Baildon Town Council has launched the Volunteering in Baildon project in response to feedback from organisations in the area that are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers.

While the council provides grants to local groups, it says that funding alone is not enough to help them achieve their aims.

Feedback provided to the council by voluntary organisations suggested that fewer people are volunteering since the pandemic, existing volunteers are getting older, and younger volunteers often move on from volunteering into paid work or education.

The Volunteering in Baildon project will gather information about volunteering opportunities in the area; promote them to the wider community via the Internet, social media, and the library; recruit a team of volunteers to get involved in community events; and collaborate with Baildon Community Link to support its Volunteers Fair.

Councillor John Turner said: "Volunteers are the life-blood of Baildon.

"They give lots of their time and energy to support activities and events that take place locally.

"We, at the Town Council, fully support this initiative."

The Volunteers Fair will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Baildon Community Link, Cliffe Avenue, Baildon.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Rachel Gallagher, volunteer coordinator, on vc@baildontowncouncil.gov.uk