30 November 2006
For immediate release
Volunteering England (VE) is to highlight the life-changing benefits of volunteering to an audience of thousands at an inspirational exhibition in the New Year. Visitors to the One Life Live event, which takes place from 2 to 4 March 2007 at London’s Olympia, will be encouraged to change their lives for the better, whether through a change of career, or even moving abroad.
VE is sponsoring a volunteering village within the Life Balance zone, one of six designed to offer support to visitors craving a life change. The other zones are: Be your own boss; Retrain; Relocate; Take a Break; and Life begins at…for those approaching their “third age”. Celebrities and experts who have taken the plunge to change their lives for the better will be on hand to offer support and inspiration, complementing the 100 - plus free daily workshops, seminars and presentations. Volunteering England’s experts will also offer advice and guidance for those who work with volunteers, and organisations who are considering setting up an employer supported volunteering (ESV) scheme.
Over half the visitors to One Life Live in 2006 said they would like to “give something back” through volunteering – as well as enjoy the other benefits of volunteering including learning new skills, enhancing their CV and helping retrain for a new career. The event in 2007 is expected to draw even bigger crowds that the 15,000 who attended last year.
Helen Marriott, co-founder of One Life Live, said:
“I am delighted that VE has agreed to be a partner for One Life Live. Last year, volunteering was one of the most popular choices for visitors, and we were keen to work with an organisation with such a wealth of experience in this area – it seemed a natural fit.
“More and more people are recognising the need to so something more constructive with their life, and volunteering is an excellent way to make that difference.”
Jane Heath, assistant director of outreach services at Volunteering England said:
“We know from our experience that volunteering is truly life-enhancing, and it is very exciting that we will be helping a whole new audience to discover the benefits. I would encourage all those who are considering volunteering and who want both information and inspiration, as well as those with an interest in ESV, to come to the Life Balance zone at One Life Live and find out for themselves. “
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Notes to Editors:
- For more information and to arrange interviews, call Cat Dean on 020 7520 8932; email cat.dean@volunteeringengland.org . During out of office hours, please call Sonya Roberts on: 07952 128057
- For further information on One Life Live, or to book tickets, visit www.onelifelive.co.uk or call the booking line on 0870 272 0001.
- A survey of over 1,000 visitors to One Life Live in 2006 found that:
- 56% would like to “put something back” through volunteering
- 76% felt that getting involved with voluntary work would help them achieve a better perspective on life and a better work/life balance
- 62% believed they had life/work skills that could be useful in a volunteer position
- 68% suggested they would feel more connected to their local community if they volunteered
Volunteering England’s aims are to increase the quality, quantity, contribution and accessibility of volunteering throughout England; secure and support an England-wide network of quality volunteer development agencies, promoting and enabling volunteering and community involvement; undertake research, policy and development activity; and provide grants, support and advice to sustain and develop volunteering. It understands the term volunteering to include formal activity undertaken through public, private and voluntary organisations as well as informal community participation.
