Volunteers march onwards with pledge to help people’s projects
A LEADING North West housing association has pledged 1,200 hours of volunteering time to support a range of community projects across the region this year.
Onward’s volunteering programme has supported 64 worthwhile causes over the past year across Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and
Cheshire, with colleagues providing over 900 hours of volunteering time in the last twelve months.
The organisation’s new target is 200 hours more than last year.
Andrew Lord, Head of Neighbourhood Services, at Onward said:
“Our volunteering programme provides colleagues with an opportunity to make a positive difference to our communities.
“The new volunteering target is our most ambitious to date and is another example of our commitment to making The Onward Difference.
Colleagues from across the organisation are encouraged to step out of their day job and volunteer, which provides them with a chance to experience first-hand the incredible work that local organisations do across our region.
“Working closely with community organisations helps us to foster stronger relationships and spot opportunities to do more together. We look forward to building on our success and supporting more worthwhile causes in the future.”
Colleagues from across the organisation are encouraged to get out into the local community and provide hands on support to a range of community projects.
Onward’s dedicated Social Investment Team works with groups that provide essential services throughout the North West, identifying funding opportunities or brokering partnerships to provide these organisations with the tools to deliver their services. Onward has been involved in a range of projects and charities such as Community Solutions North West (CSNW), a charity and social enterprise based in Accrington, specialising in engagement and support including for people in the community.
Onward colleagues regularly volunteer their time to support sessions which can include delivering welfare and gift boxes/hampers to customers alongside their own volunteers.