FISH - Helping Us

Volunteering

We are very lucky to have a large group of caring and considerate volunteers but we are always looking for more as the local ageing population requires more assistance.  The more volunteers we have, the more people we can help.

If you could spare some time - whether as a driver, bus driver, home visitor or in the office, we would love to hear from you. 

How much time you give is entirely up to you.  Being a FISH car driver is a particularly flexible way of volunteering- jobs are sent out in a daily email to all drivers and you click on any that you feel able fulfill and there is no obligation to take on anything which you are uncomfortable with or cannot fit in (jobs vary greatly from taking someone to the health centre for a quick blood test, to driving to Oxford for a more lengthy appointment). It is also very rewarding.  It is a great way to meet a broader cross-section of the local community, most of whom have lived in the local area for many decades and have fascinating stories to tell as they are on their way to the hospital or the dentist.  All our clients are extremely appreciative of all that we do and knowing you have had a positive impact in someones life is a good feeling! 

Please get in touch via our contact page to find out more.

We like volunteers to claim back any expenses. If the money is not required then it can be treated as a donation and we can claim Gift Aid on the sum. This money can then be taken into our general fundraising.

Donations/Legacies

As well as depending on volunteers, FISH is completely self-financing. We receive no public grants, and are able to offer our services to the community funded entirely through donations and legacies. Our main item of expenditure is the running and replacement of our mini-bus. With the current usage, we aim to replace it every 5/6 years at a cost of approximately £45,000.

If you are considering making a donation to FISH, first of all, thank you!

There are a few ways you can do this. For  small loose-change donations, we have collecting tins around Sonning Common, Peppard and Emmer Green - you can find them:

Donations by Cash/Cheque

We are happy to receive donations by cash or cheque in person at the FISH office (or via post for cheques only - please don't post cash). Cheques should be made payable to FISH Volunteer Centre

If you would like to support us on a regular basis we are very grateful for standing orders. Simply complete the form below and send it to the FISH Office and we'll do the rest for you.

 Standing Orders 

Gift Aid

If you are a UK tax payer, you can increase your contribution to FISH by 25% through Gift Aid. This is at absolutely no additional cost to yourself.

Simply complete the form below and pass it on to FISH, we can then claim additional tax relief directly from the government on your behalf.

 Gift Aid 

Having a Clear Out?

You can help us to raise funds by donating unwanted items which we can either sell or auction.

We can make use of your unwanted gold, silver and costume jewellery, watches, bric-a-brac (no jumble) and antique pieces.

Just take any items to the FISH office, or give them to one of our volunteer drivers. For anything that requires collection, please call the FISH office.

Legacies

You can consider other ways to help us - many people leave us a legacy which is instructed in their will, and we are registered with Memory Giving where you can make a donation in memory of a loved one.

Memory Giving is recognised by almost all funeral directors and makes giving in memory simple and respectful. You can create a message to accompany your gift. 

The Memory Giving website or your funeral director will give you all the information you need to make your donation.

However you choose to support us - thank you! Your help enables us to help others.