that sounds really frustrating Lorraine,

I'm not quite sure if "access to work" covers voluntary work but i do know all organisations with employees are responsible by law for health and safety so a risk assessment could have been looked at to resolve concerns and not made u feel unneeded.

As its only a fill in manager perhaps u can speak to usual manager about this?
I wouldnt want to work for that one tho'- doesnt give u much heart, she doesnt sound very understanding at all,

Direct gov is useful site and has lots info about voluntary work, maybe learn more about your rights from here, hope this link might be helpful?

http://www.direct.gov.uk.../Volunteering/DG_064299

Take care Lorraine, dont be too down ~ i think we all have some stories / experiences of these kinds of unhelpful attitudes,
Remember, it's not us, it's THEM!

Chin up xx Love Liz xxx

Hi Lorraine

I'm sure if you keep looking a suitable form of voluntary work will come up. Have you thought of helping in a school (although you will need CRB clearance)? They are always pleased to have any 'free' help they can muster, listening to kids reading for an hour a week or helping with a show, there's always lots to do. Great too because you get to meet knew people and have fun! Age Concern (in this area anyway) are always on the look out for people who will spend an afternoon "befriending".

Having been a manager myself I understand the reaction you got but I wouldn't have thought it was meant unpleasantly. She will have staff to organise and perhaps it would be unrealistic to expect others to give up till work to accommodate the needs of someone else. Everyone has a right to be treated equally and jobs shared accordingly. It sounds as though the job as a whole possibly wasn't suitable for you?

Don't let it get you down I'm sure you will have something to offer, right place, right time, right job! Good luck,

Lyn x

i do vol work for red cross .The only people interested was job centre .As they asked me .

i don,t declere it anywhere else as i don,t get paid .
christine