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
Scout Hut Make-over
Between 30 March 2009 and 30 March 2009, in Kent
A Scout Hut in Gillingham will be receiving a fresh new look after Agents4Change volunteers lend a helping hand.
Posted on 20 February 2009 15:06:45 by Stefanie Foreman
Help at a Hospice
Between 30 March 2009 and 30 March 2009, in Kent
Children's Hospice Demelza House in Sittingbourne is welcoming the helping hands of Agents4Change volunteers who will be available to carry out various tasks around the site. From organising the charity shop warehouse to painting the garden fences, our volunteers will be offering their help there soon.
Posted on 20 February 2009 15:13:49 by Stefanie Foreman
Festival4Stars
Between 29 March 2009 and 29 March 2009, in Kent
Festival4Stars is a national songwriting/singing/dancing talent contest that this year is raising money for charity Caudwell Children.
The organisers of the regional heat being held in Gillingham require some volunteers to help at the event by showing auditionees the right areas, helping with the tombola and raffle and generally being on hand to assist in whatever way they can.
Posted on 04 March 2009 15:04:01 by Stefanie Foreman
Getting Messy and Having Fun?
Between 28 March 2009 and 28 March 2009, in London
Would you like to enjoy the beauty of nature? Yes you say.
The Stewart's Road Adventure Playground needs some gardening done. Have fun while getting messy. Sounds like an excitng day. Please get in touch if this sounds like the job for you.
Drop me an email at london@comcats.org.uk or call me on 020 7643 1343
Posted on 26 February 2009 15:39:31 by Farhat Amin
Ethical Crafts Fair
Between 27 March 2009 and 30 March 2009, in Liverpool
That you to everyone who turned out! Over £160 was raised for READ, meaning we can now send hundreds of text books to schools in Tanzania.
There are plans to rerun the event, so keep a look 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.
Posted on 27 March 2009 15:15:28 by Jon Dean
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Campaign
Between 27 March 2009 and 27 March 2009, in Luton
Throughout March, BBC Three Counties Radio is running a campaign in association with the DWP and CSV to increase take-up and awareness of Pension Credit and other benefits.
On the 27th of March, we need the help of volunteers to provide off-air support, where listeners can phone in and obtain information and arrange face-to-face support.
So, if you are good at communicating and would like to gain valuable work experience, please get in touch.
Posted on 03 March 2009 11:29:37 by Jonathan Paylor
Youth Slooths
Between 25 March 2009 and 25 March 2009, in Kent
In association with Kent Link, young volunteers are going to carry out surveys about all sorts of things from cleanliness to staff attitude within private care organisations such as hospices.
The students will be asked to evaluate their experiences and report back to the Kent Link.
Posted on 03 March 2009 14:35:28 by Stefanie Foreman
Marie Curie Cancer Care Great Daffodil Appeal
Between 21 March 2009 and 21 March 2009, in Leeds
Are you aged 18 or over? Can you spare a few hours on Saturday 21st March to collect donations for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Leeds City Centre?
Marie Curie Cancer Care provides high quality nursing, totally free, to give people with terminal cancer and other illnesses the choice of dying at home, supported by their families. Every £20 raised at this event will enable Marie Curie to provide an hour of vital nursing care in the Leeds area.
The event will take place from 9.30am-4pm. Volunteers are welcome to come along at any time and collect donations for as long as they are available. Any help is much appreciated. All collection materials will be provided on the day. All you have to do is sign up and turn up! Fancy dress is optional.
If you are interested in helping at this event please email leeds@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 03 March 2009 17:20:44 by Gemma Cross
Newlife Jewellery Stock Challenge
Between 20 March 2009 and 22 November 2009, in Leeds
Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is a leading charity supporting disabled and terminally ill children throughout the UK. They provide support, advice and vital pieces of equipment such as wheelchairs and specialist beds.
At present Newlife have over 500 boxes of jewellery, donated from leading High Street stores. They estimate that each box is worth at least £300. In total this jewellery is worth over £150,000.
