Volunteers say ‘YES!’ to 2013

The Volunteer Action Plan was officially launched by Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney as part of the annual volunteer fair organised by the North West Volunteer Centre with funding from Derry City Council.

More than 3,000 volunteers will be needed for a range of events and projects throughout 2012 and 2013, and the recruitment of these is now under-way. Just last week a call went out for volunteers to help with the Clipper Homecoming Festival taking place in the city from June 28 to July 8.

The North West Volunteer Centre will lead on Volunteer Action Plan with the support of Derry City Council, Culture Company 2013 and Ilex. Volunteers will be required and training provided in the fields of crowd control, first aid, disability equality, child protection, customer service, multi-lingual welcoming and more.

Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney said: “This is your chance to get involved in the wide range of exciting events organised for the city as part of its UK City of Culture celebrations in 2013. The Action Plan being launched today identifies the opportunities that exist to enhance participation and to include diverse communities and create volunteering opportunities that will benefit all.”

Shona McCarthy Culture Company 2013 Chief Executive said: “The launch of this Volunteer Action Plan will give the people of the city an opportunity to play an active role in the delivery of the jam-packed programme of events for next year. This is such an important aspect to ensure that next year runs smoothly and I encourage the people of Derry~Londonderry to step up and get involved.”

Jim Roddy Chairman of the Volunteering Steering Group commented: “The launch of the Volunteer Action Plan recognises the sterling work that is continually carried out throughout the city by volunteers and we would like to invite all of those who have an interest in volunteering to contribute to the many great opportunities on offer in the city over the next year or two.”

The plan is now available to download here. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Clipper Homecoming Festival and City of Culture activities can contact the North West Volunteer Centre by telephoning 028 7127 1017 or emailing [email protected].