04/06/2010
Robin Walker MP dropped in to the Guildhall this Friday to show his support volunteers from a wide range of organisations that do good in Worcester.
The special fair was organised by Sally Ellison of the Worcester Volunteer Centre as part of the national Volunteers' Week, which runs from 1st to 7th June and celebrates volunteering, draws attention to the work of voluntary organisations and publicises opportunities for people to get involved.
On Monday, Robin will meet with members of voluntary organisations from across the UK at a reception at the House of Commons but he was particularly keen to first support the event in Worcester.
A wide range of local groups and voluntary organisations were represented at the Guildhall, ranging from Worcester Wheels, which provides mobility for the elderly and disabled, to the Samaritans and charities such as SSAFA and the British Legion which support the armed forces, to groups that bring young people together with the elderly for projects to improve understanding between the generations.
The new coalition government have made supporting voluntary activities a key component of their programme and want to ensure volunteering thrives as part of their vision for the Big Society. Voluntary organisations have welcomed the focus in the Queens Speech on supporting voluntary activity.
Robin said
"Volunteers do such a tremendous amount for Worcester, which is why it is great to have an event at our historic Guildhall to show them some of our appreciation. I am delighted to be able to support a gathering that showcases some of the good work being done by people who give up their time for free."
"I am constantly impressed with the huge amount of volunteering that goes on in Worcester and I want to ensure that volunteers know that their MP is on their side. As a candidate I campaigned for voluntary organisations such as Worcester Wheels when they needed help. As a Member of Parliament I see it as part of my job to make sure their voice is heard in Westminster and ensure that the coalition government lives up to its promise to support volunteering."
Notes to editors
Worcester Volunteer Centre
Worcester Volunteer Centre promotes and supports the local voluntary and community sector in Worcester.
It was originally established in 1989 as a volunteer bureau to recruit and coordinate volunteers. Over the years it has continued to develop and promote good practice in volunteer management and support. It has also extended its role by becoming a Council for Voluntary Service to promote and support the voluntary sector itself.
The first offices were in the Angel Centre in Worcester but they quickly outgrew these and, with the help of National Lottery funding, moved to their current premises at The Tything in 1996.
The centre has around 10-12 staff (depending on project funding) and directly manages approximately 160 volunteers within its own projects. In total they recruit and place around 400 volunteers a year.
Worcester Volunteer Centre is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Worcester Volunteer Centre is a member of:
•The National Association of Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) formally known as the National Association for Councils for Voluntary Services (NACVS)
•Volunteering England
•The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
For more information visit: http://www.worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk/
Volunteers' Week
Volunteers' Week is an annual event which celebrates the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK. The Week plays a huge part in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, while inspiring others to get involved too.
To highlight this contribution, there is a burst of activity during 1-7 June when a host of organisations from the public, private and charity sectors will hold parties and award ceremonies to thank their volunteers. and highlight their contribution to local groups and the wider community, while individuals are encouraged to use the Week to find out more about volunteering.
For more information on Volunteers' Week please visit : http://www.volunteersweek.org.uk/ | 