Your challenge is to take one of these boxes of jewellery and make as much money as you can from it for Newlife.
There are no strict rules or regulations about how you make money from this jewellery (as long as it is legal!) and you can be as creative as you like. All that Newlife ask is you raise as much as you can in an agreed time - usually up to one month.
Perhaps you could hold a party to sell jewellery to your friends or family?
Perhaps you could organise a fashion show?
Perhaps you could hold a raffle or set up a stall to attract customers?
Even the damaged jewellery can be used to make tactile cards or pieces of artwork that can be sold on. It really is up to you how you decide to take on your challenge. There's no need to feel pressured - just sell what you can!
100% of the money you raise on behalf of Newlife Foundation will go to provide equipment for disabled and terminally ill children in your area.
If you are interested in this great opportunity please email leeds@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 20 March 2009 12:15:24 by Gemma Cross
Renovate homes in an Apprentice Style programme aired on BBC3
Between 20 March 2009 and 20 March 2009, in London
Volunteers are needed to help redocarate homes in this exciting sereis. Volunteers will be managed by young people to ensure that a home is completly redone in just one day.
Please contact Claudia Webster directly on claudiaw@monkeykingdom.com for more information. Please mention that have you been signposted via the Agents 4 Change website.
Posted on 18 March 2009 16:57:42 by Farhat Amin
Newlife Jewellery Stock Challenge
Between 20 March 2009 and 22 November 2009, in York
Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is a leading charity supporting disabled and terminally ill children throughout the UK. They provide support, advice and vital pieces of equipment such as wheelchairs and specialist beds.
At present Newlife have over 500 boxes of jewellery, donated from leading High Street stores. They estimate that each box is worth at least £300. In total this jewellery is worth over £150,000.
Your challenge is to take one of these boxes of jewellery and make as much money as you can from it for Newlife.
There are no strict rules or regulations about how you make money from this jewellery (as long as it is legal!) and you can be as creative as you like. All that Newlife ask is you raise as much as you can in an agreed time - usually up to one month.
Perhaps you could hold a party to sell jewellery to your friends or family?
Perhaps you could organise a fashion show?
Perhaps you could hold a raffle or set up a stall to attract customers?
Even the damaged jewellery can be used to make tactile cards or pieces of artwork that can be sold on. It really is up to you how you decide to take on your challenge. There's no need to feel pressured - just sell what you can!
100% of the money you raise on behalf of Newlife Foundation will go to provide equipment for disabled and terminally ill children in your area.
If you are interested in this great opportunity please email york@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 20 March 2009 12:09:55 by Gemma Cross
Music4Charity
Between 19 March 2009 and 29 May 2009, in Oxford
Agents4Change Oxford have teamed up with local charity Music4Charity to organise an all-day live music event which will be taking place in Kidlington on Saturday 30th May. All proceeds from the event will go to local Oxford based charity, Sobell House.
The venue to host the event is yet to be confirmed. Check back for further details!
Drop me an email for more information!
Posted on 19 March 2009 11:13:12 by Jason Martin
Be part of the OlymPic Legacy
Between 19 March 2009 and 19 March 2009, in London
Be part of this excitng enviromental project. Contribute to the olymic legacy by helping to clean up Three Mills Island. The island is the jewel in the crown, a cluster of listed buildings surronded by open green spaces in a conservation area.
Help clean up this beautiful site in the run up to the olymic games by contributing to the ethos of the olymic sprit.
10 Volunteers are needed.
Please get in touch.
Posted on 12 March 2009 10:48:53 by Farhat Amin
Epiphany Trust Help!
Between 16 March 2009 and 15 April 2009, in Manchester
Gill Dickinson, project manager for the Epiphany Trust, says: "Four years on and Sri Lanka is still feeling the affects of the Tsunami.
