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.
Past events listing
Santa Dash Liverpool 2008
Between 31 October 2008 and 08 December 2008, in Liverpool
Agents4Change volunteers are encouraged this year to join Liverpool, as we aim to break the world record for the largest ever Santa Dash! 5km running as Father Christmas will not only help you shed that unwanted poundage before Xmas parties, but meet loads of new people, and give your time for Charities who may not have as easy a Xmas as others.
The Liverpool Santa Dash has the BBC Radio Merseyside Trust and CLIC Sargent (Century Radio) as official event charities for 2008. As part of the entry procedure you will automatically be asked to raise a minimum of £20 for these charities.
WE ALSO NEED VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE SECURITY, AND STEWARDING ON THE DAY. pLEASE HELP US RAISE £££S FOR CHARITY!
Have Fun, and join thousands of other young people froma cross the city. Run as Santa! Get Involved.
Posted on 31 October 2008 11:09:54 by Jon Dean
Halloween Goes Green On Allotment
Between 29 October 2008 and 29 October 2008, in Sheffield
Young volunteers from Agents4Change joined together with BBC Autumnwatch for a Community Halloween Party at Mexborough Allotments, Doncaster.
The event took place on Wednesday 29th October at 11am, as part of CSV Make a Difference Day, the UK's single biggest day of volunteering and was organised in partnership between volunteers from the youth led campaign, Agents4Change and BBC Radio Sheffield.
The day included over 100 pumpkin laterns being carved, ghost stories and a children's nature trail. There were also lots of environmental activities, as over 60 hedgehog boxes were made as well as over 100 bulbs planted.
Agents4Change volunteer co-ordinator, Annie Thompson, 21, says: "It was great to see volunteers helping local kids learn about nature in such a hands-on way and the spooks and frights certainly helped get them in the mood for autumn!"
The day also included a free barbeque and plenty of tricks and treats. Thanks to everyone involved with the day for making it such a success!
Posted on 15 October 2008 12:57:44 by Mischa Lewis
Pengegon Allotments
Between 29 October 2008 and 29 October 2008, in Truro
Listeners came to the rescue once more during Make A Difference Week when CSV and Agents 4 Change called for help. A4C stepped in at a moment’s notice to help clear the Pengeggon allotments do that more families can enjoy growing their own vegetables and creating a better community.
Penggeon is an area of extreme poverty and high unemployment and an unhealthy place to grow up. There are higher childhood asthma rates documented in the area.
There is also a high prevalence of crime associated with young people.
The Pengegon Allotments have proved so popular with families since they started just over two years ago Cornwall Neighbourhood for Change have been asked to create even more plots.
Whilst the grownups were busy digging up bushes and clearing piles of compost the youngsters were kept amused by Camborne Wesley church with a craft afternoon. Even so some children couldn't resist the chance of being out in the rain tending their own vegetables as our Community Producer Nina Davey and Agents4Change Ian Chapman and Zak Stanley discovered.
One person said that "the allotments provide a fun place to get fit, it provides a sense of community a place to socialise, and the kids will be eating what they have grown rather than opening a tin which i think will give them a real sense of achievement.".
Posted on 04 November 2008 10:39:53 by Zak Stanley
Are you into the environment?
Between 25 October 2008 and 13 December 2008, in York
Would you like practical experience in conservation?
Do you care about the local environment?
Are you aged between 16-25?
Then why not try Planting Trees, Making Bird Boxes, Coppicing or Bulb Planting
Dates and places available:
Rawcliffe County Park: Sat 25th October
West Bank Woodland Project: Sat 8th & Fri 14th November
Hob Moor Environment Projects: Sat 22nd November
Clifton Backies: Tues 25th November
Rowntree Park: Fri 12th & Sat 13th December
Time 10am till 3pm
If your interested get in touch!
Posted on 16 October 2008 17:46:25 by Gemma Cross
Moulsecoomb Forest Wildlife Project
Between 25 October 2008 and 25 October 2008, in Brighton
Make a Difference and Melt Marshmallows Bonfire Evening at the allotments.
The day will involve clearing areas, building the fire and generally preparing the garden for the Winter months before settling down around the fire with sausages and marshmallows and story time!
Even adults like a good yarn around the campfire so the Storytellers Association will be providing entertainment of the spoken variety for all those involved during the day.
Come along and have a great day out!
