Community Works an organisation that helps people looking to volunteer, and organisations looking for volunteers, to find each other have organised an event tomorrow, June 3 2015 to celebrate the difference volunteers make to the city.
IF volunteers were paid the living wage for their work in Brighton and Hove, then their donated time would be worth £44 million, every year.
The event will bring together citywide decision-makers with volunteer managers and volunteers to explore the impact and difference volunteers make to the city, and say thank you to all those who volunteer and participate in social action in Brighton and Hove.
The event is part of Volunteers’ Week which is an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK and takes place from June 1-7 2015.
Alison Marino, Sector Support Manager at Community Works, said: “The city benefits from volunteers giving over 5.7 million hours of their time, every year. But volunteers also greatly benefit. Volunteering is a great way to help a cause that you care about plus learn new skills and confidence.
“Community Works helped over 3,500 people apply to volunteer with a local organisation last year.
“There are nearly 30,000 volunteering positions in Brighton and Hove alone. So, whatever your interest there’s something out there for everyone!”
Volunteering helps people to make social connections and friends. It can also help to improve people’s health, and is a great way to develop new and existing skills.
By volunteering with a local organisation, volunteers can help run local services which support some of the city’s most vulnerable and isolated people and benefit from doing so themselves.
Volunteers are critical to the success of the city, and volunteering helps to build a vibrant, inclusive and giving place to live and work.
Through championing and supporting volunteering, the city will be better placed to address the needs of the city’s varied communities. It will also be better placed to solve the economic and social challenges the city faces.
Event: Community Works Volunteering Event
Where: Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1YD
When: Wednesday, June 3
Time: 3pm-5.30pm