The Prime Minister’s Big Society of the future is already alive and well in Huddersfield. From fund-raising and befriending the lonely to serving meals on wheels, thousands of volunteers a year are involved with charitable projects. HILARIE STELFOX talked to just a handful of the many who give of their time to others

VOLUNTEERING appeals to different people for many different reasons. Some want to hand something back to society; others need to feel useful or fill their time productively.

For a growing number, including those made redundant or unemployed, volunteering enhances a CV or offers a way to gain valuable work experience

But having acquired the volunteer habit, many find they don’t want to give it up.

“National research has shown that once you have volunteered you will do it again, even if it is years later,” says Sharron Wilkinson, outreach and development worker for the Kirklees Volunteer Centre.

With between 50 and 60 enquiries a week, the centre in Lord Street (following funding cuts now open only on Tuesday and Wednesday) matches volunteers with organisations.

“A lot of people do still think that volunteering is all about working in a charity shop but there is so much more,” said Sharron.

“Mentoring schemes are very popular,” she added, “also projects such as working with the victims of crime. A lot of people want to help others and give something back.”

The volunteer centre also assists new charities and organisations to meet the increasingly complex legal requirements of the Charities Commission.

“If your aims are charitable and you have raised £5,000 then you need to register with the commission,” says development worker Elaine Peaker.

“Everything is more regulated now, to prevent fraud and bad practice, which is a good thing, but it can be tricky for organisations to sort out.”

As many as 2,500 would-be volunteers a year find their way to the centre but the total number of volunteers in Huddersfield is much higher.

“We also have an internet site that people can look at and some charities run their own volunteering recruitment,” explained Sharron.

Until earlier this year the centre had a Vinvolved scheme for young people between the ages of 16 and 18.

“Unfortunately, funding for this was lost and there is now a huge gap. We know there are teenagers who want to volunteer but we can no longer help them,” she added. “A lot of voluntary groups and charities are in a sticky situation at the moment, even ourselves,” said Sharron.

“But we have managed to hang on and we are looking to develop social media to promote one-off opportunities. We are also recruiting mentors to support people who want to volunteer but need help.”

If you would like to become a volunteer, check out opportunities on http://www.volunteeringkirklees.org.uk/ and www.do-it.org.uk/

The Volunteer Centre can also be contacted on 01484 226608.

HAND TO MOUTH Puppet Ministries offers volunteer opportunities for those sympathetic to the Christian faith.

It is an unusual venture, taking religious instruction into primary schools through the use of puppet theatre and puppet-making workshops.

Founded by Barbara Dixon and Margaret Redfearn 14 years ago and based in Bradley, the organisation takes its Christian message to 25,000 children each school term. It has two paid staff and a team of 150 volunteers who help with project work in schools.