Posted on 14 October 2008 12:11:38 by Marco Kor
MADD Gardening
Between 25 October 2008 and 25 October 2008, in Truro
A disabled, agrophobic lady has had a dream come true thanks to Agents 4 Change and CSV. Annie Lindo from Falmouth hasn't been in her garden since she moved to the Beacon almost three years ago. It was so overgrown it wasn't safe for her. The dismal scene greeted her every time she looked out the window and it was making her really miserable. Agrophobia gives Annie a fear of going outside. However, Annie hates being cooped up indoors. What she really wanted was a safe haven with a little patio which she could reach easily from her door.
Her carer contacted BBC Radio Cornwall's CSV Community Producer Nina Davey who along with Agent 4 Change Zak Stanley arranged a radio appeal for people to come and make a difference.
Bright and early Nina found BBC Radio Cornwall's Agent4Change Zak Stanley hard at work clearing the waist high grass. Zak had been busy rallying young people to lend a hand to make life easier for Annie. Unknown to us it was Zak's birthday and he had a chest infection but he was determined to make a difference to Annie's life.
Throughout the day more and more people came to lend a hand or look at what was happening as the garden gradually took shape. Annie watched most of this from her kitchen window where she was supplying cups of tea.
One man we will have to refer to as Mr Anonymous came and worked all morning, but didn't want his photo taken in case anyone knew him - he was afraid people would think he was going soft!
Betty from next door came to offer any tools and was sent back for a hammer. She came back armed with sweets for the children.
Karen and Trevor came with their family because they believe it's important to help people in need and want their children to understand the importance of community work. The children cleared weeds and collected snails and even a toad.
Having cleared all the rubble and vegetation it was time to lay the patio but horror of horrors we'd not got enough sand. Luckily a DIY store in Penryn heard of Annie's problem and came to the rescue by donating a load so the work could continue.
Annie kept us supplied with tea and Karen bought some cake and buns as it was her birthday as well. As we chatted we found it had been Graham's 50th birthday that week as well. It was hard work but in a really happy atmosphere.
After hours of mowing, weeding, tugging, lugging and brushing the shout went up that we had finished. This was the moment of truth would Annie be able to conquer her fear and get into her garden? Her friend Sarah took her arm and slowly they made their way from the back door. It was obviously an enormous effort for Annie who screwed her face up with concentration. But eventually her foot touched the patio to a cheer from all around and she was able to sit down and enjoy the moment.
Agent4Change Zak Stanley then presented her with a potted plant to brighten her patio and it was all too much for Annie who broke down in tears of happiness.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cornwall/content/articles/2008/10/28/places_makeithappengarden_feature.shtml
Posted on 04 November 2008 10:43:44 by Zak Stanley
Scouting for Volunteers
Between 25 October 2008 and 25 October 2008, in Reading
Young people gave something back to their communities by helping to clear up an unkempt children's playground as part of CSV Make a Difference Day, the UK's single biggest day of volunteering.
The rain clouds may have threatened, the beginning of schools' half-term may have loomed, but the Make A Difference Day event at Christchurch Meadows was a real success.
After weeks of preparation, local young people joined forces with Reading Borough Council to help revamp the playground and riverbank at Christchurch Meadows. Not only was there keen local interest (including one lady who decided to pick up a spade after seeing the work being done) but there was also a surprise guest appearance - the 52nd Reading Scout Group!
Not only were weeds weeded and seating sanded, local wildlife was also discovered amidst the unkempt shrubbery! But before you start worrying that we were making natives homeless, one parent demonstrated how we could make a brand spanking new home using just weed clippings.
With plenty of gardening for volunteers to get stuck into, the day was capped-off with a picnic lunch provided by 'Agents4Change' and Reading Voluntary Action. And as you can expect with a group of hard-working young people, there was little left for second helpings!
David Booth, a Parks Development Officer for Reading Borough Council, summed up the success of the day: ‘Many families with young children use this space to play in and it relies heavily on volunteers to maintain. It is great that so many young people are getting involved and showing they care about their local area.'
Posted on 10 November 2008 11:42:31 by Maz Ebtehaj
Party Time
Between 24 October 2008 and 24 October 2008, in Kent
Students at a local KCC Alternative Curriculum Programme planned and hosted a Disney party for 5-7 year olds from local schools.
The young volunteers were responsible for everything from designing and sending the invitations to making the food and planning the games.
