Volunteer Centre Mid Suffolk

Optua runs the Volunteer Centre Mid Suffolk which acts as a volunteer development agency, recruiting and placing volunteers where they are needed. It also provides training and support for voluntary organisations on good practice.

The Volunteer Centre has the Volunteering England Quality Mark, which shows the Centre has met the necessary criteria as a volunteer development centre.

Details of the database maintained by the Centre showing the many volunteering opportunities that are available can be accessed on-line at www.do-it.org.uk.

Some of the Volunteer Centre's volunteers help out with the services that Optua runs, but many also help other local charities and voluntary organisations.

There are usually up to 550 volunteering opportunities on offer within 200 voluntary organisations in Mid Suffolk. These include driving community vehicles, gardening, conservation, shopping, visiting and befriending, helping in the offices of voluntary organisations and getting involved in community projects and events. The Centre can also place volunteers with national and international charities.

The Volunteer Centre is based at 5 Poplar Hill, Stowmarket, and is open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 2pm. There is always an answer-phone on to take messages and you can also email: volunteer.centre@optua.org.uk.

For more information call the Volunteer Centre on 01449 612486.

The Volunteer Centre is funded Suffolk County Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and Stowmarket Town Council and donations.