HUDDERSFIELD Library played host to a major volunteers’ fair.
And the aim of the event was to raise awareness and support for local voluntary organisations and charities.
The fair, which is a part of the UK’s 25th annual Volunteers’ Week, provided a platform for local charities and organisations to showcase the kind of jobs on offer.
The library was crowded with stalls, as organisations as broad as The Scouts, ChildLine, The Nerve Centre, Reading Friends and St. Johns hoped to capitalise on the annual volunteer drive.
Frances Bolton, volunteer co-ordinator for the town centre-based National Children’s Centre, said: “The Volunteers’ Fair has been extremely good.
“These events are key for networking with other organisations as well as the local people. There should be more of these events”.
Volunteers week is a national initiative designed to raise the profile of volunteer workers across the country, whilst hoping to inspire others to join in.
Started in 1984, Volunteer Week has grown across the country, with more organisations joining each year.
What do the volunteers themselves get out of the experience?
Ferhat Bano, a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “It gives you a very broad base knowledge, and can lead off into many different roles.
“It is extremely fulfilling to help”.
Many of the organisations offer plenty of incentives to tempt volunteers. There is also practical training and experience to be gained, which can help volunteers with future job perspectives.
The event did a great job of promoting local charities and organisations. Volunteer David White hopes it will encourage more to join. “I think we have appealed to people who hadn’t previously thought of volunteer work”.
He added: “This event may have helped people who wanted to volunteer but not known how to.”
The fair was arranged by Volunteering Kirklees.
If you are interested in volunteering, call the centre on 01484 226608, or visit www.do-it.org.uk
