WAVERLEY Borough Council is encouraging local people to get involved in volunteering in support of the national Volunteering Week initiative.

The borough has more than 300 voluntary organisations and an army of volunteers who generously donate their time to make Waverley a great place to live and work. 

To highlight the opportunities available the council, in partnership with Voluntary Action South West Surrey, will be visiting a number of locations in the borough to raise awareness about the volunteering opportunities available. 

Andrew Bolton, Waverley’s portfolio holder for grants, said: “With a buzzing borough there are so many ways to donate time and talents; from lending a hand with gardening, to taking an older person to do some grocery shopping or helping out at a singing workshop.

“Volunteers have an enormous impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents and help deliver many vital services such as serving lunches at the Farncombe Day Centre to undertaking important clerical work at the Rural Life Centre.

“Without the incredible contribution of time and talents that thousands of our fellow Waverley residents make, we would not have such wonderful communities to live in.

“Waverley has a strong tradition of supporting the work and services delivered by the voluntary organisations in the borough and have protected the funding we give to the voluntary sector for the last five years.”

Rosemary, volunteer co-ordinator for Voluntary Action South West Surrey, said: “I started volunteering to fill a gap after retiring. Over the last three years I’ve made lots of new friends, continued to use my skills and supported our vital voluntary organisations.

“If you’re at all hesitant about giving up some time and volunteering I would recommend giving it a go – I certainly have no regrets.”

For more information visit the website www.voluntaryactionsws.webeden.co.uk.