Volunteering Extravaganza coming to Norwich
What is the Volunteering Extravaganza?
Voluntary Norfolk’s Communities Team are organising the Volunteering Extravaganza in Norwich to celebrate Volunteers’ Week
A dynamic volunteer recruitment and celebration event is coming to the Forum in Norwich next week Friday 7th June from 10:30am to 4pm. Voluntary Norfolk’s Communities Team is thrilled to host the “Give it a Go! Volunteering Extravaganza,” which will celebrate both the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week (3rd – 9th June) as well as the latest instalment of The Big Help Out 2024 (7th – 9th June).
What’s special about this event?
This year’s event promises to be an exciting departure from traditional volunteer fairs. It is an extravaganza designed to engage potential volunteers through interactive activities and by offering people there a firsthand experience of various organisations’ missions and operations. Visitors will have the chance to participate in a range of activities – everything from seed sowing, table-top printing, bird box-making, and CPR demonstrations – as well as the opportunity to meet some of the trainee guide dogs and some rescued animals seeking new homes.
Tasha Cobb (one of the organisers from Voluntary Norfolk)
Tasha Cobb, one of the organisers from Voluntary Norfolk, said:
“We are excited to celebrate 40 years of Volunteers’ Week with an event that not only showcases the incredible work of our local organisations but also actively involves the community in meaningful, hands-on experiences. Our goal is to inspire more people to volunteer by giving them a taste of what it’s like to make a difference.”
She continued:
“I know so many people in Norfolk are really generous in terms of giving their time to help causes they care about – whether that be looking after rescued animals or checking up on their neighbours and much, much more besides. However, the simple truth is that volunteering numbers have declined over the last decade and many voluntary, charity and social enterprise organisations are struggling as a result. That’s why we’ve put on this extravaganza. So if you’re free next Friday, please come along for a day of discovery, inspiration, and celebration of community spirit. Together, let’s make a difference!”
What’s on offer at the Volunteering Extravaganza?
The event will feature “activity spaces” instead of the traditional stand-behind-a-table approach. This innovative setup encourages visitors to engage directly with the organisations, to allow them to get a deeper understanding and connection of what the different groups do. Additionally, the organisers are hosting a series of short talks throughout the day, where volunteers share their personal experiences and the impact of their contributions, in the “Voice of Volunteers” space.
Over 50 organisations will be showcasing their volunteering opportunities, including Girlguiding Norfolk, North Norfolk Railway, Grapes Hill Community Garden and the SOS Bus.
The event will be at The Forum on 7th June from 10:30am to 4pm.
