JOIN US in Strengthening Our Local Community Organisation – Together, We Can Make a Difference!

Make it your New Year’s resolution to get involved and volunteer with local community groups.

Volunteering isn’t just about helping and supporting others. Volunteering can also have a positive impact on your own well-being and mental health, as well as providing opportunities to develop new skills and meet new people within your community.

Bury has a vibrant community, with a strong voluntary and faith sector that offers essential services to its residents, particularly those who are vulnerable. However, these groups rely on the valuable time and energy of volunteers to carry out their work and support the community, ranging from sports clubs to befriending services and food banks.

Whether it’s assisting with the cost of living or contributing to environmental initiatives, there is a volunteering opportunity suited for everyone.

The Bury Voluntary, Community, Faith Alliance (VCFA) serves as the local infrastructure organization for the voluntary sector in the borough. It provides valuable information regarding volunteering opportunities.

In collaboration with Bury Council, VCFA has developed the Volunteering Strategy for the borough, aiming to enhance and support volunteering activities and volunteers. The strategy emphasizes the benefits of volunteering and encourages organizations to appreciate and recognize the value of volunteers, while also offering diverse opportunities.

There are several ways to get involved:

• You can find local volunteering opportunities at [website] and [website].
• Discover local groups and events to support at [website] and [website].
• Join the Bury VCFA volunteer bank at [website].
• Sign up for the volunteer bulletin at [email protected].

Cllr Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities and Finance at Bury Council, expressed gratitude towards the volunteers in Bury, recognizing their crucial role in providing services and promoting the well-being of local communities.

“Volunteers generously contribute their time for the betterment of their community, and they receive support from numerous local volunteer-involving groups and organizations. These volunteers and organizations are essential to the well-being of our communities and the success of the ‘Let’s Do It’ strategy for the borough, which aims to ensure everyone can actively participate in local communities and acknowledges the assets and strengths of our residents.”

“In collaboration with VCFA, the council is committed to providing the necessary support to these organizations and individuals in order to assist the residents of Bury. This year, we have allocated approximately £140,000 in cost of living grants to 40 groups, in addition to other funding opportunities.”

Helen Tomlinson, Chief Officer of Bury VCFA, emphasized that people volunteer for various reasons, such as giving back to the community, helping others, making new connections, trying something new, or acquiring new skills.

“Regardless of the motivation, volunteering has a significant impact on health and well-being, strengthening communities and fostering unity among individuals from diverse backgrounds,” Tomlinson said.

“The types of volunteering and the ways people volunteer have evolved, with informal and ‘micro’ volunteering (short bursts of time) becoming more common. If you are considering giving back to the community, please visit our website to explore the available opportunities.”