One of the things I love most about working in the voluntary sector is that if you have a really good idea you can generally find a way to make it happen. It might take a while – things like our State of the Sector and Civil Economy work were on my wishlist for years before we were finally able to publish the finished work. But sometimes you can be taken by surprise at how fast you can go from the idea to it actually happening.
Volunteer Centre Manchester (VCM) is collaborating with not for profit organisation Manchester Community Transport (MCT) with the overall aim of improving the service MCT can offer to community groups and charities that work with the people of Greater Manchester.
The conflict in Syria has resulted in a genuine concern and sense of duty to help those suffering by every day people in this country and Manchester.
I’ve just come back from being on the BBC Breakfast sofa talking about volunteering. As is always the case with these things, it’s all very rushed and last minute and it’s over in a flash. Actually that’s one of good things in a sense because it gives you less time to panic! It was a great opportunity to fly the flag for volunteering in the middle of Volunteers Week and to talk about the sheer wealth of volunteering which happens in Manchester, as one exampleof the amazing work of volunteers across the whole country.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual campaign which takes place on 1-7 June and celebrates the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK.
This year is the 30th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week and it’s time to celebrate! To recognise the 30th anniversary we are using the number 30 as a hook and theme for the week. This is an opportunity for you to get creative in celebrating the work of volunteers in Manchester.
Last year was hugely successful thanks to all of you who took part and we want to make this year bigger than ever!
Could Manchester be Europe’s answer to America’s hippest city - Portland, Oregon?
Manchester has enjoyed solid economic success, there is now an opportunity for a ‘new wave’ to Manchester’s future. A new report A Civil Economy for Manchester, prepared for Macc by the think-do tank the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) demonstrates how this new wave is about unleashing the power of citizens, social and voluntary group.
A group of voluntary sector support organisations across Greater Manchester have this week issued a joint statement championing volunteering and defining the difference between people who volunteer and those who are on unpaid work placement schemes.
The group includes Volunteer Centres and voluntary sector infrastructure organisations across Greater Manchester who are increasingly concerned that the line between volunteering and unpaid internships or work experience were becoming blurred.
The Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF) is changing lives. Working with some of the North West’s most disadvantaged young people, the organisation has provided opportunity; the opportunity to aspire to – and achieve potential.
Potential can be about making friends, joining in, learning respect; potential can be about competing and winning, excelling (for a few) or achieving (for all) in sport, school and life.
Talk English is a new project which aims to help people with little or no English learn English and get more involved in the wider community.
They are looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers who want to make a real difference to people’s lives and teach English. As a volunteer ESOL teacher with Talk English, you will help people to improve their English skills by co-teaching a Talk English ESOL course alongside another volunteer in a community setting. Talk English Courses run once a week for up to 36 weeks.
Retrak’s vision is a world where no child is forced to sleep on the street. This is a big challenge, and they can’t do it alone.
They are recruiting volunteers to give street children a voice and enable them to save more children’s lives.
Retrak are a Greater Manchester based international charity which relies on local support. They are partnered with Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire Service, and now they are expanding in to the community to try and find more support for vulnerable children.