A CHANCE to find out how to help Wokingham is coming next week, thanks to a volunteer fair.
Like a number of specialist charities that helps people across the borough, the Wokingham Volunteer Centre has recently moved into the new Charity & Community Hub based in Waterford House at Erfstadt Court, off Denmark Street in Wokingham Town Centre.
The facility brings together many organisations under one roof to provide high-quality support, information and advice to people who need it.
And as each of the charities based there relies on volunteers to deliver support, it makes sense for the Volunteer Centre to seek new people to step forward.
A volunteer recruitment fair will take place on Wednesday, March 23, at the hub, from 11am to 2pm.
Entry is free, and no booking is required.
Helena Badger, volunteer services manager at the Wokingham Volunteer Centre said: “The pandemic has been tough on us all.
“The last two years has really seen us all work together and we really want people to keep the feeling of community going.
“Local charities are busy supporting those who desperately need help and volunteers are an essential part of what they all do.”
She continued: “Volunteering really does change people’s lives; both those who volunteer and those who are helped by volunteers. It can help you gain new skills, meet new people, test the water for a career change, allow you to give something back and help a cause you really believe in.
“Volunteering can be very flexible and fit around other commitments. Some roles are regular, other more ad hoc, there really is something for everyone.
“I really can’t describe how good volunteering can be, come along and find out for yourself.”
Organisations attending include: The Link Visiting Scheme, which provides befrienders for elderly people who have become isolated; Homestart, which provides friendly, non-judgemental support to families; ABC to Read, which provides trained volunteers to local schools to read with school children; CLASP, a user-led learning disability charity; the Citizens Advice Bureau, which provides independent support and advice to those who need it; First Days, which provides support to families with very young children; Promise Inclusion, supporting children and adults with learning disabilities; Involve, who run several projects, including social prescribing; Involve, which runs schemes such as the Cancer Support Network and Social Prescribers; and Green ‘n’ Tidy gardening Scheme, which provides volunteer gardeners for those who are elderly and vulnerable.
To find out more, or to discuss volunteering in general, log on to: www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk , call: 0118 977 0749, or email: volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk
