Jon Dean
Hiya. I'm Jon and I've come straight to Agents 4 Change after finishing my Politics degree. I'm looking to utilise Liverpool's role as European Capital of Culture to get young people volunteering in lots of exciting roles.
We've been working with the BBC recently, creating videos for their Liverpool festivals - such as Free Thinking, and the Electric Proms. If you go to www.bbc.co.uk/radio3 right now, you'll see Agents4Change volunteers staring in the promo vid! I'm also working with local music charities, putting on gigs and raising money.
This is as well as working on allotments and farms, working with military charities in Remembrance events, and supporting national CSV events, such as Make a Difference Day, and Don't Write Us Off.
Location: Liverpool (liverpool@comcats.org.uk)
Jon Dean's Events
Meet the VSO!
Posted on 18 May 2009 15:11:36 by Jon Dean
Liverpool residents interested in volunteering abroad with VSO are being urged to attend Meet VSO next week. The event will give local residents a chance to ask any questions they may have about volunteering with the leading development charity.
Wednesday 20 June
7pm
Friends Meeting House
22 School Lane
Liverpool L1 3BT
People who attend Meet VSO can talk to VSO staff to find out how their skills could be used overseas and get useful advice on the application process. It's also an opportunity to meet local returned volunteers and chat to them about their experiences.
Addaction takes to the Streets
Posted on 13 May 2009 09:11:02 by Jon Dean
‘Know More' Awareness Day - Friday 29th May 2009, 11am-3pm, Williamson Square, Liverpool
Liverpool Young Addaction is hosting ‘Know More'
Liverpool Young Addaction is hosting a massive city-centre awareness event and fun day for the whole community, which will help people to ‘know more' about the support available to young people struggling with drug and alcohol issues, as well as for their friends and family.
What will be happening? Throughout the day there will be live performances from the Everton Tigers, and a number of local dance groups and community art groups. There will also be a range of information stands offering free & confidential help and advice.
Why not come along & find out how you can ‘know more'?
www.addaction.org.uk
NorthWest Adam Clark Memorial Day
Posted on 11 May 2009 15:18:12 by Jon Dean
TUESDAY 12TH MAY!!
Join students and staff from all over the North West in Skelwith Bridge nr Ambleside.
The days activity is to support the Adam Clark Memorial Trust. A small environmental charity that is starting up and would greatly benefit from your support!
More info can be found on their website which is www.adamclarkmemorialtrust.org.uk but the day will offer a range of environmental volunteering opportunities.
Possible Activities will include:
stream strengthening
removing invasive species
bracken bashing
logging or chopping up logs
digging out roots and stumps
making pathways
development of the kitchen garden
You will need to bring
Waterproofs (waterproof trousers if you have them) warm clothes!
spare change of clothes if needed
wellies or boots, steel toe capped if possible a packed lunch and drink Thick socks Hat (unless jacket has a hood) Small towel might be a good idea in case hair/feet get very wet Plastic bag to put wet clothing/footwear in
You will be provided with:
Gloves
High visibility vest
tools for the day and instructions on how to use them water will be available
I appreciate its not much notice but just wanted to make sure you were aware of the opportunity.
Silver Surfers
Posted on 28 April 2009 10:39:12 by Jon Dean
On 15th May 2009, come join us for an informative inter-generational day, aimed at improving older peoples techniques on computers, mobile phones, and the internet.
Silver Surfers is part of a wider BBC campaign, running concurrently with the Digital Switchover Scheme, to improve older generations' use of technology.
Agents4Change want younger people to share their experience and their skills with BBC Radio Merseyside listeners, showing them how to use many tools, including:
- Ebay
- Test Messaging
- Brain training (Nintendo DS)
And much more
This event with take place at BBC Merseyside on 15 / 5 / 09, in two sessions, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Please think about giving any time you can.
If you think you would like to help out, please egt in touch for more information, and pass on your skills.
Get involved!
