On Tuesday 21 April over 60 people from our Voluntary Sector in Tameside, came together alongside public sector partners to celebrate volunteering and the difference volunteers make across our communities, every day.
James Mallion, Director of Public Health opened the event with a clear message, volunteering is essential to health and wellbeing of our communities, not least for the impact volunteers have in providing vital services and support, strengthening and connecting our communities but how it also offers purpose, connection and support to those who give their time, enriching their own lives in the process. Volunteering is hugely valuable, and needs to be recognised so, and despite people giving their time for free, volunteering is not. The commitment and energy that goes into supporting and nurturing volunteers also needs to be fully acknowledged and recognised.
We shared details of our newly launched Volunteer Celebration Fund, and how this fund can support VCFSE groups and organisations to say thank you to their volunteers, recognising their contribution, as well as the opportunity to attract new volunteers, and diversify their volunteer base.
We heard how volunteering at Carmel Café has helped individuals improve their employability, with some securing work directly as a result of their volunteering. We also heard from students at Tameside College about how volunteering is opening up opportunities to build career prospects while strengthening their connection to their communities.
We had vibrant and valuable table discussions focussed on expanding volunteering opportunities for young people, strengthening partnerships with businesses to unlock professional skills and resources for greater social impact, and exploring how volunteering can be more inclusive, ensuring everyone who wants to give their time has equal opportunity to do so.
“Keynote speaker set the tone for the event very well. The workshop sessions were very good for learning about new opportunities and connections.”
Sue | Mossley Community Centre
“Networking with the voluntary sector and partners. It was great to link and find out what work is going on in Tameside that we can work together on. Great ideas on how to increase volunteering and link with those who are not engaging, young people who are NEET and inequalities.”
Carol | Tameside Council Community Engagement Officer
A huge thank you to all who attended for sharing their ideas and ambitions for creating a better place for volunteering to grow and strengthen in Tameside.
If you would like to know more or get involved with the Tameside Voluntary Sector Summit visit: Tameside Voluntary Sector Summit | Action Together
