Adult and Family Learning event celebrates value of volunteering

Dozens of local people discovered the positives of volunteering in a special recruitment event held in Paisley.

Renfrewshire Council’s Adult and Family Learning team organised the event with local organisations and council services. It was held in Southend Action Centre.

Local people came along to drop into the event and find out more about volunteering opportunities. The event also helped celebrate the value and benefits of volunteering.

Local organisations involved include Bipolar Scotland, Community Input, Engage Renfrewshire, Paisley Thread Museum, Renfrewshire Carers Centre, ROAR – Connections for Life, Stronger Communities Glenburn, Wise Group, White Cart Credit Union, and West College Scotland. The Council’s Invest in Renfrewshire and Team Up to Clean Up services were also present.

People who volunteer say the experience makes them feel good and can help build confidence.

Anne explained: “I wanted to help people to read books and stories which would inform, inspire and fire their imagination. Reading opens a world of learning and pleasure to everyone, whatever their culture or creed.”

David added: “I was looking for something meaningful to do with some of my spare time once I left full-time employment.”

About the event, Kimberley Logan from Bipolar Scotland said: “It was beneficial for us being at this event to increase the reach of the organisation. I spoke with a few people who were interested in volunteering with us and others who wanted to find out more.”

Libby Mackinnon from Wise Group added: “I really enjoyed attending this event. It enabled us to share the service we provide with a wide range of people.”

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Community and Housing Policy Board, said: “Volunteering can have many benefits and it’s important to give people the chance to find out what opportunities are out there through events like this. The Adult and Family Learning team do fantastic work and put on numerous events throughout the year that help people come together, find information and get support.”

Southend Action Centre holds many events throughout the year, including cost-of-living events where people can drop in and get advice and support.