Vampires launch Youth Volunteering
Young people are ‘springing into action’ this March with volunteering taster events around Bradford for 16-25’s.
The events will help introduce young people to volunteering, often for the first time and are organized as part of the National Young Volunteers Service, which aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers (aged 16-25) in England. In Bradford it works with the Shipley charity Volunteering Bradford to create inspiring, diverse opportunities and by helping to overcome barriers that stop people from taking action to improve lives, communities and the planet.
Since the project began over a thousand young people have been engaged in volunteering activities in Bradford. At the launch of the special youth events this March, young people at Bradford University dressed as vampires to encourage Blood Donation for the National Blood Service. During the promotional activity there was a 50% increase in the number of blood donors and the session was so busy the service opened later than usual to cope with demand.
Other special planned activities include:
- Having a go at DJing and learn how to put a radio show together on Sunday 7th March 12noon-2 pm at BCB Radio.
- Helping to fundraise for Sports Relief at Lister Park café, Sunday 21st March 8.45 -11am.
- Helping to fundraise for Epilepsy Action on Sunday 21st March 8 -11 am, meeting under the BBC TV screen in Centenary square.
- Supporting a new youth café ‘take off’ in Shipley, Saturday 27th March 2-4pm meeting at Shipley Youth Café 21 Market street, Shipley.
Dave Forrest, Director of Volunteering Bradford, says,
“This is an amazing opportunity for young people to try out volunteering and see whether they like it before committing their time to an organization over a longer period. It’s a great chance to see some of the types of volunteering going on in Bradford. There are lots more opportunities young people can get involved in if they want to volunteer in the future.
"It's also a great way to show that young people do want to give something back to their local communities and helps dispel some of the negative stereotypes about young people.”
3rd March 2010
