Dudley residents offered new opportunities to get involved in good causes

Residents in Dudley borough can get connected in their communities through Dudley CVS’s new initiative, ‘Time to give where you live’.

‘Time to give where you live’ offers people the opportunity to try out helping out in their communities without having to make a long-term commitment. It lets people know what one-off help groups need. This might range from welcoming people to events, making cups of tea, the occasional litterpick and much more. People can choose which calls for help they want to respond to without any obligation.

John Goodman, Group Development Officer for Dudley CVS, said, “2024 is our 50^th anniversary of supporting good causes and volunteering across Dudley borough. Volunteering has changed a lot in that time and people want more flexible opportunities to get involved in their communities. ‘Time to give where you live’ offers a range of one-off chances to let people try out as many new activities as they like in a way that works for them and their schedules.”

Celia, a ‘Time to give where you live’ helper signed up and has enjoyed getting out in Stourbridge to help Stourbridge in Bloom with bulb planting. Celia said, “I’ve done 3 sessions of bulb planting and have enjoyed helping the group plant hundreds of bulbs whilst meeting volunteers from Stourbridge in Bloom. I’m looking forward to seeing the results in the spring.” That led to more opportunities for Celia to help out doing something she enjoys and she has started volunteering with Side By Side Theatre Company’s drama group.

John (Dudley CVS), Celia (Time to give where you live helper and new volunteer with Side by Side Theatre Company) and Derek, trustee and vice-chair of Side By Side Theatre Company

People can register as one-off helpers with Dudley CVS by visiting www.dudleycvs.org.uk/give-where-you-live or calling Dudley CVS on 01384 573381. They can also join Dudley CVS’s drop in on Tuesday 27^th February, 10am-12noon at DY1 community building, Stafford Street, Dudley DY1 1RT.