Hundreds sign up to Volunteering Richmond (From Your Local Guardian)

Hundreds sign up to Volunteering Richmond

7:00am Thursday 9th August 2012 in Richmond By Rachel Bishop

Caring residents have flocked to sign up for Richmond Council’s new volunteering scheme, with more than 300 on board already.

The Volunteering Richmond programme kicked off its introductory tour of the borough this month at a launch in Richmond Lending Library, with more events to follow.

The council’s cabinet member for community business and culture, Councillor Pamela Fleming, said: “Our aim is to make it easy for people to get involved in volunteering at a very local level. Volunteering Richmond will work closely with the voluntary sector to offer people roles that interest them and that are suitable.

“We have a thriving voluntary sector in the borough and community minded residents which is an excellent mix.

“There are so many different opportunities to get involved in from gardening projects, helping out at events to spending time with senior residents who may just need a friend to talk to – there are many more options depending on the time you have to spare."

Volunteering Richmond has more than 300 organisations signed up and 120 opportunities available.

Carla Diego-Franceskides of Volunteering Richmond said: “We have been really impressed by the level of interest in Richmond from both businesses and residents for getting involved in volunteering and giving back to the community. There is a really genuine desire to get involved.”

Visit volunteeringrichmond.org.uk or call Volunteering Richmond on 0300 3659940.