Every year we rally to the request of the Mayor of Galle, a Sri Lankan city and send items that can not be easily purchased by the community, to assist with schools and sports clubs. The hope is that these gifts go someway to giving these desperately poor people a bit of normality in their day to day lives."
Suggested items include:
- Any sports & games equipment such as balls, football boots, all cricket equipment, cones & hoops, sports clothes
- Arts & crafts items e.g. chalk, clay, paper
- School equipment such as filing cabinets, book cases, chairs and stationery
Anyone who can help out and offer support to the Epiphany Trust is urged to contact Gill Dickinson on gill@epiphany.org.uk or call 01925 220999.
Posted on 16 March 2009 12:41:52 by Becky Taplin
Loving Without Abuse!
Between 16 March 2009 and 28 March 2009, in Leicester
CSV Agents4Change and DVIRP are joining together to fundraise for victims who are going through or have survived Domestic Violence.
Volunteers are being given the opportunity to dress-up in slashed clothes, smudged mascara (bruising), red paint (blood) and all other imaginative things you can think off which represents DV and its consequences.
You will be out in Leicester City Centre, raising money and grabbing public attention with your dramatic sense of 'fashion'!
Posted on 16 March 2009 16:13:32 by Farzana Topia
Springclean Eggy Hunt
Between 16 March 2009 and 08 April 2009, in Leicester
CSV Agents4Change and Leicester City Council will be working together to clear up Mowacre Park and plant some trees there. We will then be setting up a Easter Treasure Hunt with clues and LOTS of eggs and other little treats!
The children from the local area will be invited in to the park and will be allowed to roam freely, looking for clues and trying to find a treat!
We need volunteers who can:
- Clear up the park
- Plant the trees
- Set up the Treasure Hunt
GET IN TOUCH to take part in this fun opportunity!!!!
Starting on the the week beginning 6th April 2009 till 9th April 2009. It will be half-term holiday too!!
Posted on 16 March 2009 16:27:32 by Farzana Topia
Alzheimer's Society
Between 16 March 2009 and 12 April 2009, in Leicester
CSV Agent4Change are helping Alzheimer's Society with the 40 patients who are waiting for volunteers like you to spend approximately 1-4 hours on one day with them.
Activities include:
- Taking photographs and transferring them on to computer
- Learning to use the internet and how to find pictures and borders for their own photographs
- Using Arts and Craft materials to create photoframes and/or scrapbooks
Along with this fun opportunity, you will also be given an hours training as to what Alzheimers is and how to deal with certain situations (some which you may come across on the activitiy day).
A great volunteering opportunity for those who want to go in to healthcare, working with the elderly in general, have experienced family members with Alzheimer's and wanting to know how to deal with them or for people who just want to volunteer and help their community.
Whatever the reason...we welcome you all with open arms!! :-D
Refreshments provided (as always with CSV Agents4Change projects!)! ;-)
Posted on 16 March 2009 16:39:39 by Farzana Topia
OUTSPOKEN
Between 16 March 2009 and 16 March 2009, in Manchester
Fourteen dedicated volunteers set off for Trof in Fallowfield on Monday to night with a worthy challenge ahead. We were setting up an evening of spoken performance (with a little musical accompaniment one must add) in order to raise a greater awareness of the charitable work that takes place across the city of Manchester. My trusty sound technician and camera man arrived to set the stage, ready for a light-hearted acoustic introduction by David from The Ragamuffins. With the crowd nicely warmed up, our compere, Joe Lycett, took to the stage to introduce the first of nine poets who were going to perform that evening.
I had approached a range of charities that covered various services on offer in Manchester, whether it be for the homeless, the elderly, the forces, or those suffering from a terminal illness. Each performer picked a charity they wished to support, either for personal reasons, or because they particularly liked the work that was being done. They were then left to devise their own work based on the positives that each charity is able to bring to the community.
