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Volunteer Opportunity – First World War Project

picture of WW1 soldiers

GM 1914, Manchester's WW1 History website

What would I be doing?

The people of Greater Manchester were involved in the First World War at home and in combat. The war had profound effects on families, working lives, medicine and on democratic rights.

You would be supporting the archives service by bringing these war and home front stories to life by:-

•    Researching archive and local studies collections
•    Digitising archive and local studies collections
•    Transcribing archive and local studies collections
•    Blogging about your work
•    Giving support for promotional events and exhibitions
•    Providing specialist expertise or knowledge on a particular project

(Placements may include one or more of these tasks, which will be agreed prior to the placement)

When can I do my Archive volunteering?

Volunteering opportunities are mostly during office hours: Mon-Fri 9-5.
There may also be opportunities to volunteer from home, usually on projects which involve word processing, transcribing or indexing.

 
Where will I be volunteering?

Volunteering opportunities are available at archives and local studies departments across Greater Manchester. Please contact Nicky Crewe on 0161 832 5284 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on how to apply in your area. Occasionally we hold events at outside venues.  If you are over 16 and interested in getting involved alongside archives staff then this could also be part of the opportunity

Who will be there with me?

Archives and library staff at Greater Manchester archives and local studies departments. Other archives volunteers

Support and review

Regular support and guidance will be given by a named contact.  There will be a 4 week trial period to ensure that all is going well – another volunteer opportunity may be suggested if the trial period has shown that this would be better for both parties

Training, resources and information

A full induction will be given, and further training offered where appropriate in blogging, digitising, social media and image software.

This opportunity would suit someone who has some of these skills:

•    Good communication skills and enthusiasm
•    An understanding of ICT and the ability to assist others in the use of ICT
•    A passion for history / genealogy / the First World War
•    An attention for detail
•    Works well with others
•    Able to carry archives for short durations and distances
•    Willingness to adhere to security and preservation guidelines

What will I get from volunteering?    Some of the benefits are:

•    Gaining experience of working with, researching and digitising archives
•    Gaining interpretation skills in reporting on your work
•    Opportunity to increase self-confidence
•    Valuable training and experience in social media, digital images and blogging that can be included in CVs and job applications
•    Satisfaction from helping people to discover and enjoy archives

If you are interested in getting involved please contact:

Greater Manchester County Record Office : Nicky Crewe, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or contact your local archive:
Bolton: Julie Lamara, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bury: Gill Paxton, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Oldham: Joanne Robson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rochdale: Julian Jefferson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Salford: Duncan McCormick, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Stockport: Margaret Myerscough, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tameside: Larysa Bolton, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Trafford: Karen Cliff, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wigan: Alex Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.