The Halesworth Volunteer Centre is based in the centre of the market town of Halesworth, Suffolk. It opened in 1986, providing a co-ordinating point for people needing voluntary help and people wishing to volunteer. One part-time member of staff was employed to co-ordinate and direct requests for help, either to existing agencies or to a suitable volunteer. Requests for help, included shopping, help with the elderly, driving and gardening. In 1987 the centre secured financial support from Suffolk County Council to set up a social car scheme providing drivers for people unable to access public transport services.

News - AGM 2010 -  Will be held on 9th June at Halesworth Golf Club from 7.30pm. Our speaker will be local Gardening expert Jane Bastow. Jane was a Gold Medal winner at Chelsea 2002 and opens her own garden to the public every year in the aid of charity. She will be sharing her recollections and expertise with us on the night. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

News - New Volunteering Opportunitues at HVC -  In addition to regular Volunteering opportunities in the centre, we are also in contact with a number of other local organisations seeking volunteers in a variety of areas.

We are also seeking trustees to join our management committee, meetings take place every 6-8 weeks in Halesworth. We would be particularly interested in people who could offer fund raising experience or help move the Centre forward with new ideas; a connection with Halesworth would be an advantage.

For further information on either of these opportunities please contact the centre (details on the "Contact Us" tab).

 How we work -  Today the centre is open 5 days per week and employs 3 support staff supported by a pool of dedicated volunteers. The centre is  managed by Co-ordinator Tracy Gardner, assisted by Karen Kerridge and Pat Lickman who run the Community Car and Pathfinder Services.

Even though the Volunteer Centre has expanded and evolved over the years, the aspirations of the Centre have changed very little - we are still here to serve and be of service to the community. We respond to individual requests for help and we work closely with other statutory and voluntary agencies, signposting to more specialised help if necessary.

The Community Car Service has gone from strength to strength, we also now offer a resource centre for other voluntary and charitable organisations and an information and advice centre to the public. Since November 2006 we have also been operating the Pathfinder Service for Discover Suffolk which is a public transport service available six days a week including Saturday and Sunday.

How can I access the services of the centre? Please browse our website to find out more about the services on offer, you can find out all about how to get in touch with us by clicking on the Contact Us tab at the top of the page. All requests for help should be directed to the centre. 

A few words from the Centre Co-ordinator, Tracy Gardner:

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

I am now into my second year at the Halesworth Volunteer Centre and every day is so very different from the last.  It makes for a greatly varied working atmosphere and I enjoy every minute. 

The enthusiasm of all of our volunteers never ceases to amaze me.  Our Community Car drivers travelled over 71,000 miles during the year 2007/2008 and HVC also responded to nearly 3,000 other requests for help during that year, from shopping to dog walking to signposting.  The good work of the centre could not continue without the assistance of all our volunteers and we are always on the lookout for new recruits!

If you would like to enquire about opportunities available for volunteering, then please contact us and we will be glad to find something suitable for you.  If you only have one hour spare each week, we could help you fill that time if you wish!

To anyone reading this who already volunteers – Thank you!  Your time and efforts are much appreciated by the recipients and by the Volunteer Centres who endeavour to look after you all.                                                                                           

Those who can, do.  Those who can do more, volunteer!!

Registered Charity No. 1001776