Grants of between £250 and £5,000, which can be used to help overcome barriers that stop disabled people volunteering, such as lack of specific equipment or of suitable access, have been made available to charitable organisations as part of the Access to Volunteering Fund. The Fund, which was developed by the Office of the Third Sector as a pilot scheme in Greater London, the West Midlands and the North West, will operate between Autumn 2009 and Spring 2011. The first deadline for applications is 1 December 2009.

In addition to supporting disabled volunteers, the pilot will test different ways to apply for funds such as video applications and face-to-face pitches. The grant is being managed by a consortium comprising Charities Aid Foundation, RNIB and Digital Public.

Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, said: ‘Volunteering is an unbeatable way to build confidence and skills and we want to get as many people as possible volunteering – with or without a disability. We know that there are many barriers stopping disabled people volunteering and this targeted fund aims to overcome these limits.”

John Low, CEO of Charities Aid Foundation, which is overseeing the grants, said: ‘Volunteering enriches the lives of volunteers, the work of charities and the wellbeing of our society. Disabled people have knowledge, skills and experience that are invaluable when shared. I look forward to the success of Access to Volunteering and want to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the great opportunities it has to offer.’

For information on how to apply, and on how to become a member of a local assessment panel, visit the Access to Volunteering website
www.accesstovolunteering.org