Local people helping their communities through volunteering

Wiltshire residents are invited to have their say on a plan which aims to increase the number of people getting involved in their local communities.

“Local people helping their communities through volunteering” is the title of draft volunteering plan, which is out for consultation from the beginning of April to the end of June.

John Thomson, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council who chairs the steering group, said: “Wiltshire has a well-established tradition of volunteering. We are very encouraged by the joined-up approach we are taking to develop volunteering across the county. Volunteers make a significant contribution to the economy of our county and to our communities”

The plan aims to make a wider range of volunteering opportunities available to people of all ages, backgrounds and interests, throughout the county. It was developed by a group of people who support volunteering drawn from the public sector, businesses, charities and communities.

The opportunities include activities such as mentoring a young person, helping in a play group, befriending an older person, fund raising, driving a mini-bus, helping to preserve wildlife, or helping out at your local library.

Vanessa Wells, from Volunteer Centre Wiltshire, said “This plan represents a unique opportunity for local people to recognise how volunteering is at the heart of the community. We are developing a wider range of opportunities to suit everyone regardless of your skills, interests and reasons for volunteering.”

The volunteering plan can be viewed through the council’s consultation website http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal, by contacting the volunteer centre on 0845 034 5250, or emailing the council’s volunteering development manager, Karen Scott, at Karen.scott@wiltshire.gov.uk