Each school selected the pupils which they thought wouldn't usually get the opportunity to attend such an event, meaning that the party made a real difference to the children whilst providing great experience for the ACP students.
The party was a huge success and was enjoyed just as much by the volunteers as it was the children who attended. We played Pass the parcel, Pin the tail on Eeyore, Find Nemo and one of the volunteers did some face painting. After a traditional party tea of sandwiches, cakes, jelly and ice cream, the children all left with party bags and smiles, leaving the tired, but satisfied volunteers to clean up the mess!
Posted on 03 October 2008 15:40:29 by Stefanie Foreman
Cake A Difference Day
Between 23 October 2008 and 24 October 2008, in Manchester
Friday began with that sugar-rush thrill of excitement, because we had finally reached ‘Cake-A-Difference Day'! The Agents4Change project covers the whole of Greater Manchester, so I started off by heading up to Bury, to Bury College and Holy Cross College to collect some contributions from eager students. The next stop was Manchester's famous patisserie, Slattery's in Whitefield, where I loaded my car with two very generous boxes of cakes that were being donated to the campaign by a very smiley sales assistant called Linda.
Back in the office, volunteers were popping into the BBC to proudly drop off their cakes, flapjacks, biscuits and buns. A couple of first-time bakers nervously revealed their creations to cheers and pat's on the back! It wasn't long before that lovely smell floated around the office and admirers began passing my desk to enquire after ‘Make A Difference Day'. Six sandwich cakes and thirteen huge boxes bursting with buns, plus another two from Slattery's, were then onto their next leg of their journey!
Mustard Tree, a Christian charity for the homeless, welcomed me with eager anticipation onto their Friday-night soup run. A team of ten worked away all evening cutting cakes, preparing hot drinks and making sandwiches ready to go down to Store Street.
It was a cold night, but the weather stayed fair for us all. Approximately 45 people turned out to be fed that evening and the cakes were a welcome surprise! Several people thanked the volunteers and I for giving up our time to help that evening, knowing that no-one had to be there. Dolly mixture decorations lit up one mans eyes, as he was handed a slice of sponge cake rather than the biscuits that are usually supplied.
As the time approached ten pm and the street began to empty we packed up what was left. Tony, the team leader, couldn't believe how wonderful the Agents4Change volunteers had been to donate all this to people less fortunate than themselves. We made one last trip over to a shelter on Downing Street for homeless men, to drop off the remaining cakes and sandwiches, ensuring that nothing was wasted.
Arriving back at Mustard Tree to finish off the washing up, I had time to reflect on the day as a whole. New volunteers involved, new skills learned and lots of good done by all. This may not have been the biggest event in the UK, but there was no denying the smiles that showed how much Manchester's volunteers enjoyed Making A Difference this year.
Posted on 15 October 2008 11:00:48 by Becky Taplin
Manchester Oxjam
Between 20 October 2008 and 21 October 2008, in Manchester
Night and Day nightclub played host to this year's eagerly awaited ‘Oxjam' music festival event on the 20th October 2008. With bands warming up from 8pm onwards the night was a huge success.
Live performances were given by The Uncomfortables, Ragamuffins, Ivan campo, Jellys Last Jam and the 99's - with this line up there was something to suit everyone's tastes! A key highlight of the evening was when the lead singer of the Ragamuffins played a much loved song aptly entitled ‘half way between Prada and Primark' and managed to entice the entire club to sing along. Paul Byrne from Jellys Last Jam came off stage after his eclectic and energetic performance a little tired but he happily obliged when I asked him a few questions - which included the all important ‘what taking part in Oxjam means to him.' He stated that ‘Oxfam is a great cause so it was a pleasure to play, there was a great atmosphere and we look forward to playing again next year!'
After loitering around the bands area and being mistaken for groupies, we turned our attention to asking the crowd their opinion on the evening. An audience member and keen music lover felt that 'It is great to see so many young people volunteering, taking their time for such a good cause.' Another boasted, 'It makes you really proud of what can be achieved by Manchester's youth.' All in all this turned out to be a really enjoyable evening, for the bands, volunteers and audience alike.
The evening brought together likeminded people, great talents and stirred up more appreciation for such a just cause. The Oxjam's slogan 'Make music, Raise money, End poverty' is missing one vital section, this being 'Have fun' - however, I suppose there is no need to state the obvious, because at these events as having fun is a given!
