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25.09.19 • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Borders Volunteers Fair

Borders Volunteers Fair

Wednesday 25 September from 2-4pm.

Each year, thousands of hours are given by generous volunteers across the Borders to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities throughout our region. There are many well-known benefits of volunteering which have such a positive impact on our communities.

But more volunteers are needed, and a call is being made to anyone who would like to find out more and get involved in their local community to come along to the inaugural Borders Volunteers Fair at the Borders Events Centre, Springwood Park, Kelso on Wednesday 25 September from 2-4pm.

To date, more than 50 voluntary organisations and charities have signed up to showcase their work, making the fair the ideal opportunity for you to find out just how much is happening in your local area and how you can get involved.

From the Borders Family History Society to Youth Borders, Borders Pet Rescue, Lauder in Bloom and the British Red Cross to name just a few, there is something for everyone and every age group. From the larger organisations operating across the whole of the Borders to others just on your doorstep, they are all looking forward to explaining what they do and hopefully recruiting some vitally needed new supporters.

The fair is part of a day-long event initiated by the three Borders Lord-Lieutenants with support from Scottish Borders Council and the Borders Third Sector Interface (made up of The Bridge, Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service, Volunteer Centre Borders and the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber). The overall aim is to bring charity and voluntary groups together to share experiences, explore opportunities for joined up working and identify where there are gaps in provision. Crucially they are also hoping to encourage new volunteers.

The Duke of Buccleuch, Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, said: “I and my fellow Lord-Lieutenants, Hew Strachan and Jeanna Swan, are hugely impressed by how much is already being achieved and we want this event to be a chance to celebrate and acknowledge all the wonderful work that happens every day across the Borders.

“But we also know how much more is needed to help people of all ages who are struggling and need support. The impulse to be a ‘Good Neighbour’ is deeply ingrained in most people but the best way of doing so may not be obvious. Our fair on 25 September is about exploring the many different opportunities that are available, so if you can spare the time please come along, and bring your friends. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you all there.”

Claire Penny, Executive Officer at Volunteer Centre Borders, on behalf of the Borders Third Sector Interface, added: “All the organisations attending are deeply committed to what they do, but we need you to lend that all important helping hand which is why we’re inviting everyone to join us at the Borders Event Centre. It’s a chance to have an informal chat with a wide range of organisations and find out more, not only about what they offer but also about the benefits that becoming a volunteer can bring.

“There really is something for everyone. If you’ve got some spare time and want to make a difference, whether that’s becoming a befriender to an older person, getting involved in a community garden, encouraging people to improve their health and wellbeing or supporting someone to research their family history, we’ve got the organisation for you.”

The event is free and refreshments will be provided. There is no need to book – just come along on the day. If you would like any more information, contact Volunteer Centre Borders on 01896 754041 or at: enquiries@vcborders.org.uk

Borders Events Centre in Scotland has a large 1,000 sqm multi-purpose hall

Details

Date:
25.09.19
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Borders Events Centre
Springwood Park
Kelso, TD5 8LS United Kingdom
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Phone:
+441573224188