Volunteer fair in Bicester

Volunteer Connect, a scheme run by Citizens Advice, will host a virtual meeting for Bicester residents on Wednesday, September 16, from 12pm.

The idea of the event is to link people who want to volunteer with organisations that need help.

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During lockdown a small army of people from Bicester and the surrounding area volunteered for a large number of charities, community groups and initiatives, including one to pack meals for the NHS as part of campaign Salute the NHS

Now in a bid to keep the 'momentum going' the second volunteer fair of 2020 will take place – this time, though, it will be held online to keep people safe during the current pandemic.

Mayor of Bicester Jason Slaymaker said: “The Salute the NHS campaign and other work done by local charities during lockdown was very successful and saw hundreds of people from Bicester and the surrounding area get a taste of volunteering.

“It would be great to keep some of that momentum going. There are so many charities and organisations in Bicester who do a fantastic job supporting the community year in year out, but many are often run by a small pool of volunteers.

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“I know from my work as mayor there are many people across Bicester who enjoy volunteering and there is a wide range of volunteering roles available. If we could attract just 25 per cent of those who volunteered for Salute the NHS and get them volunteering in the town it would be a major boost for many groups across Bicester.

“Volunteering can be rewarding for so many reasons, you are helping others, it’s great for your own wellbeing, and it could also support a career change or strengthen your CV.

“I would urge anyone who is interested in volunteering to join the webinar and find out more.”

To register for the event go to https://sites.google.com/cano.org.uk/cherwellvolunteerfair/home