VISITORS to Stockton Town Centre on Friday (9 June) embraced the opportunity to learn more about dozens of local voluntary and charity organisations at a special Volunteers’ Market.
The Stockton Volunteers’ Market offered a variety of information and opportunities relating to volunteering, as well as craft and food stalls, live music and entertainment on the High Street.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the work being done by various local voluntary and charity organisations and to encourage people to find out how they can get involved.
The market was organised by Catalyst, the voluntary development agency for Stockton-on-Tees’ voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, and supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
Councillor Steve Nelson, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “It was great to see so many people coming into the marquee to find out more about the fantastic work being done in the Borough’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
“Volunteering can be a very rewarding and satisfying experience, no matter how much time you can give, and has a positive and real impact on people’s lives.
“I would encourage anyone that would like to use their time, skills and experience to help other people to visit the Stockton Volunteers website and learn more about the many opportunities out there to get involved.”
Lesley Makin, Project Manager for Catalyst, added: “The market has been a great opportunity to showcase volunteering work and opportunities and what it can offer to communities in these changing times.
“We have been well supported by the local authority, who listen and respond to our needs and help to promote our work. The turnout of people has been great and we’re all appreciative of the support of Stockton Volunteers as a whole.”
For more information visit www.stocktonvolunteers.co.uk