Bradford Has No Shortage Of Volunteers
People in Bradford are more likely to volunteer in their communities than in most other areas of the country, according to a national survey.
The study, published by Consulting Inplace, looked to see where most people took an active role in their neighbourhoods. The areas with higher than expected numbers of volunteers were Bradford, Torridge (Devon), Shropshire, Chiltern (Buckinghamshire) and Erewash (Derbyshire).
Bradford Council’s own survey found that around one fifth of residents take part in some kind of volunteering activity at least once a month.
This was demonstrated during Volunteers’ Week in Bradford in June, when hundreds of people gave up their time to help vulnerable residents. Over 200 volunteers gave more than 28,000 hours of their own time to help the council’s adult and children’s services during the week.
The Volunteers’ Week happened during Active Citizens 2011, a year-long district wide campaign celebrating the efforts of people who give up their time to improve things for others in the district.
Imran Hussain, deputy leader of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, said: “Our Active Citizens 2011 campaign recognises the support of thousands of people who give up their time. During Volunteers’ Week we wanted to say a special thanks to those who volunteer for the Council.
“Volunteers never replace paid staff, however it is difficult to overstate the impact they have on local peoples’ lives.
“They bring enthusiasm, new skills, ideas and experience and lots of personal qualities like empathy and understanding.”
Events taking part during the Active Citizens year will include a fun day, a carnival, a village fair and a forum for older people to swap ideas and views.