The evening proved to be greatly entertaining, with first-time performers trying to find their feet and published artists relishing the opportunity. The audience had comedy, role-play, a novel extract and some more traditional poetry thrown in there too! Two representatives from Age Concern came down to watch and were very impressed by the high standards these young people displayed. Claire Marrett from Age Concern Salford commented: "I didn't know this is what poetry could be - you are raising awareness in a very interesting and unique way!"
The venue that was chosen is in the middle of the student area, an audience that often don't know what is going on around them, but are able to help in a variety of ways if they only know what's out there! As a final gesture of thanks for taking part, each charity was sent a card with the poem and a photo of the performer.
Posted on 04 February 2009 12:56:52 by Becky Taplin
Avon Place Playground Revamp
Between 14 March 2009 and 14 March 2009, in Reading
After initial meetings with St. John's Primary school, whose playing field backs onto the estate and plaground, we gathered some of the children's designs and ideas for the mural to be painted on the playground wall.
We took these to Thames Valley University (TVU) 6th form art students, who took inspiration from the pictures, and added their own creative flair.
Oli and I went to the playground with a couple of volunteers a couple of days before the event to prime the walls ready for the event on Saturday.
After taking some of the TVU students up to BBC Berkshire for an interview about the project on Saturday morning, and to publicise the event, we all headed down to the playground to start painting. The students each took separate areas of the playground walls and began painting.
Overall there were about 14 volunteers there for the day, and we successfully managed to paint the entire playground, and gained a lot of interest and praise from the local children and parents who had walked past during the day.
The playground looked completely refreshed and welcoming and I think it made a real difference to area.
Posted on 28 April 2009 10:26:01 by Maz Ebtehaj
Does the idea of helping young people appeal to you?
Between 14 March 2009 and 14 March 2009, in London
Does the idea of helping young people appeal to you? Attend this workshop to learn more about this issue. Learn new skills, meet new people and uncover the true story behind youth work.
To Book a place please phone 020 8478 2468 or email info@muslimyouthnetwork.org.
Visit www.muslimyouthnetwork.org
Please mention that you visted the CSV website.
Posted on 11 March 2009 16:45:30 by Farhat Amin
Comic Relief Whoopee Cushion Orchestra!
Between 13 March 2009 and 13 March 2009, in Norwich
In aid of Comic Relief, BBC Norfolk are putting together East Anglia's first Whoopee Cushion Orchestra, complete with a special ensemble to play along to, recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra!
The event will be broadcast on Chapelfield's Big Screen and is going to be a lot of fun, all in aid of raising awareness of Red Nose Day.
Agents4Change Norwich will be there with the largest contingent of young volunteers (hopefully!)
Posted on 02 March 2009 12:47:54 by Samantha Butcher
Asthma UK - Young Ambassadors Needed
Between 12 March 2009 and 30 May 2009, in Liverpool
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
Posted on 12 March 2009 17:30:43 by Jon Dean
MGN Lunch Club
Between 12 March 2009 and 12 March 2009, in Manchester
The sun was shining on Burnage Community Centre as we arrived to set up The Lunch Club. Burnage Good Neighbours already have a dedicated team of volunteers who had been busy preparing the food and setting up the tables and chairs. We added finishing touches like tablecloths, balloons, daffodils and the all important table glitter (which I just knew they were going to thank me for later)!
Around forty elderly people came to the centre, with many saying how much they look forward to a chance of a social trip out.
There was a lovely buffet set out, which Tesco kindly contributed to on this occasion. Once people had helped themselves and returned to their seats, our wonderful pianist from RNCM began to play!
There was no denying his talent with the keys - Sam from B.G.N. said "I don't know how he can make an old instrument like that could sound so good! It's a lovely surprise!" After his performance Emmanuel sat with a group of ladies and had a bite to eat - he seemed to go down very well, as there were several requests for him to come back again and play soon, which he was thrilled with!
