The New Steve and Karen...?

Organisations, community projects and individuals, who had benefited from the selfless help of volunteers, were encouraged to publicly thank volunteers and show their gratitude through community radio.

Michele Armstrong 2D CEO and Lee Brownson Bishop FM Presenter

Michele, 2D CEO says: "For many local voluntary and community groups, volunteers are their lifeblood, and in some cases organisations simply wouldn't be able to function without the support they receive from their volunteers.  This is just one way of publicly recognising the fantastic work they contribute towards to their local community during this national promotion of volunteer's"

Michele continues "I would also encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to contact their local Volunteer Centre to find out more about the opportunities available. Volunteering is not just about giving; people get a lot out of it too. People benefit from the experience because they enjoy it, it offers them a new social life and they gain self-confidence. Many people also undertake training and qualifications and then move on to paid work."

For further information contact 2D on 01388 762220, visit www.2d.org.uk on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/2Dsupport

 Thinking about volunteering?

The Volunteer Centre aims to promote, support and develop volunteers and volunteering in the area. If you're thinking of becoming a volunteer the centre can provide information on the opportunities and range available.

Tel: 01388 762220

Or have a look on the Do-it website for a list of the opportunities available in your area.

Whether you want to gain experience, get promoted, or move into a specific field, volunteering can point you towards your future career.

Do you need experience or to improve your existing skills? Lots of people have found voluntary work has helped them find permanent employment. It offers a way to gain new skills or develop the ones you already have

Someone could benefit from your skills or experience.

Passing on your knowledge to an organisation or an individual is both helpful and rewarding.

You may want to volunteer to increase your own quality of life, confidence and social networks, or just have fun!

Volunteers can be of all ages- you can meet new people and get involved in all sorts of social activities.

Or, you may want to volunteer to simply improve your local area without having any interest in training or employment.

There are so many different ways you can help and if you enjoy it, you are helping yourself too!

Whatever the reason we can provide you with the advice and support you need to succeed. We offer:

• An area to chat confidentially, at our office or at a location of your choice.
• Information on volunteering opportunities, either in person, on the phone or on the web.
• Support for volunteers after placement and for people working with volunteers.
• Representation of issues concerning volunteers and voluntary work to local and national policy makers.
• Opportunities with local organisations whose work involves volunteers including community groups, health services, colleges, sports clubs etc.
• Targeted opportunities to members of the community who are under represented in volunteering. Ensuring that volunteers are not discriminated against and that volunteers are supported in their voluntary activity.
• newsletters featuring news, events & opportunities.

The range of opportunities is vast and, as well as local, national and international placements are also available.

 How we can help your organisation

We actively participate in, or organise events under the regional and national campaigns to market volunteering. Such as Volunteers Week and Make a Difference Day.

We promote volunteering through our newsletters, the Internet, in local and regional press, and information points throughout Teesdale and Wear Valley.

We have an extensive list of contacts from all sectors, which we frequently network with.

We are able to offer training in specialist areas to suit the requirements of each individual organisation.

The Volunteer Centre has 6 core functions:

Brokerage - the Volunteer Centre holds information on a range of opportunities with the aim of matching volunteers with appropriate volunteering opportunities. We also offer potential volunteers support and advice.

Marketing volunteering - we stimulate and encourage local interest in volunteering and community activity. This may include promoting and marketing volunteering through local, regional and national events and campaigns.

Good practice development - promoting good practice in working with volunteers to all volunteer involving organisations. We deliver training and accreditation for potential volunteers, volunteers, volunteer managers and the volunteering infrastructure.

Develop volunteering opportunities - working in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities.

Policy response and campaigning - identifying proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering. It will lead and/or participate in campaigns on issues that affect volunteers or volunteering.

Strategic development of volunteering - As the local experts on volunteering Volunteer Centres inform strategic thinking and planning at a regional and national level.