A new way to Help Out in Ripon community
Have you always thought about volunteering but not sure you can commit to a regular time/day? Then a new project in Ripon could be just what you're looking for. Once signed up as a Help Out Ripon volunteer you'll be emailed about opportunities to Help Out for a few hours with different charities and groups. If you're free and interested you get in touch, if not, don’t worry, you’ll receive another email in a couple of weeks with some new opportunities - it's as simple as that!
The HADCA team were delighted to launch Help Out Ripon on World Kindness Day, 13th November, with both interested new volunteers and local charities meeting together at the Claro Lounge This new flexible volunteering initiative makes it easier than ever for Ripon residents to get involved and is supported by North Yorkshire Council's Stronger Communities programme.
Help Out connects people with one-off volunteering opportunities, helping charities and community groups get the extra hands they need while enabling volunteers to contribute in ways that fit around busy lives.
Projects could include helping at local fundraising events, supporting community activities or offering skills for one off tasks, each making a real difference without requiring ongoing time commitment.
In the run up to Christmas, opportunities include delivering leaflets about Ripon Walled Garden’s Christmas Tree Collection Service in January and helping at the YMCA’s Christmas Dinner for tenants on 16th and 17th December. You can show Christmas Kindness by supporting the Walled Garden’s work with members with disabilities, whilst making sure trees are disposed of environmentally, or help spread festive joy to young people in supported accommodation this year.
Help Out projects build on the legacy of the incredible volunteering efforts of local people during the pandemic. HADCA had over 350 people come forward to help individuals isolating at home and 150 volunteer marshals supporting the vaccination programme at the Ripon and Harrogate vaccination centres. Help Out recognises the incredible power of this volunteering ‘workforce’ who can support local charities and community activities on an ad hoc basis.
HADCA Development Manager Lizzie Hughes said: “We’re excited to bring this model to Ripon and help strengthen the local voluntary sector with fresh support. For charities and community groups, even a small amount of support can be transformational. Help Out Ripon gives them access to willing helpers when they need them most, strengthening community services and reducing pressure on their regular volunteers.”
A Help Out volunteer said: “I was interested in volunteering but didn’t know much about local charities, this has given me the opportunity to interact with different charities and see which might suit me, should I wish to commit on a regular basis.”
If you are a community organisation in the Ripon area and would like occasional volunteer support, Help Out Ripon can help match you with people who have a few hours to offer.
For more information about Help Out Ripon visit www.hadca.org.uk/helpoutripon