All in all, it was a lovely afternoon and I met some fantastic people, who I had to leave once the washing up started in the kitchen! Everyone from the group was happy to have new faces around to chat to and impressed that we were taking the time out to be with them. I have promised a nice man with Parkinson's that we would be back again soon - so get in touch if you fancy coming along to a future intergenerational event!
Posted on 04 February 2009 12:20:52 by Becky Taplin
Befriend a pet, help someone in your community
Between 09 March 2009 and 27 March 2009, in Birmingham
Agents4Change is looking for new volunteers to get involved with The Cinnamon Trust, the only specialist national charity for people in their last years and their much loved, much needed companion animals.
The 16,000 volunteers they already have nationwide play a vital role in helping elderly people to keep their pets. Volunteers are needed for any number of activities (depending on their interests and abilities) from dog walking, to fostering a pet while the owner is in hospital, to picking up pet food or helping clean a cage.
The Cinnammon Trust is desperately in need of volunteers in all areas of Birminham because they try and ensure that volunteers do not have to travel too far from their home. Volunteers are expected to be reliable but it is extremely flexible so can fit in around work or university term schedules.
Not only do the Trust need volunteers, we also need people who are willing to promote the charity in their local area. I personally think this is a great cause, not only because of the chance to help people on my own doorstep, but also because I get to walk Jack (a lovely border collie) once a week!
Posted on 09 March 2009 12:06:18 by Kat Pearson
Conservation Project
Between 09 March 2009 and 09 March 2009, in Luton
On Monday the 9th of March, 'Agents 4 Change' helped 'Yu-Act' restore and maintain Stockgrove Park.
Posted on 06 March 2009 12:10:23 by Jonathan Paylor
Dance4Life
Between 07 March 2009 and 07 March 2009, in Ipswich
Young people uniting in the fight against HIV and AIDS through music and dance.
On Tuesday 11th November over 200 members of Copleston Sixth Form took part in the Dance4Life Tour where they listened to speakers who have been affected in some way by HIV and AIDS, asked questions, learnt the International Drill (to be performed in London on the 29th November) and generally had a good time!
The following week they had the opportunity of attending Global Education workshops discussing issues related to globalisation and development, poverty and HIV & AIDS.
All those who took part were invited to the Ministry of Sound on the 29th November where, via satillite link, they joined over 50,000 young people from more than 20 countries to dance4life and raise awareness of the fact that half of new HIV infections are young people under the age of 25! Every 12 seconds another person is infected with HIV!
Posted on 02 December 2008 12:13:14 by Sarah Boycott
Sighted Guide
Between 06 March 2009 and 06 March 2009, in Kent
A group of young students in Dover are taking part in Sighted Guide training where they will learn about organisation KAB (Kent Association for the Blind), the more common sight conditions and also how to assist people who have poor or no sight in everyday situations.
On the day, the volunteers learnt about the different eye conditions that people suffer with and got to experience what they feel like with the use of special glasses which simulate them.
They then went onto try various tasks such as pouring a cup of tea, using a telephone and writing their names and addresses whilst wearing the special glasses as well as guiding each other around whilst blind-folded.
It was a valuable experience and some of the volunteers signed up for future volunteering with blind people in their local community.
Posted on 03 March 2009 14:24:09 by Stefanie Foreman
KhaoZ Media
Between 06 March 2009 and 22 November 2009, in York
KhaoZ Media is a youth-led community media group based in York. They welcome anyone aged 16-25 to come and get involved in numerous exciting media and art projects. KhaoZ Media have a friendly, dedicated team of volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds including web design, journalism and broadcasting. It doesn't matter if you have no experience of working in media or journalism, or if you don't come from an academic or professional media background. As part of the KhaoZ team you will be able to learn new skills, share ideas and gain an understanding of working in the local community. KhaoZ Media work together to produce films, articles, radio shows and podcasts to promote youth action in York. If you would like more information about KhaoZ Media please email york@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 06 March 2009 10:38:52 by Gemma Cross
Go Bananas!