Wrral: Wet 'N' Wild ('N' Green Volunteering)
Posted on 09 April 2009 09:59:04 by Jon Dean
A dozen young Liverpool volunteers spent Saturday 18th April working on the Barstondale Outdoor Activity Centre. It was a terrific day, and the magical weather in the woodland kept us all entertained. Volunteers had to carry out river revetment, making sure the banks were suitable for school parties to swing and jump across!
The day was organised in tandem with BTCV and LCC, and volunteers had a great time. We also had to construct 2 dams to raise the water level, and make crossing the river that more exciting.
There are some plans to rerun this day in the future.
Mapping the City
Posted on 09 April 2009 10:04:55 by Jon Dean
The people of Liverpool are being asked to play a part in creating a special work of art to celebrate the legacy of the city's year as European Capital of Culture.
Highlighting Liverpool's local, national and global significance, international glasswork artists Inge Panneels and Jeffrey Sarmiento have been commissioned to create the Liverpool Map, researched and developed in conjunction with the people of Merseyside to go on display in the new Museum of Liverpool when it opens in 2010.
To uphold the map's close association with residents, the artists are including a community layer in their design, giving people the chance to add their own personal touch to the unique artwork which uses pioneering techniques to create a large multi-layered glass monolith.
People are invited to attend the Liverpool Map Handwriting Sessions, which will be held on Tuesday 14 April at Merseyside Maritime Museum from 1 - 4pm and Friday 24 April from 10am - 5pm at BBC Radio Merseyside. They will be asked to write creatively about Merseyside places that mean something to them, and copy out extracts of the Liverpool Saga poem; an 800 line poem written by people from Merseyside to celebrate Liverpool's 800th birthday in 2007.
Young Volunteers Needed to Give Others HeadSpace
Posted on 09 April 2009 10:33:12 by Jon Dean
The days when libraries were places where young people were shushed up and shooed out are over.
Knowsley Council is launching new spaces in its libraries where young people can relax, read a book, talk to their friends, or take part in an activity.
Local teenagers have been involved in the design of the so-called HeadSpace areas and young volunteers are being recruited to help run them.
Twelve year old Sarah Graham, is a member of a young people's group that has played a central part in the development of HeadSpace. She said: "I think it is a great idea that we have a HeadSpace of our own. You can escape all your troubles there and meet up with your friends, do homework and read."
Halewood Library is looking for more young people aged 11 to 19 years who are interested in accredited volunteering opportunities in HeadSpace.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Kate Deegan-Spragg 0151 443 4295
Ethical Crafts Fair
Posted on 27 March 2009 15:15:28 by Jon Dean
Thank you to everyone who turned out! Over £160 was raised for READ, meaning we can send hundreds of text books to schools in Tanzania.
There are plans to rerun the event in the future, so keep an eye out!
There will be an ethical trades fair on Saturday 28th March, to raise money for READ International, a charity who raise funds and collect school books to send to Tanzania.
Its from 11am till 4pm at the Liverpool Guild of Students Courtyard.
Loads of stalls will sell locally made arts and crafts, as well as ethically produced goods and food.
READ are a great charity and all prfits will go to sending school books to those in need of a greater education in Tanzania.
Asthma UK - Young Ambassadors Needed
Posted on 12 March 2009 17:30:43 by Jon Dean
Asthma UK is looking for 12 to 21 year-olds with asthma across the UK to act as ambassadors for the charity and champion issues affecting young people with asthma - the most common long-term childhood medical condition in the UK.
Volunteers will be encouraged to get involved with a range of opportunities to suit their interests, from raising awareness through local campaigning, raising money to support vital services for children, having their views heard as part of Asthma UK's youth forum or taking part in a youth conference later in 2009.
The ambassadors will receive training and support from Asthma UK and will be encouraged to use online social networking sites such as Facebook to communicate and share information with each other and their wider communities.