- Bianca Abrahams
Posted on 09 September 2008 13:48:06 by Becky Taplin
'In the Pink' for Breast Cancer Care
Between 17 October 2008 and 24 October 2008, in Sheffield
Agents4Change Sheffield went ‘in the pink' for Breast Cancer Care as part of October's Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Youth-led campaign, Agents4Change, ran two events as part of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month for Breast Cancer Care. The Charity, whose North and Midlands office is based in Sheffield, provide support services such as volunteer mentoring, telephone support and information sessions for breast cancer sufferers and their families.
On Friday 17th October, Agents4Change donned pink and raised money along Sheffield Fargate. Volunteers got into the spirit of the event and wore everything and anything pink, from builders' hats to tutus.
In partnership with BBC Radio Sheffield, on Friday 24th October 10am-12pm Agents4Change hosted an 'in the pink' party at the BBC Open Centre, 54 Shoreham Street. Refreshments and information about support services provided by the charity on the day.
If you want to learn more about the fantastic work on Breast Cancer Care or want help in hosting your own pink party, get in touch with Annie Thompson for more details.
Posted on 15 October 2008 16:43:21 by Mischa Lewis
Interested in volunteering abroad?
Between 17 October 2008 and 31 May 2009, in York
This is a unique opportunity for 18-25 year olds from the UK to volunteer in a developing country and then come back and creatively express their experiences in the UK.
This opportunity is aimed at people who wouldn't otherwise get the chance to volunteer abroad, so it's fully funded and free for the volunteer.
The programme includes return economy flights, travel insurance, local food and accommodation, a small local allowance, health screening, a medical kit, all minimum required vaccinations, transfers to and from the airport in country and to and from the project, a guidebook, and full training in the UK and in the country.
For more information about this opportunity please email york@comcats.org.uk.
Posted on 17 October 2008 12:18:17 by Gemma Cross
Make a Difference Day
Between 17 October 2008 and 30 October 2008, in Gloucester
If you are free on October 30th, come and help spruce up the Sue Ryder Care Hospice in Leckhampton and make bird balls with the service users.
The gorgeous site of the Sue Ryder Care Hospice in Leckhampton, near Gloucester, will be geting a garden make over, when volunteers visit the site as part of CSV's annual Make a Difference Day. Volunteers will be planting spring bulbs in the garden area and along paths at the former medieval cottage turned into a free care hospice for cancer patients. Volunteers will also be making bird balls with the service users, to attract birds throughout the winter.
This should be a great event with a great cause, if you would like to sign up to help out on October 30th from 11am to 3pm, please contact Mike McBride at Mike.McBride@BBC.co.uk or at glos@comcats.org.uk.
Posted on 17 October 2008 11:52:39 by Michael McBride
What are you Waitering for?!
Between 16 October 2008 and 16 October 2008, in Sheffield
Volunteer Waiters from Agents4Change South Yorkshire helped out for an evening of glitz and glamour at Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind.
For one night only Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind teamed up with Agents4Change to bring a special evening of entertainment for their regular members.
On the evening of 16th October, young volunteers from the local Army cadets waitered and facilitated the evening's entertainment. The event was held at SRSB's Darnall Centre.
The evening was a fantastic success, with lots of money raised for Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind's great work with blind and partially sighted people.
Thanks to everyone involved with the event!
Posted on 12 September 2008 18:05:50 by Mischa Lewis
1918-2008: 90 Years of Remembrance
Between 16 October 2008 and 10 November 2008, in Liverpool
This November we celebrate 90 years since Armistice. We need you to help us be research assistants for the day!
On Friday 7th November, we are looking for volunteers to help add to the BBC's living history project. Remembrance Day is a vital time of year for Britain, making sure we never forget what our parents or grandparents went through during the wars.
We need volunteers to meet with older generations to discuss what went on in World War 1, and record their stories, so they can be later added to the body of work on the BBC Remembrance website, available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/remembrance.
We will leave the City Centre at 12.30 on Friday 7th October, to travel to the Active Age Centre in Clubmoor, where all volunteers will need is a willingness to chat with older people, and record their, or their families, war time memories through note taking and discussion. We will be finished by 4pm, and travel back to the City Centre together.
Add something to the BBC Ninety Years of Remembrance - get involved.