Between 06 March 2009 and 07 March 2009, in Coventry
Young people came and promoted Fairtrade by getting involved in a Fairtrade banana eating record attempt!
Fair trade films were shown and other fair trade products were also on offer as part of the event.
Posted on 03 March 2009 02:18:00 by Balnek Sangra
READ International London West
Between 05 March 2009 and 30 May 2009, in London
READ International is a student led project dedicated to helping out children in Tanzania. Students collect old textbooks from schools and ship them out to Tanzania. This is a partnership led project between City University and SOAS.
READ need help with fundraising, collecting books and ensuring the project is as successful as ever.
Please Get in Touch if you want to help others.
Posted on 05 March 2009 11:52:43 by Farhat Amin
Living Libraries
Between 05 March 2009 and 05 March 2009, in Manchester
Come down to The Powerhouse from 5pm - 8pm and check out stories from:
A TV actress
A Pakistani refugee
A Boxing Iraq war veteran
and many others!
Posted on 05 March 2009 15:03:53 by Becky Taplin
Excellent full-time volunteering opportunities with CSV!!
Between 04 March 2009 and 22 November 2009, in Leeds
Nothing gives you more of a buzz than making a real difference to someone's life. Seeing someone getting the most out of life through the work you do with them is something very special. Full-time volunteering with CSV gives people the opportunity to learn new skills, improve job prospects and most importantly help others. You could be providing support to young people, people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health issues. Full-time volunteers live away from home and are provided with accommodation and weekly allowances to live on. A full-time placement can last between 4 and 12 months. CSV are always looking for people with commitment, enthusiasm and who are able to get on well with others. If you would like to find out more about full-time volunteering with CSV please email leeds@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 04 March 2009 13:47:44 by Gemma Cross
Going Proffesional and Make A Difference
Between 04 March 2009 and 04 March 2009, in Luton
On the 4th of March, Agents 4 Change attended The University of Bedfordshire's annual Going Professional and Make A Difference Event.
Along with numerous other organisations that attended, we had the opportunity to give out information packs, flyers and talk to students face-face. In doing so, we promoted our current volunteering opportunities and made aware of the valuable skills and experience you develop through volunteering.
Posted on 06 March 2009 12:42:19 by Jonathan Paylor
Interested in online mentoring?
Between 04 March 2009 and 30 May 2009, in Leeds
Horsesmouth is a safe, purpose-built, confidential website for informal e-mentoring. They are looking for anyone who has an experience to share and is aged sixteen plus to volunteer and become a mentor. You don't have to have any training or qualifications. Horsesmouth is not a professional advisory service. It is a sounding board for those occasions in life when people really want to talk to someone who's been there and done that. So, if you have some time to spare (10 minutes or 10 hours) you can help support and inspire others by registering as a mentor. From starting a business to starting a family; from life with cancer to life as a carer; from which A level, NVQ or undergraduate course to take; someone needs what you know. As a mentor you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. It shouldn't take any longer than 15 minutes to complete, but after it's been approved you can get online and respond to calls for help.
If you would like more information about this opportunity please email leeds@comcats.org.uk
Posted on 03 March 2009 11:20:59 by Gemma Cross
Graffitied Wall Reclaim
Between 03 March 2009 and 30 March 2009, in Oxford
Agents 4 Change in Oxford will come to the assistance of the Long Furlong Community Association in the Abingdon area of Oxford to reclaim a large wall surrounding the property which has been covered in unsightly graffiti.
We'll be recruiting volunteers to initially paint over the graffiti with red paint and then when that's dried sufficiently we'll be adorning the wall with postive statments and images derived from the feedback from the 'Don't Write Us Off' campaign.
Drop me an email if you'd like to get involved
Posted on 03 March 2009 10:57:48 by Jason Martin
Coming up...
Between 02 March 2009 and 02 March 2009, in Brighton
We have just completed our second successful film course and I'm planning some more exciting events in the coming months so watch this space...
