Alzheimer’s Society calls for volunteers in Alzheimer’s Awareness Week

This week (6-12 July) is Alzheimer's Awareness Week in England and Wales.

Alzheimer’s is a physical disease that destroys cells in the brain and affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. It’s the most common form of dementia and is progressive, meaning that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged and the symptoms become more severe......more info [08 July 2008]

Out now – new Volunteering Directory

The Directory includes useful information about volunteering, frequently asked questions, and quick quizzes to help identify what type of volunteering would suit each person, as well as listing the hundreds of volunteering opportunities in South Bedfordshire.....more info [20 June 2008]

Keep Your Volunteers Happy – and they’ll stay, says new survey

Keeping volunteers happy is more important than recruiting new ones, according to a Volunteering England poll released to mark Volunteers’ Week 2008. An overwhelming 86 per cent believe that building relationships with volunteers is crucial – which may indicate an acknowledgement of the hidden costs involved in volunteer recruitment. Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1-7 June every year and celebrates the contribution of the country’s 20 million volunteers to their communities. .. more info [1 June 2008]

Core Strategy Community Forum Event

The Luton and South Bedfordshire Joint Committee would like to invite you to attend an event to discuss the further development of the Core Strategy.  The event will consist of three workshop sessions repeated over two days on Thursday 22nd – Friday 23rd May 2008 and we would wish to extend an invitation to members of the community....more info [15 May 2008]

TV Dragon wants you to Pitch Your Project

James Caan, entrepreneur and ‘dragon’ on BBC 2’s Dragons’ Den is backing a competition for local community groups in Bedfordshire and Luton. The Dragons’ Den style scheme, Pitch Your Project, is looking for organisations that benefit the health, wellbeing and fitness of their community with the support of volunteers. Whether it’s running a sports club, befriending scheme, or patient support group, if the project has a great idea for making a difference with volunteers, they could win £2000 cash when they present their project and ideas to a panel of experts... more info [08 May 2008]

Volunteering – Much More Than You Thought

Volunteering is a super way to meet different people, enjoy new experiences, learn fresh skills and have fun at the same time. Community groups and charities across South Bedfordshire need volunteers in all sorts of roles, so whatever your interests, skills or experience, there should be something perfect for you. Read on to find out more about the opportunities at the following organisations [5 May 2008]:

• Riding for the Disabled Association
• Toddington Area Helping Hands
• Walk 4 Health?

Spring is the Time to Garden

The weather’s warming up, it feels like spring – and it could be the perfect time to get out in the fresh air and enjoy gardening. If you don’t have a garden, yours is already lovely and tidy, or you just get pleasure from gardening, why not help a local community group, charity or school? There are dozens of volunteer gardening opportunities across South Bedfordshire... more info [25 April 2008]

Help Wanted

Do you sometimes find the days drag a little? Maybe the children are at school, or you’re in the house on your own because you’re not working or have retired? Would you like to get out, do something useful and meet new people?
Then, volunteering in a local charity shop could be just the thing. You get to meet lots of different people – customers as well as other volunteers and staff – while helping raise funds for a worthwhile cause... more info [18 April 2008]

Local Government Reorganisation

On the 6 March 2008, after much consultation by the Government, the Local Government Minister announced that the proposals for Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire would proceed to implementation, with new unitary authorities replacing existing councils on 1 April 2009. Read our Position Paper to see how these changes relate to Voluntary and Community Action and the sector as a whole in Bedfordshire...  more info [Updated 31 March 2008]

No Time To Volunteer? Think Again

Want to volunteer but unable to make a long term commitment? No problem – there are plenty of one-off volunteering opportunities in South Bedfordshire. A wide range of local groups are looking for volunteers to help with many different activities, so whatever your interests, there should be something to suit:

• “Cricketforce” weekend on 5th and 6th April?
• The Mayday Trust flats make-over in Leighton Buzzard, 6th to 9th May.
• Help organise an Oxjam music event during April to raise money for Oxfam?
• Several local groups are looking for volunteers to help children or families on a short-term basis.  F.U.N., Leighton Buzzard Mencap Holiday Clubs
• Or what about combining a holiday with volunteering for organisations such as The National Trust or CHICKS?

.. more info [14 March 2008]