For further details on how to become a young ambassador for Asthma UK or to find out more about our Putting Asthma in the Limelight campaign, please call 0800 121 62 55, email getinvolved@asthma.org.uk, or visit our website, asthma.org.uk
North West Conservation Day at Beacon Park
Posted on 03 February 2009 11:40:40 by Jon Dean
Beacon Park in Skelmersdale is a huge country park with a rich and varied habitat of flora and fauna. Volunteers from all over the North West Universities pulled togther to work as the park rangers asked.
They came from Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Cumria, and Humberside to renew the parks wildlife. Description Volunteers spent 3 and a half hours with bow saws and cutters, to remove dying hazel trees from a section of woodland.
With different aninmals wanting different levels of growth it was important for the sustainable qualities of the forest!
Partner Organisations - Ta to all the North West Unis, and the Beacon Park Rangers. Big thank you to WiSCV of course!
The lunch queue was massive! Next time we need to order in even more of that delicious chicken curry.
Interesting anecdotes/quotes: "PUT DOWN YOUR TEA AND LETS GET CHOPPING!", said Jess from Humberside. Whereas our own Keith, from Liverpool Community College said, "This is the perfect way to get over my girlfriend dumping me. Hacking away at bits of dead wood in the fresh air is perfect!"
Hopefully, next time to Rangers need something doing to save the environment, or Keith has another bad relationship, we'll be back.
Environmental skills are a Big Issue in Liverpool
Posted on 04 March 2009 14:34:51 by Jon Dean
Agents4Change are working in tandem with the Big Issue Foundation Northwest to bring another green tinged volunteering event to you lucky people. There lies in Aigburth an allotment, once used, but now fallen to rack and ruin. And we're making it our duty to pick it up again!
Working with Big issue vendors from around Liverpool, we aim to develop this good site into a crop growing, vegetable busting, environment sustaining habitat, complete with wind turbine, and potting shed.
We are looking for budding, green-fingered volunteers to work with us EVERY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON (12-4) to implement all our plans for this site. We are encouraging volunteers big and small, experienced or not, to work with vendors, and develop skills in leadership, commitment, teamwork and green issues.
Please contact me for more info.
Park Ranger for the Day
Posted on 30 January 2009 12:18:44 by Jon Dean
Be a Sefton Park Ranger for the day! Agents4Change teamed up with Sefton Rangers for an afternoon of tree cropping and litter picking. A beautiful area of land at St Christopher's Wood, Netherton, wasn't looking its best, but Agents4Change were part of doing something about it!
Loads of volunteers turned up to collect on of the hugest amounts of rubbish you've ever seen. The event was even more impressive, because not one volunteer lived near the park, but were willing to clean it up anyway. The Sefton Rangers were super impressed with your work, and we owe you about a gazillion.
Well done to everyone - pictures coming soon!!
Fairtrade Fortnight
Posted on 19 January 2009 11:07:09 by Jon Dean
I wanted to grow a banana tree in England, but my friend said I might have trouble with the climate. So I told him: "I don't want to climb it; I just want to grow it."
From 23rd February until the 8th March, we will be running events in tandem with Liverpool Universities, schools, and colleges, in order to promote Fairtrade Fortnight, the Fairtrade Foundations annual campaign to increase awareness.
Student Volunteering Week
Posted on 19 January 2009 11:13:01 by Jon Dean
It was a crazy day for volunteers to meet with all that Liverpool has to offer in terms of community and arts involvement. With loads of events to take part in, and lots of networking opportunities, it was also a chance for the volunteer charities to meet and plan for the future.
Agents4Change were the busiest throughout the day, with our eye-catching display and stall. We of course won the title of most original volunteering stall, with our huge range of activities promoted and on offer on the day. There was bulb planting, which involved getting messy with soil but should turn beautiful in June!, a continuation of our Don't Write Us Off event, a conversation with young people about their issues, and their opportunities. And our giant brain getting all the headlines, from our volunteering with Radio 3 in the autumn.
University of Liverpool - big thank you for the space. BBC Liverpool big thank you for the coverage.