Posted on 02 March 2009 12:28:51 by Marco Kor
Community Allotment Project
Between 01 March 2009 and 01 March 2009, in Manchester
We're asking for all hands to the pump next Sunday 1st March at Chorlton's Community Allotment Project, to help clear the ground for a new polytunnel that we will be getting in the next few weeks.
Working with AFSL, volunteers are asked to get down there from 1pm to help out over the afternoon - the more bodies we have the better!
Posted on 20 February 2009 15:37:11 by Becky Taplin
Fairtrade Fortnight
Between 23 February 2009 and 09 March 2009, in Manchester
All Saints Park on Oxford Road was the site for this unique event on a sunny Friday in March. Volunteers arrived to set up the gazebo's, add some yellow inflatable décor and most of all, to draw in the crowds! Several volunteers dressed in very fetching banana suits, while others, like myself, opted for yellow t-shirts!
One o'clock was the proposed kick off time, but we had a queue of inquisitive students, passers-by, staff and school children waiting before time! As crates of bananas arrived, we set up our official counter and record board, which was updated every 15 minutes. With a great big countdown, the banana madness began, with huge numbers of people partaking in a national world record banana eating day!
No one was allowed to walk through the gazebo stretch without being told about fairtrade and our mission for the afternoon! One volunteer managed to get hold of a megaphone to ensure all of Manchester knew what was happening in the park that day!
In just over an hour, we managed to give away 80 pieces of banana cake (well, lets be honest, that went in about thirty seconds) and a grand total of 1,274 Fairtrade bananas!
A big round of applause to everyone who showed their support for Fairtrade that day - please keep it up! Also big thanks to MMU and the People & Planet society who put lots of effort in to make it all happen!
Posted on 06 January 2009 10:30:15 by Becky Taplin
Preschool Revamp
Between 07 February 2009 and 21 March 2009, in Oxford
On Saturday 7th March Agents 4 Change volunteers in Oxford will visit Shepherds Hill Preschool in the Blackbird Leys area of Oxfordshire to revamp the outside play area.
The school has a number of small garden sheds which are individually themed (maths, literacy, discovery, water, etc) and we're going to paint each shed a different colour and perhaps have a logo on each to symbolise the theme. There's also a small vegetable garden that's been neglected for some time so there's an opportunity to do that up.
If anyone's interested in taking part drop me an email
Posted on 29 January 2009 15:59:58 by Jason Martin
Student Volunteering Week
Between 19 January 2009 and 02 March 2009, in Liverpool
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.
Posted on 19 January 2009 11:13:01 by Jon Dean
Fairtrade Fortnight
Between 19 January 2009 and 09 March 2009, in Liverpool
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.
This year, with a real focus on increasing the financial and ethical treatment of banana growers, we want to focus our attempts on using young volunteers to encourage more and more of their peers to only purchase Fairtrade bananas. Currently 25% of bananas bought in the UK come from Fairtrade sources. This campaign aims to push that number up to 50% by 2012.
Hopefully Tesco will be flooding our offices with Fairtrade bananas, and we'll need volunteers to ship these onto Liverpool. Finer details are to follow, ideas welcome, but hopefully we can encourage Merseyside to 'go bananas'.
This volunteering opportunity comes with the promise of more banana related puns.
Get involved.
Posted on 19 January 2009 11:07:09 by Jon Dean
Ethical Fairtrade Fashion Fair
Between 19 January 2009 and 09 March 2009, in Liverpool
In association with Christian Aid.
More details to come.
Posted on 19 January 2009 11:09:48 by Jon Dean
Fair Trade Fortnight
Between 14 January 2009 and 06 March 2009, in Cambridge
Agents4Change Cambridge and Young Lives volunteers ran a day of Fairtrade activities at the volunteer run Cafe Project on Jesus Lane. The volunteers ran games, quizes and bag painting, made a short animation film and served up a fairtrade lunch and snacks raising money for the Lesbian Association of India. Our Street Action team did a great job of spreading the word about Fairtrade in Cambridge city centre and getting over 120 people to show their support for the Fairtrade company by eating a fairtrade banana on film. There was also a presentation from Tracing Tea and a showing of the controversial film 'Black Gold' about Ethiopian coffee growers and their struggle to get a fair price for their crop.
