Volunteer Centre Greenwich exists to :

"Promote the value of volunteers and volunteering in the Borough of Greenwich, and ensure equality of access to volunteering for all people."

• Promoting volunteering to disadvantaged groups and individuals
• Providing information and support to all people seeking volunteering opportunities
• Providing information and support to organisations seeking volunteers
• Providing support and training to volunteers and those who work with volunteers
• Promoting good practice around volunteering

We do this by:
Providing a sign posting service for people in the borough of Greenwich that wish to volunteer through a unique network of "outreach posts" which provide accessible information and interviews locally, for people interested in voluntary work.

Servicing the network of registered groups and organisations. Any not for profit organisation can register their volunteering opportunities with Volunteer Centre Greenwich and have access to information, support and training in best practice in involving volunteers.

Promoting volunteering by attending local community festivals, leading on Greenwich Volunteers Week in June each year and providing talks and presentations to groups.

Developing innovative and new ways to reach all sections of the community through a range of develop projects.

Encouraging best practice and quality standards through providing a range of training workshops and published materials.

"Volunteering is freely given but is not cost free"

There is consensus that volunteering is not about doing favours for family and friends, nor is it about enforced or compulsory participation or financial gain. It is also clear that volunteering does not replace statutory obligations of local or national government or substitute the work of paid employees.

Volunteering is open to all sections of the community and has no restrictions in terms of age, sex, employment status, ability, ethnicity or sexual preference.

"Volunteering has been described as an important expression of citizenship and essential to democracy. It is the commitment of time and energy for the benefit of society and the community, and can take many forms. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain" (Government Compact: Volunteering: a Code of Good Practice)

Whether it takes the form of self-help, service to others, or spontaneous local activity, volunteering is very much a global movement which, has an incalculable impact on the local, regional, national and international community.

The economic value of volunteering in the UK alone, is an estimated £40 billion. The UK houses some 200 Volunteer Centres (formerly bureaux) which since June 2004, all share a common brand identity.

Nationally, there is increasing recognition of the role that volunteers and the Voluntary Sector can play in delivering high quality services and in contributing to civil renewal.

There are four principles that are fundamental to volunteering:

Choice: Each individual must be allowed to freely choose to volunteer or not. Encouragement to be involved in volunteering should not take the form of coercion or compulsion.

Diversity: Volunteering should be available to everyone and in all aspects should encourage diversity and inclusiveness. Everyone in society can overcome social exclusion barriers through gaining skills, experience confidence and contacts made whilst helping others.

Mutual benefit: Volunteers offer their contribution free of financial gain, but should benefit in other ways in return for their contribution - through out of pocket expenses, induction, training, skills and experience, preparation for paid employment or entry into further education, social contact, fun and the opportunity to input into decision making processes and local or national policy and practice.

Recognition: Valuing the contribution that volunteers give to the agency, to the community, the social economy and to wider social objectives is fundamental.

If you need any further information please contact us on 020 8853 1331 or email info@volunteersgreenwich.co.uk