Volunteers' Week is taking place this week and it is a time to recognise and thank volunteers in Blackburn with Darwen and beyond.
During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life in our borough have taken the time to volunteer and have made a huge difference to people and their communities and neighbourhoods - just as they do every year.
We'd like to encourage everyone to take the time to thank anyone that volunteers in your community. The coronavirus pandemic has rightly raised the profile of volunteering and more people than ever are aware of the immense contribution being made every single day by our volunteers. That is why, on this 38th annual #VolunteersWeek, it's time to say: thank you volunteers!
Later this week, Community CVS is going to be announcing the nominations process for our annual Community Volunteer Awards Ceremony - keep an eye out for the announcement which will be coming out on the 3rd June.
Blackburn Festival of Making
Could you be a Festival Maker?
The National Festival of Making is taking place in Blackburn on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June - and volunteers are integral to its continuing success.
Q: WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL OF MAKING?
A: A national celebration of making in Blackburn Town Centre
We take over Blackburn town centre with an explosion of maker and digital technologies, have-a-go workshops, food stalls, international performance, art exhibits, music, food and markets.
Last year 100+ volunteers helped us attract 30,000 people visitors and make splash on national television. This year we need your help to put Blackburn on the map with an even bigger, brighter and bolder festival, bringing together Blackburn’s communities for a brilliant celebration of creativity.
Q: WHAT CAN I DO?
A: There are lots of things to experience at the National Festival of Making and we have many roles to reflect this
Barnado's are seeking a Store Assistant to work at their shop on Railway Road in Blackburn. The volunteer will be assisting for at least two hours in an afternoon or afternoons of their choice.
The very first Blackburn Pride event takes place on Saturday 18th June and the Committee are keen to recruit volunteers to help clean up after the event (due to close at 7.30pm).
Blackburn United are seeking to form teams for youngsters aged 6-13 coming through their Development Academy, and are looking for volunteers to manage those teams. The club will provide any qualification required and if necessary, pay for expenditure incurred or a reasonable payment for their given time.
There are a wide range of volunteering roles available at Blackburn Youth Zone, including: Art; Music & Media; Sports; Gym; Admin; Drivers; Events & Fundraising.
There are a number of current volunteer roles which the Canal & River Trust are keen to recruit for.
The first of these is a Lead Volunteer, for five hours, and Taskforce Volunteers, for four hours, every other Thursday to lead the Blackburn Towpath Taskforce.
There is also a Volunteer Lock Keeper role at Blackburn Lock Flight, to serve for four to eight hours per week as part of a rota.
Please contact Beth Cropper (for the Lead Volunteer and Lock Keeper positions) or Nick Turner (for the Towpath Taskforce Volunteer) to get involved or learn more.
Are you fluent in English and one or more South Asian community language? Could you spare some time from Monday to Friday to help interpret on behalf of Newground Together Employment Advisors and their clients?
There are sessions coming up in June for Lancashire Violence Reduction Network's Trauma Informed Lancashire workshops, which are free of charge for people working in health, social care, VCFSE etc.
Now in our 5th year, the Community Volunteer Awards are a successful collaboration between Community CVS, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and a number of amazing local organisations who kindly sponsor the event.
As part of the annual volunteer week celebrations we will be launching this year’s event and opening nominations on Friday 3rd June.
Whether it’s a sports coach who gives up their evenings and weekends, a group that makes a real difference to where you live, or a supportive neighbour you just couldn’t cope without, or a local business that goes out off its way to help their local community – please nominate them for the Community Volunteer Awards 2022
The awards aim to recognise those individuals, groups and businesses whose efforts have a big impact in their local neighbourhoods. There are 12 categories including the Good Neighbour Award, the Young People’s Award and the Community Involvement Award - with a total of 21 awards up for grabs.
★ For any information please contact Donna Talbot on 01254 583957 or alternatively drop her an e-mail.
A massive thank you to the sponsors of the Community Volunteer Awards 2022: -
Volunteering Support: Our bulletin is a small sample of what it is possible to get involved in as a volunteer. If you would like to get support to match your interests and skills to suitable volunteering, please get in touch with Yasmin Patel who can arrange an appointment for you.
Digital Drop-in: We offer free and friendly help to enable you to 'get online' or get help with basic internet skills– whether it is to search and apply for jobs, get an email address, sort out bills and banking, or access benefits and support. Offered Monday to Friday. Contact us to book a place by calling 01254 583957 or e-mailing Javeria Amjad.
Action for Jobs: If you want a helping hand to learn new skills, get more confidence, become a volunteer to gain experience, access training and get a job, contact us to join our Action for Jobs Project. Call us or send us an e-mail.
If you're in Darwen, Miffy Clegg holds a drop in every Wednesday at Café Hub from 11am to 2pm. Contact Miffy to learn more.
Fast 4wd: If you are on a journey to recovery from mental health or drug and alcohol issues, we will provide additional recovery support for you. Contact Steve Foden on 01254 583957 or via e-mail.
Community Asset Fund: If you are a group that would like a grant to support recovery activities in the community, the BwD Recovery Collaborative's Community Asset Fund is offering grants of between £500 and £2,000. If you'd like more information, please get in touch with Marselle Davies.
Volunteer Managers: If you would like to promote your volunteering opportunities in our bulletin, attend our network meetings or seek advice on good practice contact Kate Lee.
Community CVS Network: Additionally, our Community CVS Network meets on a monthly basis and furnishes an opportunity for the sharing of expertise and knowledge. The next meeting is on Thursday 23rd June. Contact Donna Talbot to find out more.
If you would like more information about any of our services please ring us on 01254 583957 or drop us an e-mail.