"I've seen loads to do today. I'm gonna get more involved. And it;s great to take a plant away! As a member of Greenfingers Society I love stuff like this!" said Rosa, a student, and newly signed up volunteer.
Liverpool's Got Talent
Posted on 19 January 2009 11:02:54 by Jon Dean
An incredible evening of giggles and talent, as 12 acts from Liverpools 4 FE/HE centres attempted to win the crown prize of Liverpools Most Talented Students, £100 of high street vouchers, and the chance to perform at local bar Korova. The triumphant act were Sticky Floor, Liverpool University's improvisational comedy act, who impressed the judges with the way they worked the audience and the stage with passion and confidence.
Ethical Fairtrade Fashion Fair
Posted on 19 January 2009 11:09:48 by Jon Dean
In association with Christian Aid.
More details to come.
READ International
Posted on 03 March 2009 12:23:21 by Jon Dean
READ International is a charity, nationally franchised amongst Universities, aimed at collecting old text books and sending them to school children in Tanzania.
The event went very well, hiring a minibus for the day. Volunteers had rang schools before to organise the collection of books, then collected them, before stacking and packing them for sending to Africa.
University of Liverpool, and several Merseyside schools were very helpful in this event.
READ now need to fundraise to send money to Africa. Check out the ethical trade fair on the 21st March; get in touch for more information.
If you're not on Merseyside, check for a READ International meeting in your area.
Carols by Candleilight
Posted on 05 December 2008 15:51:29 by Jon Dean
A Carol Concert, in the beautiful setting of St. Lukes Church (the bombed out church) at Berry Street, 6.30PM to 7.30PM, Thursday 11th December.
Broke and Broken - Students in the Red Engage the Public on Big Red Bus
Posted on 06 November 2008 17:01:27 by Jon Dean
Over 20 Agents4Change volunteers from Liverpool's three univerisites - University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores, and Hope - have joined forces, and taken to the streets of the city, for a day of campiagning about the financial crisis facing students at the moment.
http://www.lgos.org/news/index.php?page=article&news_id=33285
THIS IS A CONTINUING CAMPAIGN! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THIS CAMPAIGN, PLEASE EMAIL TO GET INVOLVED.
Santa Dash Liverpool 2008
Posted on 31 October 2008 11:09:54 by Jon Dean
What are you doing on Sunday 7th December? Dressing as Santa and running 5km to set a new world record, and support local charities, that's what!
WE ALSO NEED VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE SECURITY, AND STEWARDING ON THE DAY. pLEASE HELP US RAISE £££S FOR CHARITY!
Get your details now - email Jon Dean @ liverpool@comcats.org.uk
Get Mucky - Liverpool's Muddiest Weekend of Volunteering Yet!
Posted on 16 October 2008 12:43:14 by Jon Dean
ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT!
Agents for Change are planning a very special weekend of environmental volunteering at a local Liverpool farm!
In cooperation with the Liverpool Guild of Students, BTCV, and the Green Fingers Society, we promise you a weekend of fun and frolics, with a good dose of hard work thrown in.
This will be a great weekend, with a chance to meet loads of new people, and get back to nature with a weekend of volunteering for a special cause.
1918-2008: 90 Years of Remembrance
Posted on 16 October 2008 12:10:56 by Jon Dean
This November we celebrate 90 years since Armistice. We need you to help us be research assistants for the day!
Don't Write Us Off
Posted on 16 October 2008 13:31:32 by Jon Dean
On Saturday 6th December, our DON'T WRITE US OFF campaign will hit the streets. It's a national movement aimed at challenging the perceptions of young people, from all walks of life.
Big Brew Up to raise a Cup-ple of quid for SSAFA!
Posted on 22 September 2008 15:15:36 by Jon Dean
Agents4Change volunteers are needed for an event to warm the cockles of Merseyside gig-goers, whilsts rasing money for SSAFA, the Soldiers, Sailers, Airmen Families Association.
