifications.  We think both the clubs and their volunteers will benefit enormously from taking part.”

Courses start on June 10 with both daytime and evening sessions for up to 10 people available.  Participants need to be aged 19 or over and live in County Durham.  Clubs will be approached directly to see if they want to take part.