Organisers of the Bradford district’s first Volunteering Strategy hope to increase the number of volunteering inquiries by almost 3,000 over the next three years.

The strategy, which will be unveiled tonight at the Bradford Volunteer Centre in Sunbridge Road, sets out an action plan for helping organisations increase volunteering opportunities, as well as increasing the centre’s outreach work, in a bid to increase the number of volunteering inquiries by ten per cent each year.

The city already boasts the most volunteers than any other local authority in Yorkshire, with 28.5 per cent of the adult population volunteering, according to a 2009 Source Place Survey, while this year has also seen a 21 per cent increase in volunteering inquiries.

The strategy has been built up following consultations with more than 100 organisations and volunteers from across the district.

Bradford Council deputy leader Councillor Imran Hussain said: “From national voluntary organisations to local community groups, volunteers are using their time to make a difference, give something back to their community and gain new skills.”

Presentations from the young graduates of the recent National Citizens Service was due to take place at the event today. The young people, who built an environmental education area at Greengates Primary School, have also been shortlisted for a Community Star Award.

* For full story see today's T&A