This year as part of National Volunteers Week in June, the City Council and Nottingham Council for Voluntary Service (NCVS) joined forces to host two celebratory ‘Volunteering Events’ in Nottingham.

The events which took place on 7th and 8th June, aimed to promote, recruit and most importantly celebrate volunteering, with a diverse range of groups/organisations represented on both days.

It’s the first year an event of this scale has been organised in Nottingham and the biggest event planned for the region.

On Saturday 7 June an interactive and fun celebratory event was held in The Old Market Square, 10-4, supported by Kemet Radio.

There was a full entertainment programme, including dance, drama and live music performances from community groups, workshop sessions, interactive 'tasters' of volunteering activities, demonstrations and stalls showcasing the work of local voluntary and community groups.

Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Culture Leisure and Communities said: "Volunteering is vitally important for the city and helps build stronger communities, one of the Council’s main ambitions. The events recognised the contribution of volunteers across Nottingham’s diverse communities and showcased some of the outstanding achievements and hopefully provided inspiration for others."

Kerry Quigley, a volunteer with Heathfield Tenants’ and Residents’ Group has been volunteering for several years and helps organise events for young people in the area: “I realised we needed to do something to give young people other opportunities instead of hanging around on the street corners. It’s taken five years but we’ve secured funding to develop our local park and build a community centre there. I’ve seen so much more happen than I ever thought possible – even if you can make a small difference, it’s still a difference.”

On Sunday 8 June, volunteers from all communities and cultures were specially invited to attend an event taking place at Nottingham Playhouse as a 'Thank You' and to formally recognise the huge role of voluntary action in the city. There was performances from a variety of local groups and an appearance by Robin Hood. The event was also be attended by dignatories from Nottingham City Council including Lord Mayor Gul Nawaz Khan, Councillor Jon Collins and Councillor David Trimble and representatives from NCVS.

The events represent one of the cross sector projects supported by Nottingham City Council as part of its ‘Compact Plus’ initiative. This aims to improve partnership working with the community and voluntary sector, deliver better local services and help improve the quality of life for Nottingham’s communities and neighbourhoods.

For more information on how you can get involved visit:

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/community_and_living/
communitydevelopment/community-buildings/getting-involved.htm

or

www.do-it.org.uk