August 2005

Over 140 local volunteers representing the many thousands who freely give up their time to help others, were honoured last Thursday at the first ever 'Valuing Our Volunteers' event held in the Vintry Gardens near St Albans Abbey.

The volunteers enjoyed the late summer sunshine, complimented by musical guest Rod Gurney and an afternoon tea served by Kingfisher Catering. Guests also received a warm thank you from Laura Cronshaw, Chief Executive, of the St Albans CVS who said "we are honouring the commitment of volunteers' time and energy for the benefit of our community, given freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain".

The event was jointly organised and funded by St Albans Council for Voluntary Service and supported by Barclays Bank, The St Albans City and District Council, St Albans and Harpenden PCT, Churches Together, the Hightown and Praetorian Housing Association and the St Albans and District Local Strategic Partnership.

Ms Cronshaw went on to say, "through this event we aim to generate publicity for the achievements of volunteers but also to heighten public perception of volunteering and raise the numbers of local volunteers."

The main economic resource of the voluntary sector is the time of unpaid volunteers. This far outweighs all the money that is earned or given, but is usually quite invisible in the community unless you are one of the many people who benefit from a local volunteer.

Volunteering is open to all regardless of their age, race, sexual orientation, faith or ability as inclusiveness can build bridges and help a diverse population to feel usefully involved. It is a vital part of community support and as it covers such a wide variety of tasks. The CVS Volunteer Centre can match the volunteer with the task that suits their skills and interest.

During the afternoon, volunteers also shared their experiences of volunteering. Volunteer Hilary Beskeen said, "I have so much fun and give back to the community as well. It's great to do something so meaningful."

Another volunteer Val Wills added to this, saying "I started volunteering to become more involved in the community. I'm constantly meeting new, exciting individuals."

Volunteering England guest speaker, Justin Davis-Smith, asked the audience to imagine the world without volunteers. "Many organisations in the UK alone would come to a grinding halt if it were not for volunteers."

People wishing to register with the CVS Volunteer Centre, either to receive support or provide support should contact Karen Filsell on 01727 852657 or drop-in to the CVS office at 31 Catherine Street, St Albans. Alternatively, visit www.cvsstalbans.org.uk for more information.

For more information on this event, please contact Wendy Blanton, CVS Information Officer on 07815 455591 or wendy@cvsstalbans.org.uk.