Email: liverpool@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 16 October 2008 13:10:56 by Jon Dean
Manchester Literature Festival
Between 16 October 2008 and 26 October 2008, in Manchester
Your chance to help out at this year's Manchester Literature Festival!
Check out the website for a list of events that will be part of the festival this year - any of them catch your eye? Why not volunteer to help out at the events? Front of house, stewarding, ticketing, set-up, or helping out the authors ... http://mlfestival.co.uk/. You will need to be available for a briefing on the 17th September too.
Get in touch with me if you want to know more and get involved!
Posted on 09 September 2008 13:42:33 by Becky Taplin
Don't Write Us Off
Between 16 October 2008 and 08 December 2008, in Liverpool
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.
We are taking the thoughts of young people as diverse as young offenders, schools, ex-gang charities, college students, prison and NEET groups, and, hopefully YOU.
We need volunteers to add to our body of information, as well as informing the public and policy makers of our work.
If you are really interested in helping on this national campaign, please sign up now.
Posted on 16 October 2008 14:31:32 by Jon Dean
Get Mucky - Liverpool's Muddiest Weekend of Volunteering Yet!
Between 16 October 2008 and 25 November 2008, in Liverpool
ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT!
Agents4Change are partaking in a great weekend of volunteering at Fordhall Farm.
We will travel to Fordhall Farm on the outskirts of town on Friday 21st November, and camp for two nights, taking the short journey back on Sunday night.
Its what hapens in between that counts. We will camp for two nights, either in tents, or the Yurts availiable at the farm. Food is provided throughout the weekend, with food grown on the farm, and a Saturday night BBQ - all diets are catered for.
Jobs completed in the past include: wild flower planting, making benches, completing work on a barn, clearing ditches, hanging gates, erecting fences.
This promises to be a great weekend ( I personally am really looking forward to it!), and possibly a real eye opener for those of you who've spent your entire lives in Liverpool urban areas!
For more information please email me at liverpool@comcats.org.uk, for a special weekend of volunteering.
Posted on 16 October 2008 13:43:14 by Jon Dean
Don't Write Us Off
Between 15 October 2008 and 08 December 2008, in York
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.
We are taking the thoughts of young people as diverse as young offenders, schools, ex-gang charities, college students, prison and NEET groups, and, hopefully YOU.
We need volunteers to add to our body of information, as well as informing the public and policy makers of our work.
If you are really interested in helping on this national campaign, please sign up now.
Posted on 12 November 2008 13:36:01 by Gemma Cross
Young Volunteers make a MEGA difference
Between 09 October 2008 and 09 October 2008, in Sheffield
Young volunteers from the Leadership Academy at the Sheffield Megacentre enjoyed a morning of activities at Leonard Cheshire Disability Care Home at Mickley Hall, Totley.
The event took place on Thursday 9th October, as part of their learning about community work. The event was organised in partnership between volunteers from the youth led campaign, Agents4Change and the Megacentre, Sheffield.
The morning included craft and musical activities, themed around images and sounds of the jungle and used puppets and recycled materials. The activities were all devised and facilitated by the volunteers themselves.
Agents4Change volunteer co-ordinator, Annie Thompson, 21, said: "It was fantastic to work with such an enthusiastic group of young people. The activities they planned themselves were a real success with the residents and it was great to see the volunteers learn a little more about both disability and volunteering."
The Leadership Academy at the Megacentre is a two year programme that builds confidence and creates potential church leaders of the future.
Agents4Change is run by volunteering charity CSV with support from Tesco and youth volunteering charity v. It aims to empower people aged between 16 and 25 to get involved with community projects in their area.
Agents4Change wishes to thank everyone both at the Megacentre and Leonard Cheshire Disability, for making the event such a success.
If you missed out on this event but wish to attend future events organised by Agents4Change please contact Annie Thompson on sheffield@comcats.org.uk.
Posted on 13 October 2008 17:54:41 by Mischa Lewis
Befriending Scheme (Posted by previous Agent 4 Change Laurence Whitaker)
Between 08 October 2008 and 31 December 2008, in London
Would you like to work on a befriending project?
We are looking for people who have a minimum of one hour per week for a minimum of commitment of sixmonths.
The volunteer will visit an isolated resident in Westminster and build up a one to one supportive relationship with the client. The volunteer might have a chat with that person, go out for coffee or visit a local place of interest.
It is really an opportunity to significantly change someone's life and dramatically improve their well being by giving them something to look forward to and reducing their sense of isolation.
