Council recognised for its quality volunteering programmes

Community Centre volunteersCity of York Council has been awarded the coveted ‘York Charter for Volunteering Mark’ which recognises the high quality of its many volunteering programmes.

The Charter for Volunteering Mark has been set up by York CVS as a way of helping to raise the standard of volunteering programmes across the city. The council is only the second organisation to be awarded the Mark, following the National Railway Museum’s success earlier this year.

The council supports a network of around 1,700 volunteers who lend their time and expertise in a wide range of opportunities linked to the organisation. These include snow wardens, school governors, mentors for looked after children, walking and cycling leaders and volunteers who support adult learning and projects in parks and open spaces.

The Mark has been awarded for the quality of the volunteering programmes which are assessed against eight different charter principles. These standards include offering opportunities which are safe, enjoyable and of a high quality. All council volunteers have a voice and benefit from a supportive network of around 40 dedicated volunteer leaders. Most importantly the programmes make a real and positive contribution to improving the lives of others in the city, as well as offering personal development opportunities to the volunteers themselves.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism with responsibility for Volunteering said: “We’re proud to accept this Charter Mark which recognises the professionalism of our volunteering programmes. The award confirms that volunteers who can give even a little in any of our programmes can expect to get a lot out of it and we’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be able to volunteer to get in touch with us.”

For more information on volunteering with City of York Council contact Michal Czekajlo, Volunteer Co-ordinator on michal.czekajlo@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551841

Volunteers help brush up council housing schemes

cat-ripped-wall-paperA day’s painting by four teams of volunteers from a York training company is set to brush up communal areas at four City of York Council accommodation schemes.

A communal bathroom and two hair salons at three of the city’s sheltered accommodation schemes plus a computer training room in a supported hostel for the homeless will each get a fresh coat of paint by staff from EDGE Services.
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Exciting opportunities for police volunteers

North Yorkshire Police is looking for volunteers for a number of exciting opportunities across the county.

John Padbury at desk

Police Support Volunteers are much valued members of the policing family who give up their free time to help the police keep North Yorkshire one of the safest places in the country.

They carry out various roles from ensuring our vehicles are equipped and ready for the road, to quality checking our interaction with victims of crime.

North Yorkshire Police has a strong history of volunteering with many committed people who go the extra mile to help the police protect the communities of North Yorkshire.

Sarah Weatherstone

The force are looking for community-spirited people who have a few hours to spare each week and can assist them with a number of roles including vehicle checkers in York, drivers in the Thirsk area, a volunteer manager in the Scarborough area and a number of county-wide opportunities for people to carry out feedback surveys with victims of crime.

As part of the policing family, you will join a team of like-minded people who are committed to helping their local community as well as making new friends and getting an insight into the work of your local police service.

North Yorkshire Police’s Chief Officer for Citizens in Policing, Mike Maiden, who is also a volunteer, said: “Being a volunteer can be extremely rewarding and by joining the police service you will have a unique experience of volunteering.

John Padbury bag

“You will be supporting your local police force, and in turn, help members of the public who are often at their most vulnerable. Your support will allow officers and staff to concentrate on their priorities of providing a service to victims, preventing and detecting crime and bring offenders to justice.

“You will also get to meet some great people and be part of a committed team of people who provide significant benefits to the police service.”

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, added: “This is a great way for people to support the work of the police and help in making people feel safe and be safe. Volunteers do a fantastic job and are an important part of the policing family. If you have some time and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.”

Sarah Weatherstone

Details of the role opportunities:
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York libraries seek volunteer helpers

Acomb Explore Library

Acomb Explore Library

York Libraries are seeking volunteers to help with a range of activities.

Examples of areas where residents could help include:

• Help with the Archives ‘A City Making History’ project

• Help read stories to under 5s (all libraries except York Explore)

• Help us with the annual children’s Summer Reading Challenge

• Help out at author events

• Help with shelving our books (all libraries except York Explore)

• Help with our regular booksales

• Help to get people online and learn computer basics

 

More details can be found by clicking here.

York Libraries are being privatised by the Labour run Council.

While generally we want to see residents fully involved in their local libraries, it would be a shame if professional standards were jeopardised.

Libraries should continue to be the centre of our local communities.