VOLUNTEERS and people interested in volunteering from across Redcar and Cleveland are invited to a special event aiming to celebrate them, help them make connections and find out about the support available.
The Volunteers Forum will be held on Tuesday 15 May, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at 25K Community and Youth Centre Redcar. Organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the event aims to bring together current and prospective volunteers, local organisations and services to network, share stories and explore new opportunities for making a difference in the community.
The forum will feature stalls showcasing a variety of local volunteering projects, training workshops, and talks offering insight into the personal and community benefits of volunteering. Organisations attending the event include: Cleveland Fire Brigade, Dementia Services, Harbour, Thrive, We are with you, Citizens Advice, AECOM, as well as various council services.
Three volunteers have shared their stories, encouraging other people to give volunteering a chance.
Hassan Anibaba, a 29-year-old Project Management student at Sunderland University, started volunteering with the Council to gain valuable experience for his future career.
“Being able to apply what I’ve learned in class into a real working environment has been truly beneficial,” he said. “It’s great to be able to shadow professionals and be involved in their projects. Once I finish my volunteering role and my course, I’m planning to use the knowledge and experience I got here and look for the right job for me.”
Brian Holland, 75 from Redcar, is a long-serving volunteer at Kirkleatham Museum. For the past 12 years, Brian has been supporting exhibitions and helping visitors, using his skills as an electrician to solve technical problems.
“I’d really miss the place if I stopped working here. This is part of my life now and the staff are like family. Volunteering enlightens your life,” he said.
Another inspiring voice is Christine Stubbs, 55, from South Bank, who has dedicated 25 years to supporting youth and community initiatives, including family hubs, eco shops, church activities, and holiday events. A mother of seven and grandmother of nine, Christine recently received the Mayor’s Award for her outstanding contribution to the community.
“It’s so nice to be there for the children and their parents. I know what it’s like to have a large family and I want to help as much as possible,” she said.
Cllr Christopher Massey, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “The Volunteers Forum is a celebration of the amazing people who give their time and energy to support our communities. Volunteers are the backbone of so many local projects and services. We hope this event will inspire others to get involved and discover the many ways they can make a real difference.”
The forum is free to attend and open to all current volunteers and community groups as well as anyone interested in volunteering. For further information, please get in touch with Volunteer@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.