New city volunteer centre to open doors

A new volunteer centre designed by young people will open in Bradford city centre next week.

It is hoped that the centre, based at the Community and Voluntary Services building in Sunbridge Road, will provide a “one stop infrastructure shop” to serve the 3,000 community organisations in the Bradford district.

Dave Forrest, director of charity Volunteering Bradford, which is running the centre, said: “We are really excited about the move to Bradford city centre. The new volunteer centre is an absolutely fantastic space and the perfect place to call in and find out about the amazing volunteer roles available across the Bradford district from our friendly team of staff and volunteers.”

The new centre has been designed by Bradford’s Youth Action Team, members of the national young volunteers service Vinvolved, to make sure it is an accessible, modern and welcoming environment.

And it will be fully functioning to mark the start of the 2011 Bradford Civic Year of Volunteering Supporting Active Citizenship.

Mr Forrest said: “Community organisations will be able to access a wide range of support services all available in one city centre building. As we enter the 2011 Bradford District Civic Year of Volunteering it really is an amazing time to get involved in volunteering. Thanks to all the companies and organisations who have volunteered their time, skills and equipment to make our dream space happen.”

Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mohammed Jamil will formally open the centre on October 19.

The new centre will provide sessional activities, brokerage and training for groups such as young people and unemployed people referred through Job Centres.