Businesses are being invited to consider helping out with community projects as Volunteers’ Week approaches.
The national celebration of volunteers and their contribution to society, now in its 40th year, takes place from 3 to 9 June.
The VAST charity supporting the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire is taking the opportunity of making a timely appeal to companies.
It is highlighting the various ways in which it can advise firms on giving back to their communities through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment.
Different ways of getting involved include:
- Using team building days and staff volunteering to support local organisations with activities such as gardening, working with veterans and environmental projects.
- Fundraising for a chosen charity.
- Encouraging staff to use their skills as trustees.
All of these avenues can increase the sense of belonging for businesses, boosting the morale of staff.
Becoming a trustee of a charity can enhance personal growth and offer a sense of direction.
VAST works closely with both the voluntary and private sectors to broker CSR opportunities, matching local not-for-profit groups with teams of volunteers to work on community projects that will make a real difference.
The organisation, which offers free advice on volunteering strategy, has facilitated more than 900 volunteer placements since the Covid pandemic.
Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST, said: “Volunteers’ Week will be a fantastic opportunity for us to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to every single volunteer.
“At VAST, we’re passionate about volunteering which has a huge impact on not only the community-based organisations and charities that benefit, but also on the health and wellbeing of the volunteers themselves.
“It is a great way for people to increase their social contact, build their skills and confidence and to challenge themselves in many different ways.”
To find out more about VAST’s volunteer matching service or CSR brokerage please click here to get in touch.
