We maintain a comprehensive database of the organisations that we help find to new volunteers. The organisations we support cover a very wide range of activities including environment and conservation, services for the elderly, young people and disabled, arts and community projects, and campaigns.

The Volunteer Centre is a partner in the Local Area Agreement.(LAA) With the support of the LAA we aim to increase the number of volunteers active in organisations across the county. We recently conducted a survey of groups who use volunteers and found that there are more than 28,400 active volunteers, contributing at least two hours each week.

Who volunteers? Almost anyone can; retired people, people who work part-time or are not in regular employment, students and young people, just about anyone who wants to get involved in their community or an activity that interests them. Many people who have started as volunteers have gone on to find employment in an organisation or activity.

What are the benefits? Many community organisations and events simply could not function without volunteers. Think of the services provided alongside those of government and local authorities, or events at your school, church or club. Most rely on volunteers and usually need more help if they are to achieve more. For the volunteers the work can be fun as well as rewarding with the opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills. Many people become very committed to the organisations they help.

The Volunteer Centre, as well as having an office and contact point in Dorchester, has two outreach workers who also run drop-in sessions around the county.

Contact details:
The Volunteer Centre, 1 Colliton Walk, Dorchester DT1 1TZ Tel: 01305 269214.
www.volunteerbureau.org
dorchester.vb@btopenworld.com

Dianne Cooper, Outreach worker for North Dorset. Tel: 07918 639011
Karen Jones, Outreach worker for West Dorset. Tel: 07918 639012
Jim Hart, Increasing Volunteering coordinator. Tel: 01305 269214