It is crucial that the volunteer is committed to the cause of this project and is reliable, empathetic and responsible.
The organisation we are working with offers travel expenses, full training and the cost of administrating the CRB. The volunteers wil be placed as soon as the CRBs are processed.
Email london@comcats.org.uk for further details.
Posted on 11 August 2008 16:41:58 by Farhat Amin
Living Library - Wednesday 8th October 2008, 12 to 7pm, The Forum, Norwich
Between 08 October 2008 and 08 October 2008, in Norwich
We're putting on an event to celebrate people from all walks of life, promote understanding and respect for each other, and most inportantly, not to judge a book by its cover! Come along and read a living book at The Forum, Norwich, 12 to 7pm, Wednesday 8th October 2008.
CSV Agents4Change volunteer has teamed up with Oz Osborne from Rethink's Stuff Stigma campaign to set up a Living Library event for one day only.
It will work much the same as an ordinary library, but instead of readers borrowing a traditional paper-back, they will "borrow" a real-life person with a real-life story to tell. "Loans" will last 15-30 minutes during which time the reader will have the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with that book.
The aim of the event is to facilitate conversations between two people who might never get the opportunity to talk in an everyday situation. We will have 20 to 25 'books' on offer to the public, each of whom will represent a group of people who may feel prejudiced against or judged for one reason or another.
If you would like to join our Street Promotion Team, or our team of organisers, just get in touch at norwich@comcats.org.uk. For more information on the Living Library concept, visit http://www.living-library.org/
Posted on 06 September 2008 20:25:02 by Samantha Butcher
Beach Clean!
Between 08 October 2008 and 08 October 2008, in Manchester
A minibus will take you from Manchester Metropolitan's Student Union on Oxford Road at 11am to Aindale Beach (near Southport), where the team will be clearing debris (equipment provided, bags, gloves etc) for a couple of hours. This of course will be accompanied by good old fashioned fish 'n' chips dinner!
You will need: old clothing, waterproofs, wellies/walking boots, some spare clothing/towel (incase the weather is really bad) and a packed lunch/drinks/snacks.
There are four places left on the minibus, so sign up quick! It is going to be a great day out! (Over 18's only though sorry) Returning to Manchester approx 5pm
Posted on 01 October 2008 10:35:08 by Becky Taplin
Help raise awareness of arthritis (Posted by previous Agent 4 Change Laurence Whitaker)
Between 07 October 2008 and 07 December 2008, in London
Are you a young person living with arthritis?
If you or someone you know lives with arthritis, you can help Arthritis Care raise awareness of arthritis and show what it is really like to live with joint pain by volunteering for Arthritis Care's People Bank.
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/GetInvolved/Volunteering/PeopleBank/
Posted on 07 October 2008 11:06:36 by Farhat Amin
Clean Up
Between 03 October 2008 and 03 October 2008, in Devon
Agents4Change students from University of Plymouth and University College Marjon joined forces with the local council and helped clean parks in the Mutley area.
Posted on 20 October 2008 15:02:01 by Ian Chapman
The Big Knit
Between 22 September 2008 and 10 October 2008, in Manchester
This year, Manchester's Agents4Change volunteers teamed up with Age Concern and Innocent Smoothies to make a BIG difference to The Big Knit! Over 50 volunteers donned their creative hats and made a fantastic contribution to this quirky campaign, which will see be-hatted smoothie bottles being sold in supermarkets this winter!
In the Uk, over 25,000 older people suffer and die from cold related illnesses during the winter months. It's tough for many to get enough food, warmth or activity to stay fit and healthy. The Big Knit campaign promises to pledge 50p from the sale of every be-hatted smoothie to Age Concern. The money raised goes towards providing hot meals, blankets and advice to older people on how to keep their houses warm.
A total of 155 hats have been proudly knitted by volunteers in Manchester with overwhelming enthusiasm! Rachel Penfold, a first time knitter said: "It was a really fun day - I would definitely do it again!" The project will make a real difference to huge numbers of elderly people this winter and has offered many young people a chance to pick up a new skill along the way! Agents4Change Project Co-ordinator, Becky Taplin said: "When Age Concern Salford contacted me I thought this was a brilliant opportunity and I am so pleased with the response I have had to the workshops - many volunteers have asked to be involved in future projects like this one!"
