Volunteer Centre Opens its Doors
Residents of Chipping Norton and Charlbury are to set to benefit from a new Volunteer Centre, thanks to a funding boost from Oxfordshire County Council.
Following on from its success in the Witney area, Volunteer Link Up, the Volunteer Centre for West Oxfordshire, is extending its provision to include Chipping Norton, Charbury and the surrounding villages.
Established in 1983, Volunteer Link Up recruits volunteers for over 90 local organisations, as well as for its own ‘in-house’ projects, which include community transport and befriending.
In the last year alone, more than 600 people have been helped by the Centre.
Pat Chirgwin, Manager of Volunteer Link Up, said:
“We are delighted to have received additional funding to extend our services into the Chipping Norton area. Our research has shown that there are potential volunteers willing to provide their time, but with no idea how to offer their services. There are also a number of charitable organisations who are desperate to recruit volunteers.”
Commenting on the venture, the Mayor of Chipping Norton, Cllr Martin Jarrett, added:
“I am very pleased to see the establishment of a new Volunteer Centre in Chipping Norton, following the loss of Volunteer Connection.”
Volunteer Link Up plans to kick off its recruitment drive during Volunteers Week, a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering, which takes place from 1st to 7th June each year. On Wednesday 3rd June, the Centre will have a stand at Chipping Norton market, where local people can find out more about volunteering.
Potential volunteers can also call Liz Williamson, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 07545 923327 or pop into Volunteer Link Up’s office at the Highlands Day Centre, 73 Burford Road, Chipping Norton between 10:30am and 12:30pm on Thursdays for an informal chat (from 4th June 2009).
Tue 12 May 2009, 13:52 · Link