Teaching young people how to play a tune on the guitar or helping others with their reading and writing skills are just two of the volunteering opportunities available in the local area.
A major drive is underway to recruit more volunteers to community projects run by Falkirk Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) team. There are already 150 volunteers involved in the projects but another 30-50 are needed to help out.
The drive will conclude with a volunteering information event that will be held at Falkirk Town Hall on Thursday 29 January. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can drop in between 2pm-8pm for lots of information on the opportunities available and how to get involved.
Council staff will be at the event to chat to anyone about getting involved and what’s in it for both volunteers and the communities they help. They will be joined by some of the volunteers currently working on a wide range of projects, including:
- Music
- Literacy
- ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
Councillor Alan Nimmo, spokesperson for Education, said: “I hope this recruitment drive brings more volunteers into our projects as their contribution is invaluable to both the success of some of the services that the CLD team provides and the lives of the groups and individuals they work with.
“For young people, volunteering is a great addition to their CV’s and for older people it’s a chance to put their skills to good use. For anyone, it’s a great way to give something back to their communities.”
A volunteer will be matched to projects based on where they stay and their skills and interests. On top of basic training, there is also a wide range of free training courses available to volunteers that can lead to further opportunities, including:
- Everyday First Aid
- Professional Development Award in Youth Work
- IT
- Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults
- Supporting adult literacies learners
To find out more about volunteering or to register an interest in getting involved, call 01324 504450 or email volunteering@falkirk.gov.uk. Visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/volunteering for more information.