New Year, New Resolution- Could You Volunteer?

Churches summer clubFrom getting fit to giving up smoking, the start of a New Year is traditionally seen as an ideal time to try something new. This year, Shipston Town Council is encouraging residents to add volunteering to their 2016 resolutions to help the town’s many local community groups and charities thrive.

Shipston is awash with groups and activities designed to help others. These range from providing opportunities to learn new skills and share common interests to life-saving services and vital support groups. In some cases, these groups support the work of the NHS and social care services, including helping people with conditions such as dementia or visual impairments, as well as those who have suffered a bereavement. 

Shipston’s youngest residents benefit significantly from the efforts of volunteers who run scout groups, brownies, church groups, St John’s Ambulance and Young Firefighters to name a few. In addition, the sports clubs rely heavily on volunteer coaches as well as committee members who can help run and fundraise for the clubs.

While fundraising is a key part of maintaining many of these facilities, time is one of the most valuable donations they can receive. For example, scouts are desperate for more volunteers to help run groups, particularly for older age groups (10-18 year olds). The rugby club needs coaches, the Royal British Legion always welcomes Poppy Appeal collectors and Stour Valley Lions are looking for new members to help them continue to support many local charities and events.

Projects such as the Neighbourhood Plan and the Shipston Area Flood Awareness Group have only been able to progress thanks to the considerable input of volunteers – and the town council itself is dependent on residents being prepared to volunteer to be a councillor.

Mayor, Jackie Warner, said: “Shipston owes much of its community spirit and its impressive range of clubs and services to the generosity of those who give up their time to make all this possible. Not everyone is in a position to make a regular commitment but many of us can find at least some time to help, and it can be extremely rewarding work.” 

Whether it’s an hour a month or a day a week, there are many different ways you can help your local community. To find out more about how you can contribute, either contact one of the local groups you would like to support or ask the Town Clerk for more information via clerk@shipstononline.org. 

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