Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs are aimed to help answer questions asked by our users, including vulnerable people, representatives of vulnerable people, volunteers, voluntary and volunteer organisations, and other interested parties.
General
- Who is fulfilling my request for assistance?
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Volunteers may or may not be fully trained, some are people who want to provide assistance to others near them. However, every volunteer has their identification verified and are approved by a member of a verified voluntary organisation.
- Have volunteers been police checked?
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No, we do not routinely do these kind of background checks. This support is an informal agreement between you and the volunteer with support from the voluntary organisation they represent. Organisations do check identity and are there for you if you are unsure of anything.
You can contact GetLocalSupport.org via the contact page or contact an organisation directly using the details below:
DVVA
Telephone: 01382 305705
Email: volunteer@dvva.scot - Do volunteers carry any identification?
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All GetLocalSupport.org volunteers are issued with a digital identity badge (See example) showing that they are a DVVA volunteer through GetLocalSupport.org.
- Should I give the volunteer money for their help?
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No. Volunteers are doing this as choice and no money or other gifts are expected or required.
- Do volunteers get their petrol or other expenses?
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Yes, the voluntary organisations reimburse reasonable out of pocket expenses.
- What do I do if my request is no longer needed?
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A volunteer will call you once they have received your request details. Let them know that their services are no longer required.
- How do I make a donation to help the organisation?
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You can support your local voluntary organisation directly using the details below:
DVVA
You can donate to the DVVAs fundraising campaign for emergency food provision in Dundee through DVVA's JustGiving page. - Who do I contact with suggestions or complaints?
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You can contact GetLocalSupport.org via the contact page or contact an organisation directly using the details below:
DVVA
Telephone: 01382 305705
Email: volunteer@dvva.scot - Who runs GetLocalSupport.org?
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GetLocalSupport.org was conceived and created by Michael Carr and Barry White. The duo also run GoRoadie, a business that helps learner drivers find driving instructors local to them, all across the United Kingdom.
Volunteers
- Is there any training provided?
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No formal training is required but we do ask you to follow our guidelines which are provided in the GetLocalSupport.org platform.
- Can I get my fares or petrol money?
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Yes, DVVA pay out of pocket expenses. An expense claim form can be downloaded from your GetLocalSupport.org dashboard, completed and returned to volunteer@dvva.scot.
- Are volunteers insured for accidents?
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DVVA volunteers are covered by DVVA's employer's and public liability insurance, if they are following the guidelines they have been issued with.
- If I'm stuck with something or I have welfare concerns about the person I’m helping, who can I call for support?
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If you are having technical issues with the GetLocalSupport.org website please get in touch via our contact page.
For issues directly related the request you are fulfilling contact your voluntary organisation directly using the details below:
DVVA
Telephone: 01382 305705
Email: volunteer@dvva.scot - If people offer me money or a donation, should I take it?
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No, please don’t accept offers of money or gifts. You are a volunteer doing this without expectation of a monetary reward. If someone wishes to make a donation, please direct them to your voluntary organisation directly using the details below:
DVVA
The DVVAs fundraising campaign for emergency food provision in Dundee through DVVA's JustGiving page. - How do I deal with people who are rude or abusive?
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We would hope that this would not happen, but occasionally it might. Please be patient and understand that the person may have other issues going on that you/we are not aware of. Whilst this does not excuse bad behaviour, we would ask that you respond with kindness rather than in the same manner.
If you feel threatened, please leave immediately and report immediately to your voluntary organisation directly (details below).
If you are able to calm the person down, try to get to the bottom of why they are so upset and, if you can, assure them that you will take the issue back to DVVA and we will be in touch.
In all cases, please report this to your voluntary organisation directly using the details below:
DVVA
Telephone: 01382 305705
Email: volunteer@dvva.scot - What measures have you taken to ensure volunteers are safe?
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We have issued guidelines for our volunteers and information on how to keep safe as a volunteer during COVID-19. These guidelines are available on the GetLocalSupport.org website and were emailed to you by your voluntary organisation soon after you signed up.
- How can I prove I'm a volunteer and not just breaking the COVID-19 lockdown?
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All volunteers receive a digital identity badge by email shortly after they have been verified by DVVA.
- I'd like to volunteer, but I don't have a smartphone. Does that rule me out?
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No, but it can make using GetLocalSupport.org more challenging. All requests for assistance are sent to you via email, so as long as you have a computer with access to the internet, you will be able to volunteer via GetLocalSupport.org.
If you would like to support your local voluntary organisation in another way, you can contact them using the details below:
DVVA
Telephone: 01382 305705
Email: volunteer@dvva.scot - Can I claim Saltire Awards for completing requests through GetLocalSupport.org?
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Yes, if you are aged 12-25 years. For more information please visit: saltireawards.scot.