Volunteers present Liverpool's watery past!
Posted on 22 September 2008 14:49:19 by Jon Dean
Volunteers spent two sessions creating an underwater world to educate and celebrate in equal measure Liverpool's history as as coastal inlet.
Noise @ the New Picket
Posted on 17 September 2008 16:21:35 by Jon Dean
Legendary Liverpool venue The New Picket will host a celebratory evening for a local music charity, giving its graduates the chance to perform in front of over 250 screaming music fans!
Green Fingered Volunteers Help Restore Historic Liverpool Garden
Posted on 03 September 2008 12:47:41 by Jon Dean
A burgeoning new community garden is beginning to take shape in Liverpool, through the hard work of Agents4Change volunteers.
BBC Headroom Tent
Posted on 27 August 2008 11:12:48 by Jon Dean
Agents4Change Volunteers were integral to the sucess of a relaxation and therapy tent at the world famous Mathew Street Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Charity Shop in Wallasey Needs Your Help!
Posted on 05 August 2008 09:04:38 by Jon Dean
Wallasey Church Drop-in Centre is raising money so that it can continue to run its friendly, relaxed service which enables people with mental health problems to meet and chat with friends and to take part in other activities.
Home Grown Music Festival - Saturday 6th September 2008
Posted on 01 August 2008 14:10:43 by Jon Dean
On Saturday 6th September we need you to volunteer at the Home Grown Music festival.
Volunteer @ the Bluecoat and gain Artistic Experience
Posted on 28 July 2008 14:57:48 by Jon Dean
Volunteer at Liverpool's newest artistic space, and work with musicians, artists and performers.
Recycled skyline
Posted on 30 June 2008 09:50:44 by Jon Dean
Volunteers held a 'recycled art' workshop at the World Museum in Liverpool to raise awareness during Recycling Week in June.
Band raises awareness of recycling
Posted on 30 June 2008 10:39:57 by Jon Dean
Recycling was given a new twist in Liverpool with people being shown how to make instruments out of recycled materials.
World Neighbours Day in L8
Posted on 21 June 2008 14:40:33 by Jon Dean
Children's activities supported by volunteers at this cultural event for Housing Association residents.
Cancer Research UK Window-dressing Challenge
Posted on 21 June 2008 14:35:10 by Jon Dean
Apprentice-style challenge gives charity shops youthful edge
International Women's Day
Posted on 21 June 2008 14:51:03 by Jon Dean
We held a Celebration Event for survivors of domestic violence, with beauty and pampering treatments for women living in shelters, plus fun activities for their children, all provided by volunteers.
A Christmas Difference Made By Santa's Little Helpers
Posted on 21 June 2008 15:29:23 by Jon Dean
Christmas Toy Appeal given a helping hand by Agents4Change volunteers.
Big Buzz Youth Club gets a makeover
Posted on 21 June 2008 15:42:18 by Jon Dean
Big Buzz Youth Club gets a makeover
CSV Make A Difference Day S.T.A.R.s
Posted on 21 June 2008 15:35:47 by Jon Dean
Young students from the University of Liverpool and beyond volunteered their time to help destitute asylum seekers.
Dingle community centre gets ‘nip-tucked’
Posted on 21 June 2008 14:22:14 by Jon Dean
St Cleopas Community Centre and Sticky Fingers nursery get a much-needed makeover for CSV Make A Difference Day 2007
Big Bra'vo for Donations on Merseyside
Posted on 31 July 2008 12:49:19 by Jon Dean
Hundreds of bras have been donated to Oxfam, following a hugely successful artistic project to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. The exhibition at Liverpool's Lily Centre included many artworks using bras - including dresses made from bras, and pieces showcasing the fact that men can get breast cancer too.
Get Involved
CSV as volunteering opportunities all over the country. Click on our main website to see if there is something in your area. www.csv.org.uk
Updates
As the project has now finished we will not be sending out any more updates.
