Exeter’s popular Volunteer Fayre is back on Thursday, 21 March for the third year running.
It brings together 60 local voluntary groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations, all of which are looking to recruit new volunteers!
The Fayre, which takes place at Exeter Cathedral, is being organised by local charity, Exeter Community Initiatives, which helps people to improve wellbeing and build skills, supports families facing challenges and hardships, and helps communities to thrive.
Entry to the Fayre is free and visitors will have the chance to find out more about the volunteering opportunities on offer from exhibitors such as Exeter Leukaemia Fund, Hospital Radio, Merry Go Round Toy Library, Exeter Historic Buildings Trust, Diverse Devon Together and South West Athletics Academy.
New to this year’s Fayre is the ‘Wall of Opportunity’ which will display volunteer opportunities for organisations unable to exhibit.
Caroline Lake, Trustee at Exeter Community Initiatives, said: “As a volunteer, trustee myself, I know there is a very real need to recruit volunteers who can support local voluntary groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations to deliver their much-needed services. So, if you’re looking to volunteer but not sure what opportunities are out there, come along to our Volunteer Fayre and find out!”
Last year’s Volunteer Fayre attracted over 750 visitors and exhibitors received, on average, 10 -15 enquiries about their volunteering opportunities.
Kath Sidgwick from Alphington Community Association, said: “Last year’s Volunteer Fayre was great! We recruited one new trustee and two new volunteers! It was also brilliant to network with other organisations.”
Apart from helping other people, volunteering also benefits the volunteer.
A recent report published by the National Lottery Community Fund (NCLF) states volunteering has huge physical and mental wellbeing benefits, from improving people’s confidence and self-esteem, to building their resilience and raising aspirations. It can also provide people with a sense of purpose, build new friendships and reduce isolation and loneliness.
The NLCF concluded that over three years of supporting community volunteering projects contributed £4 billion to the UK economy.
The Volunteer Fayre is free to enter and takes place on Thursday 21 March, 11am-2.30pm at Exeter Cathedral.
For visitors looking to book their free entry ticket click here.