Hi everyone

I’m Tanya the new Volunteer Co-ordinator, I am really excited to have joined the TSA, and set up the new volunteering programme.

I believe that through volunteering we can give more support and increase our services. I previously worked with volunteers for a number of years in a managerial and front line role, for a large charity where volunteers helped over 55,000 vulnerable young people.

They were an essential part of the organisation, and with over 7000 volunteers, they supported a number of programmes nationally, in a number of roles, from setting up volunteer meetings, one to one mentoring, creating local networks, assisting with all office/admin support, fundraising, speaking at public events, doing outreach in local communities, and many more roles. Apart from working generally with volunteers, I also worked with volunteers to set up intensive volunteering programmes for ex-offenders and care-leavers, offering one to one mentoring and support groups.

I am in the process of getting to know how the TSA works, and how you support each other, so we can look at where best volunteers can fit into the organisation. There will be a number of volunteering opportunities that will arise, which we will be advertising in the future on the website, Scan etc, with details of how you can apply.

I am also looking forward to attending the Annual Conference on 9th November (http://bit.ly/15FA1x60) , where I hope I will have the opportunity to meet a lot of you in person. I would also welcome any ideas or suggestions you have, around volunteering, and what you think would benefit the organisation. I will be available at the conference to talk or you can email me direct on Tanya.darnton@tuberous-sclerosis.org.

We all owe Jeans for Genes a huge debt of thanks for funding my post, to try and help us support more families affected by TSC. Jeans for Genes raises money for Genetic Disorders UK, the charity that aims to transform the lives of thousands of children affected by genetic disorders.  Jeans for Genes Day is an annual fundraising event that takes place on Friday 20th September 2013. Millions of office worker and school children will wear their jeans for the day and make a £1/£2 donation, with 23 charities benefitting from the funds raised. Find out more about this campaign here: http://www.jeansforgenesday.org/

I am very appreciative of the warm welcome that everyone has given me, and am impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm everyone gives.

I look forward to working with you, and will be keeping in touch.

Kind regards

Tanya