Posted on 14 January 2009 12:25:00 by Louise Payn
Conservation Day!
Between 14 January 2009 and 22 March 2009, in Cambridge
On the 22nd March conservation volunteers helped out at Somersham Nature Reserve. It's a beautiful site protected because of it's rich and diverse nature and the Agents4Change volunteers were needed clear overgrown vegetation so that the original grassland could be restored and people could use the site more easily. In the afternoon we also helped do some much needed surveying of the local wildlife for the Biological Records.
Posted on 14 January 2009 11:13:44 by Louise Payn
Hip hop party
Between 12 January 2009 and 04 March 2009, in Gloucester
On March 4th, some volunteers are needed to do a few random jobs for a hip hop party being hosted in Cheltenham. Jobs like selling tickets, making sure acts are on time and just enjoying the night. All the proceeds will go to a local disabled befriending charity.
To learn more and to get lined up with the opportunity email Mike.McBride@bbc.co.uk
Posted on 12 January 2009 11:50:05 by Michael McBride
Clothes Amnesty
Between 01 January 2009 and 30 March 2009, in Devon
Over one thousand Air Cadets from the Devon and Somerset Wing have recently joined forces with over two hundred American’s from South West Water as Agents4Change to help make a difference to those less fortunate by taking part in a Countywide Clothes Amnesty.
Agents4Change is a Community Service Volunteer project to encourage young people between the ages of 16 and 25 to use their passions and their energy to make a difference in their local community.
Ian Chapman, Devon’s Agent4Change who organised the event said he was very impressed with the way the Air Cadets and Call Centre staff put 100% into the campaign to help others living in the same community as them and that the campaign itself was extended by a month because of the great response it received.
In the past two months they have been working endlessly where they gave up their time to help collect and deliver unwanted, usable clothes to help those less fortunate - to include children, the elderly and the homeless.
Warrant Officer, Chris Collman, from Devon and Somerset Wing said that ‘the cadets have to take part in a certain amount of work in the community every year, and a Clothes Amnesty was something we hadn’t done before so we were more than happy to take part and make a difference to people in Plymouth.’
Due to recent cold weather conditions, Cadets and South West Water wanted to make a difference to those who could not afford clothes to keep warm, not only now but all year around. Everyone involved collected and delivered clothes to the Salvation Army in Plymouth who agreed to distribute the items around the city.
Derek Pook, from the Salvation Army’s Clothes Recycling Unit in Plymouth said ‘everyone will be rubbing their hands saying thank you very much as the Air Cadets and call centre staff at South West Water have made a difference to the homeless and Asylum Seekers living in Plymouth area’.
A total of over one tonne of clothing was collected and delivered and is making a difference to someone’s life today.
Posted on 12 November 2008 13:35:56 by Ian Chapman
Domestic Violence and Honour Killings
Between 24 November 2008 and 08 March 2009, in Leicester
Agent Fazz and Domestic Violence Response Integrated Project (DVRIP) are joining in partnership to create a project that will create a major difference to not only a community, but the whole of Leicestershire!
We're establishing a project where young people get a chance to prepare one-hour sessions packed with interactive activities and debates for School children, College crews, and University students!
The aim is not only to spread awareness about this increasing social issue, but to also create a generation filled with fighters! It's simple ... the more we fight, the more likely this issue can be decreased.
Trials taking place during Domestic Violence Week in November. If success brews, we will continue this through for a while!
So come ... join us ... and let us create a better future where everyone can see that it is best when we are LOVING WITHOUT ABUSE!
x
Posted on 23 October 2008 00:18:58 by Farzana Topia
