Volunteers to support parents

A new volunteer academy has opened in Blackpool as part of investment in early years care.
From left, Sharon Mather, Elaine Smith, Lynn Saggerson, Vidhya Alakeson and Merle Davies at the Volunteer Academy Launch at the Blackpool Winter GardensFrom left, Sharon Mather, Elaine Smith, Lynn Saggerson, Vidhya Alakeson and Merle Davies at the Volunteer Academy Launch at the Blackpool Winter Gardens
From left, Sharon Mather, Elaine Smith, Lynn Saggerson, Vidhya Alakeson and Merle Davies at the Volunteer Academy Launch at the Blackpool Winter Gardens

The three year project, worth £75,000 a year, is being funded by Blackpool Better Start and was awarded to The Volunteer Centre which is based on West Park Drive, following a competitive tender.

Among its aims is to support parent groups, develop the use of parent forums and offer more opportunities for volunteers within the town’s children’s centres.

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Merle Davies, Director of the Centre for Early Child Development, said: “One of our initial aims in our bid for Blackpool Better Start was to raise the standard of volunteering across early year resources such as children’s centres.

“The Volunteer Centre holds a kitemark called ‘Investing in Volunteer Standard’ and this stringent process will help elevate the benchmark for Blackpool volunteers.

“Beyond raising standards, the volunteer academy will also strive to create community champions of our local volunteers and tap into existing skills to maximise opportunities.

“We will offer training and the chance to get involved in a number of community projects including baby rover, parks and open spaces and outdoor activity programmes.

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“The benefits from the project will also extend our capacity to meet aims and goals that will benefit the community as a whole.”

The Volunteer Academy will be open to all members of the local community who are keen to get involved in activities reflecting their interests and using their skills.

Blackpool Better Start is working in partnership with organisations including children’s charity the NSPCC and the council, to improve outcomes for pre-school children in the resort’s most deprived areas.

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