ENTHUSIASTIC residents who give back to their communities are taking to the small-screen, thanks to a month-long campaign starting immediately. Ahead of national Volunteers Week (1st – 7th June), volunteers throughout County Durham and Darlington are recording a series of short videos, as part of an online campaign hosted by Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police Commissioner. Ron said: “I really wanted to find a way to celebrate the work of ordinary people, who give up their free time to help others in their community, whilst raising the profile of what they do. “There are so many local organisations who value the work of their volunteers, and this is one way of letting the public know of the contribution these people make to our society.”
The campaign will be hosted on Ron’s Facebook and Twitter sites, and will include videos from criminal justice organisations, councils, health, the voluntary sector, charities and smaller community groups. Residents who are looking to give back to their community will be able to find out how they can get involved, thanks to the various organisations taking part in the campaign. The videos will also help vulnerable people, including victims of crime or antisocial behaviour, to access the various support services available to them. “Local volunteers work in so many different ways, using their skills or life experiences to benefit others” said Ron. “Some may help to provide out of school activities or support victims of crime.
Other volunteers may help those in a crisis situation to reduce re-offending, or assist isolated or vulnerable people. They might be helping them with shopping, gardening, or simply providing a listening ear. Volunteers really should be recognised for the tremendous impact they make to the lives of others.” Residents are being encouraged to follow the campaign and share the videos on social media; simply search for DurhamPCC on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #DurhamDarloVolunteers, from 2nd May.
