This week our volunteer spotlight is on the Voluntary Community Action East Cambridgeshire (VCAEC) group.

The VCAEC has teamed up with other groups to help entice East Cambridgeshire residents with a range of tempting ways they can give time to their local community.

Since the Covid pandemic, the numbers of people volunteering have seriously declined leaving organisations and charities without the necessary capacity in some cases to support the services required by the most vulnerable across the district, says the VCAEC.

A team of partner agencies including the VCEAC, Ely Cathedral, Support Cambridgeshire (a partnership between the Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service and Hunts Forum, Soham Community Association, East Cambs District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council are creating a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of volunteering.

Recommended Reading: Spotlight on Volunteers 

The group is putting together an action plan and media campaign which will cover the whole of the district and it wants to hear from charitable groups and parishes and organisations who are in need of volunteers.

It would also like to hear from individuals experienced in volunteering who would like to help shape the campaign.

Angela Haylock, CEO of VCAEC, which is leading on the campaign, said: “As the district’s volunteer centre, we know that organisations are struggling, as we are, to get volunteers.

"We are sure there are people out there who would enjoy investing some time to help others. We need to create opportunities which are flexible and fit into people’s lives, whether it is one hour a week or just volunteering at an event every now and then and make it easy for them to do this.

"We hope to create a positive image of volunteering locally where people are keen and proud to volunteer."

If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Angela Haylock at: angela@vcaec.org.uk or call: 01353 666166.

About VCAEC

VCAEC can assist organisations and individuals with their volunteering needs. It also assists voluntary organisations with funding assistance, information and training.

It runs the Helping Hands Gardening Scheme which assists disadvantaged people with their gardens and the Ely Social Car Scheme which offers disadvantaged people with journeys, such as hospital appointments, the weekly shop or other appointments. Visit www.vcaec.org.uk for more details.