Groundwork North East & Cumbria is using the extended Volunteer Week to highlight the important role that volunteers play in the region.
Groundwork relies on its army of volunteers to ensure the delivery of its range of social and environmental schemes, all of which aim to engage communities, private businesses and public sector partners to make sustainable change to their areas.
The charity and its social enterprises has a network of 100 regular volunteers who collectively gave more than 100,000 hours of their time last year, which would equate to a pay roll in excess of £700,000 if they were paid the minimum wage. A costly figure for any organisation.
Groundwork projects that rely on volunteers include: River Tees Rediscovered Partnership, a conservation scheme, which celebrates the Tees’ pivotal role in the physical and cultural development of the region, and Land of Oak & Iron, which looks to preserve the North East’s unique landscape created by its industrial heritage.
Its flagship social enterprises, gwk woodshed and gwk nursery also embrace volunteers and offer training opportunities for those seeking employment.
Kate Culverhouse, Chief Executive for Groundwork North East & Cumbria, said: “Groundwork is very grateful to everyone who gives up their time to help make our ambitions a success.
“Time is money, and too often the contribution made by volunteers is overlooked in economic terms, but it’s important to take a moment to reflect on their outstanding contribution.
“Volunteering is a great opportunity for people who are looking to gain experience, make social connections and even gain qualifications through our training schemes.
“I’d also like to extend our thanks to businesses, which give their staff the opportunity to take a paid day out of work to give our projects a much-welcomed manpower boost.
“Our schemes are always in need of extra hands and I would encourage any business, organisation or individual who would like to be part of positive change in the area to get in touch.”
Those wishing to volunteer their time can head to the Groundwork North East & Cumbria website: http://www.