Volunteers are wanted for a North East church that has been transformed into a multi-million pound cultural centre.
Sunderland’s Holy Trinity Church – based in the East end of the city – is now home to Seventeen Nineteen a £5.1m cultural, heritage and events space and is cared for by national charity, Churches Conservation Trust (CCT).
The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) has invested millions in restoring the Grade I listed Georgian building and now they want people to come forward if they feel they have the skills to fulfil vital roles at the award-winning venue.
The supporters who give their time for free at the venue have been nationally recognised, having won four prestigious National Volunteer Awards over the past three years.
And now they are looking for new recruits who can get involved in a whole range of exciting initiatives.
These include Heritage Detectives who will bring the past to life by doing important research on a heritage subject of their choice.
They’ll get to study their favourite heritage subject and be given access to archives and experts, as well as help to make their findings available online.
For those who prefer to do something more physical, there are Heritage Gardener roles – a chance to work outside in a beautiful setting and take care of the churchyard.
Volunteers will work under the head gardener, to grow their skills, learn about the history of plants and share their knowledge with visitors.
There are also volunteer roles as event stewards, who will be on hand to chat to visitors and tell them hidden stories of old Sunderland.
In addition they will help with issuing tickets, ensuring visitors are safe and take part and contribute in one of a kind events.
Tracey Mienie, Centre Manager at Seventeen Nineteen said that the volunteers play an important part.
“Volunteers are essential to our success,” she said.
“We want to reveal the hidden histories that have shaped Sunderland and its community and to link these to Holy Trinity Church.
“Our volunteers will help us to do this by taking on roles that will have an impact, not just now but on the Seventeen Nineteen of the future.
“We believe it is important that engagement with Seventeen Nineteen is a meaningful experience for everyone including all our volunteers.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering can do so at
https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/1719/get-stuck-in/volunteer-with-us.html