Posted on 11 September 2008 11:56:25 by Becky Taplin
Big Brew Up to raise a Cup-ple of quid for SSAFA!
Between 22 September 2008 and 11 October 2008, in Liverpool
Agents4Change volunteers are needed for an event to warm the cockles of Merseyside gig-goers, whilsts rasing money for SSAFA, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Families Association.
On Saturday 11th October, from 2230 until 2330, A4C volunteers are needed to man a few stalls outside of Liverpool Students Union, in order to provide teas and hot drinks, to exhausted music lovers who have just seen the great Courteeners at Liverpool's Guild of Students.
SSAFA provide support for the serving men and women in today's Armed Forces and for those who have served - even if it was only for a single day. They also care for the needs of their families and dependants.
Volunteers will be needed to set up our tea-stations, and sell the drinks for a very reasonable price to the lads and ladies who have just had a great night of music.
Interested - please contact Jon, at liverpool@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 22 September 2008 16:15:36 by Jon Dean
Make a Difference in health
Between 18 September 2008 and 25 October 2008, in Leicester
Agents4Change in Leicester is putting on a Health Care Seminar on 25th October to provide a range of health information about issues which may have affected you or your family.
Held on Make a Dfference Day, CSV's annual day of volunteering, the Health Care Seminar needs volunteers to make it a success.
We need specialist help to run groups on subjects like diabetes, stress, obesity etc. We need people to draw together local information on gyms, leisure centres, and weight management clubs. Can you create food journals to record the food/drink you consume and the exercise they do? Are you a medical student who could help carry out health checks on people - blood pressure, height, weight and BMI? (You must be experienced.)
If you don't have a specialism you can still help by acting as a steward, serving refreshments and handing out leaflets.
To get involved call 0116 2016676 / 07878347822 or email leics@comcats.org.uk.
Posted on 18 September 2008 01:51:06 by Farzana Topia
Noise @ the New Picket
Between 17 September 2008 and 23 October 2008, in Liverpool
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 on Thursday 23rd October!
The Noise project, stationed at the Merseyside Youth Association, has for years been helping disaffected young people from across Merseyside have a voice, and showcase their talents. Noise provides support and direction through music tution, and producing assistance. The impact that this has had on many young people is oustanding, giving them education, confidence, and a record of great achievement.
For Make A Difference Day, Agents4Change will celebrate the good work that Noise has done, promote their availiability to the youth of Liverpool, and give Noise graduates a chance to be on stage for the night. This is going to be special night for all involved, and we need volunteers to help with volunteering at the event.
If you are interested in flyering or promoting the event beforehand, or on the night helping with crowds, tickets, photgraphy, or filming the evnt, then you will have a real impact in making a difference in the perofmers lives, and celebrating a cause which helps so many.
If you want to come and watch the gig as a music fan as well, that's fine!
Tickets are £3, with proceeds going to local Merseyside charities, chosen by Noise students. For tickets, call 0151 794 0992.
Get involved!
Posted on 17 September 2008 17:21:35 by Jon Dean
The Big Wrap
Between 01 September 2008 and 18 October 2008, in Kent
Send a Soldier a Christmas Box with the Big Wrap this October.
As part of CSV Make a Difference Day, cadets and students across Kent have teamed up with SSAFFA to collect and pack Christmas boxes which will be sent to people who are currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Amongst other things, we are appealing for soap, quiz books, pencils and toothbrushes which will be wrapped in a shoe box and sent to nominated service men and women in time for Christmas. In total we aim to send over 200 boxes.
If you can help donate items for a box contact Steff on kent@comcats.org.uk.
The event was more successful than we could ever have imagined with so many items donated, we ran out of boxes! We spent a busy morning sorting and packing before the boxes were ready for shipping to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Posted on 03 September 2008 15:23:44 by Stefanie Foreman
Volunteer @ the Bluecoat and gain Artistic Experience
Between 28 July 2008 and 14 October 2008, in Liverpool
Volunteer at Liverpool's newest performing artistic space, and work with musicians, artists and performers.
As part of a team of volunteers, you'll gain experience of how a arts centre works, and get to meet like-minded creative people.
You can volunteer during hours suitable to you, with your expenses covered. There will also be oppurtunities to see exhibition previews, and tickets to events, gigs and performances at this community gallery.
If you are interested, Get Involved! liverpool@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 28 July 2008 15:57:48 by Jon Dean
