Darlington Building Society (DBS) is working in partnership with Durham Community Action, Hambleton Community Action and Darlington Cares to help facilitate volunteering across the region.
The scheme will provide the public with a central place to source and progress volunteering opportunities. DBS will act as a hub for volunteering in its three regions by using its communication channels including branches, website and social media to promote and encourage people to volunteer.
The Society itself is celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2016 by giving 160 volunteering days to a range of local organisations.
Darlington Building Society has also extended its 26 year relationship with the NYSD Premier Cricket League and will be promoting roles which are key to running the community-based clubs involved in the League.
Marc Gillham, volunteering co-ordinator at Darlington Building Society, said: “At Darlington Building Society we are proud to play an important role in supporting the local community.
“The Society aims to make a real difference by focusing on the needs of our members and our communities through supporting local charities, arts and sports.
“Volunteering plays a vital role in communities but it also benefits the volunteer who can learn new skills, make contacts and just have a good time while doing something very worthwhile.
“This scheme is providing more people with the chance to make a difference where it’s really needed and put smiles on as many faces as possible.”
The NYSD ECB Premier League is the leading cricket organisation in the region, and the Darlington Building Society have been its major partner for 26 consecutive years. League president Chris West said: “We have always prided ourselves in the NYSD on being a closely knit family of clubs who strive to enhance and add value to the communities in which we are involved.
“The clubs are run entirely by dedicated volunteers and it never ceases to amaze me how much time and effort they put in, and that is why this unique volunteering initiative will be so welcome. No matter how much or how little time a volunteer can provide it will always be appreciated, and we are really grateful to DBS for providing this opportunity.”
Lizzie Clapham from Hambleton Community Action said “We are delighted Darlington Building Society is helping to profile the value and benefit of volunteering in and for our local communities, letting people know how they can get involved in making a difference. Being someone who makes someone look forward to tomorrow is very rewarding”
Simone McNeill from Darlington Cares said “Darlington Building Society has demonstrated a strong passion and true commitment to the local communities in which it serves, for many years. We are pleased to support them with the launch of their volunteering action programme. Volunteering allows individuals to make a real tangible impact in their own communities, whilst developing personal skills and most importantly, having fun!”