WIREDGOV

The Minister is calling on people to give a little bit of their time to volunteer and gain new skills, friends, confidence and possibly have some fun along the way.

There is a huge range of volunteering opportunities on offer across Wales offering something for everyone. Whether it is nature conservation, volunteering with a youth group, in a care home or castle, organisations are looking for willing individuals to give something to the community and gain a great deal for themselves.

Making it easier for people to find information about volunteering is just one of the ways the Welsh Assembly Government is helping people deal with the impacts of the recession.

Radio and press adverts, local events and a Volunteering Wales website are currently being used to encourage individuals to volunteer and organisations to offer volunteering opportunities.

The Volunteering Wales website  gives information about how to volunteer, information about local volunteering opportunities and advice to organisations looking to recruit volunteers.

The campaign coincides with the 25th anniversary of Volunteers Week (1 – 7 June 2009) and will be run again in the New Year to help people realise their new year’s resolutions to volunteer.

The campaign was kicked off by the Minister at the Gellideg Foundation in Merthyr Tydfil, an award winning voluntary organisation that works to help families and individuals in the community to access more opportunities and to feel better about life.

The Minister helped to prepare a community lunch for Gellideg residents at St Luke’s Church.

Speaking at the launch, Brian Gibbons said:

“Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, gain confidence and possibly have a little fun along the way. It is also a great opportunity to try something new and gain new skills which could lead to a new career, a new direction in life, or just a new interest.

“Making it easier to find out about volunteering in Wales is just one of the ways we are helping people deal with the impacts, both economic and social, of the recession.

“There are a huge number of volunteering opportunities across Wales and everyone should be able to find something that suits them. Everyone should consider volunteering if they are looking to make changes in their life.

“We also want more organisations to come forward to offer volunteering opportunities.  It is an opportunity for organisations to get fresh ideas, bring in new skills, and enthusiasm.

“I would encourage everyone in Wales to consider giving a little to gain a lot.”

Fiona Liddell Volunteering Co-ordinator, WCVA, said:

"As a nation we rely on the contribution of volunteers in virtually every aspect of our community life. Wales would not be the same without its volunteers. This campaign encourages more volunteering, and everyone stands to gain - individual volunteers, organisations and communities."

Colette Watkins from the Gellideg Foundation Group said:

"For the last 11 years, local residents have worked together to improve the local community in Gellideg.  The majority of our staff also live in the area and we rely heavily on our many volunteers who have shown exceptional drive, energy and a real commitment to our mission statement: “the future of our community is ours to create."