Here at MHA, we are looking to our Bradford and Keighley communities to get involved in our new volunteer scheme which is about to launch.
The Xperience Volunteering Project (XVP) will initially run on a trial basis for six months with the objective of attracting 20 local people to fill voluntary roles with employers across the district, including MHA itself.
We are also inviting companies, public sector bodies and third sector organisations to become partners in the scheme by offering volunteer posts which require between two and 20 hours per week.
We want to help boost your employability and skills levels, while helping our friends across the Bradford in delivering their objectives.
We will be carrying out registration and induction of the chosen volunteers over the next few weeks, and volunteers will also be offered a modest daily payment available to cover expenses, such as travel.
Employers willing to become partners in the scheme and individuals keen to step forward as volunteers are invited to contact Nas Hussain on Tel: 01274 377 254 or email: Nasir.Hussain@manninghamha.co.uk
The project was devised by MHA Community Partnerships and Investment Manager Nas Hussain, following consultation with residents, potential volunteers and service providers.
He said he was proud that XVP had been driven by local people and believed it would bring tangible benefits for all involved. “More than three million people regularly volunteer in countless different roles across the country, resulting in a social return estimated at between £23 billion and £57 billion per year. Volunteers are able to develop their workplace skills, broaden their social network and make a positive contribution to community wellbeing. Meanwhile, employers gain new, highly-motivated staff who want to do well. Many will have the potential and desire to stay on a remunerated basis, negating the need for what can be an expensive and laborious recruitment process. Bradford and Keighley have no shortage of people simply requiring the opportunity to show what they can do. The Xperience Volunteering Project can be their chance to shine.”
Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said the scheme would link in with the association’s overarching commitment to engage with the local community. “The level of untapped potential I see across Bradford district is immense, particularly amongst young people. Through XVP, Manningham Housing Association has already begun the process of creating workplace opportunities for volunteers in our head office in the city centre and is liaising with partner organisations to create several more. But we want to encourage new partners to join us in this effort and hope that many will do so, either as part of the pilot project or for what we hope will follow after evaluation of the initial outcomes. I invite willing partners and volunteers to get in touch, get involved in XVP and let’s do something rewarding together.”