MP turns charity worker to promote volunteering

While Parliament is in recess, Julian Sturdy, the Conservative MP for York Outer, has decided to spend today and tomorrow volunteering his services to good causes.

The farmer and former councillor will work with several charities, clubs and at York’s hospital to celebrate and learn more about the demands and importance of working in the voluntary sector.

His work will begin today when he teams up with some of York’s young carers.

He has previously visited and hosted a parliamentary debate on behalf of young carers.

This afternoon Mr Sturdy is also set to visit the Queen Elizabeth Barracks youth club in Strensall.

The youth club holds regular activities during the school holidays and Mr Sturdy will be helping to run a science workshop for youngsters.

Tomorrow Mr Sturdy will be volunteering at the York Against Cancer charity shop in Huntington, and also at the charity’s shop at York Hospital.

Later the Tory MP has also agreed to help out at the weekly youth club at Oaken Grove Community Centre.

Mr Sturdy said: “The vibrant, passionate and dedicated voluntary sector across our great city should make all of York’s residents extremely proud.

“Every single day countless volunteers give their time, money and energy towards helping the most vulnerable members of our society.

“Such selfless service should be celebrated and supported by all politicians – regardless of usual party affliction. This week I shall be volunteering alongside young carers, youth club organisers and the York Against Cancer Group.

“These remarkable organisations, like so many others in York, carry out tremendous work in order to simply serve and support those most in need.

“With the pressures of modern-day life, and the wider economic situation, it is not always easy to be a volunteer in 2011.

“Nevertheless, it is vital that we encourage as many people as possible to contribute in any way they can.

“I truly believe that the voluntary sector brings communities together and particularly in difficult times it is imperative that we all stick together in order to preserve our treasured voluntary traditions.”

“I hope to learn a lot this week as I work and talk with some of York’s finest volunteers, and I intend to take my experiences back to Parliament next week to ensure that the voluntary sector’s concerns are heard loud and clear in Westminster.”

Mr Sturdy was elected to the newly-created York Outer seat for the Conservatives at last year’s General Election.

He has also served as a Harrogate councillor for five years.