VOLUNTEER ACTION DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Annual General Meeting


Wednesday 29 September 2010
5.30 pm

at the hub, 24-26 Friars Vennel, Dumfries

All Members Welcome

                                               Volunteers’ Week 2010

Local politicians have again taken up the challenge to give up their free time and help out at voluntary organisations throughout the region in an effort to promote Volunteers’ Week 2010 which runs from June 1st to 7th.

Russell Brown MP was the starter for Dumfries Splash Club Annual Gala, Elaine Murray MSP spent time with D&G Canine Rescue, Alasdair Morgan MSP spent time with the volunteers at D&G Aviation Museum. Alex Fergusson MSP spent time with the British Red Cross First Aid Team at Kirkcudbright Half Marathon, a group of British Red Cross Therapeutic Care volunteers, at Abbeyfield Stewartry’s Bothwell House in Castle Douglas and at the opening of Dalbeattie Visitor Information Point, while Katherine Elliott, Staff Reporter DNG helped the D&G Ranger Service at Dyke Farm Quarry, nr Moffat, Cllr Iain Dick helped sort cans at Stranraer Recycling Group and Volunteer Action’s own Viv Smith spent the day with Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust.

Russell Brown said “Most years I have supported Volunteer’s Week by helping out in a charity shop for an hour or two, which I always enjoy very much. This year was a little bit different, and just as exciting, as I had the opportunity to spend a whole day helping out at the swimming gala for disabled youngsters. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the event, particularly to see how much taking part meant to the youngsters who clearly enjoyed it so much.
 
“An event like that could not work well without the help of volunteers. Volunteer’s week is a really valuable celebration of the work volunteers do, and an opportunity to encourage more people to spare a wee bit of their time for a good cause.”
 
Alasdair Morgan said “Dumfries Aviation Museum is fascinating both as a visitor attraction and as a piece of local history. What arguably makes it even more special is that it is entirely managed by volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring the museum has a secure and sustainable future.
“Volunteers’ Week is always enjoyable for those who take part, but it is also important to highlight the huge contribution that volunteers make to every part of society and to let folk stop and appreciate how much happens in their communities because volunteers make it happen.”
Comments from Elaine Murray MSP of her time with D&G Canine Rescue:
“I am a great dog lover and the canine rescue centre do a fantastic job. I had a great afternoon taking the dogs out and seeing how well they are looked after.

“The dedication of the volunteers was inspiring and they obviously care deeply for the animals.

“They rely on volunteers to raise funds and keep the rescue centre going so I would encourage all dog lovers who want to do something worthwhile to lend a hand.”

In Wigtownshire Cllr Iain Dick spent the day at the Stranraer Recycling Project, and Viv Smith of Volunteer Action spent time out in the wilds with Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust, while Staff Reporter DNG Katherine Elliott spent the day with D&G Ranger Service at Dyke Farm Quarry, nr Moffat.

The volunteering challenges were laid down by Volunteer Action, the local Volunteer Centre dedicated to promoting, supporting and developing quality experiences of volunteering for individuals and communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway.

Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering which takes place from 1 – 7 June of each year and provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of volunteers and thank them for the vital contribution they make to community life.

Training & Support Officer, Christine Clarke explains: “All of the VIP Volunteers who were approached were delighted to take part. It’s a great way for them to get real hands on experience of volunteering, while also supporting Volunteers Week and Volunteers. In fact, it’s such a tradition now that they look forward to us contacting them.” Christine adds, “VIP volunteering helps to promote the huge range of volunteering opportunities available throughout the region and, equally important, to highlight the tremendous amount of quality volunteering that goes on.”

In addition, Volunteer Action distributed 358 Volunteers Week Certificates and 50 long service certificates to 59 Voluntary groups across the region.

O2 THINK BIG

O2, in partnership with the National Youth Agency and UK Youth, has launched the programme, which will award cash-in-hand grants for young people to make a difference in their local communities. Youth Scotland is supporting the project by  delivering training for successful applicants to help them get their project up and running.

FAST is a project that delivers free health related training all over Scotland to youth-workers. It is Accessible -FAST will come to you. Fast Forward have been active for more than 21 years and their areas of expertise are developing and promoting peer education, substance misuse education and prevention. For more information email Gael or tel 0131 554 4300.

HEARD OF GIRLS ON THE MOVE? NOW THERE’S BOYS ON THE BEAT

Boys on the Beat is a new programme being developed by Youth Scotland in partnership with Sports Leaders UK, which will involve a residential dance leadership course for boys and young men. This is currently at the planning stage, with the course due to take place this summer.

Do you work with/ know of any boys or young men that might be interested? To register your interest in this programme, please email Philip Ritchie , Youth Participation Development Worker or tel 0131 554 2561. 

Young Scot is looking for 500 young people between the ages of 11 and 26 to become members of an online expert panel that will help shape everything that Young Scot does. Membership will last for one year and will involve optional monthly online tasks. If you know any young people who would be interested in joining the Hot 500, then encourage them to visit the Young Scot 500 website .