Volunteer Centre Leeds opens its doors

The centre is based on the second floor at the central library and promotes a wide range of volunteer work, which is available with small community groups, local and national charities, health and services and education. You could be working with:

• Older people,
• Women's groups,
• Children and youth,
• The environment,
• Admin and computers.
• Arts and music,
• Sport,
• Advice/helplines,
• Disability groups.

Any members of the public are welcome, sessions runs every Thursday between 12:30pm- 4:30pm and last around 15 minutes - there is no need for an appointment, but there may be a short wait at busy times. All you need to do is fill in a simple form and tell the staff your interests and skills and they will be able to help you find the sort of voluntary work you're looking for.

The initiative is part of 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering and is led by the council and Voluntary Action Leeds.

Councillor Richard Brett, joint leader of Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for the 2010 Year of Volunteering said: "We want to make it easier for people to find out about volunteering opportunities and the new Volunteer Centre Leeds will help us to do this.

Lord Mayer of Leeds Councillor Judith Elliott said: "Thousands of residents already give up their spare tiem to work as volunteers and the 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering is a celebration of the splended work they do."

Volunteer Centre Leeds is run by the Voluntary Action - Leeds who provide direct support, services and advice to voluntary and community groups in Leeds.

For further information or for an appointment you can call the Volunteer Centre on 0113 297 7920 or email the centre.