This year, OneSlough is delighted to be joining communities across the UK to celebrate 40 years of Volunteers’ Week, as we look to inspire more people to make a difference in the community.
Vicki Atherton, Operations Director at Slough CVS said, “Volunteers’ Week is a time to recognise and celebrate all volunteers, showcasing the amazing impact they have on our communities and to encourage others to join in.”
This year, we are running a Volunteer Fair at the Atrium at the Queensmere Shopping Centre in Slough, on Saturday 8 June from 10am-1pm.
Over 25 local charities and voluntary groups will have a stand there, so it is a great opportunity to drop by, have a chat with them, find out what they do and how you can get involved. Causes include the environment, health, information and children and young people. Quite a variety! The Mayor of Slough, Councillor Balwinder S Dhillon will be joining us at 11am and saying a few words, thanking volunteers for their efforts.
The Volunteer Fair is FREE and open to the public, including regular volunteers or those completely new to volunteering. – families, students, professionals, and retirees are all encouraged to attend.
To take part in the Silent Disco Walking Tour of Slough, BOOK HERE
Tagreed Ismail, Volunteer Manager said, “Volunteering not only helps the community, but it is also beneficial to you too. There is something for everyone, whether you have a couple of hours a week to spare or more. There are so many opportunities — from event organising, supporting others with their IT and telephone befriending, to gardening and keeping our town clean and tidy.”
Studies have shown that volunteering increases a person’s life expectancy and giving back improves your own wellbeing and skills development. Slough CVS also runs the Volunteer Passport training sessions for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.
Find out more about volunteering at OneSlough – https://oneslough.org.uk/
Dolly’s Volunteer Story
“Since retiring as a Nurse Practitioner, I have continued to be involved in health and wellbeing, founding Living in Harmony, a wellness group in Slough, nearly 10 years ago, and as a Diabetes Champion. I am always on the look out for new volunteering opportunities, as it gives me immense satisfaction giving back to the community so I signed up to the #OneSlough Volunteering platform and entered my credentials. Recently I received an email from #OneSlough Volunteering asking me to apply for the position of Trustee at Crossroads Care Slough and two months ago I joined the organisation. As a trustee I work with the team to deliver efficient services, to provide high quality care in Slough.”
Rapide’s Volunteer Story
“I am an asylum seeker from the Congo and I decided to volunteer to gain new experiences but most importantly to find a community of people. I have volunteered at Slough CVS events and in a local Scope charity shop. Volunteering has made me happier and feel more connected. I have built my confidence, especially whilst talking, adopting and adapting to, and learning the British culture.”
Volunteer Story – how one volunteer gained confidence through volunteering