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Dame Elisabeth Hoodless removing rubbish with volunteers at a derelict site in Rodney Street |
Volunteering for a new bank holiday
BRITAIN’S community service chief, Dame Elizabeth Hoodless chose a conservation site in Islington this week to launch a national campaign for a new bank holiday to celebrate volunteering.
Under the scheme – supported by Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC – millions of people will be encouraged to work in the community for free for one day, doing jobs like litter-picking, gardening for people with disabilities, or simply being a helpful neighbour to someone in need.
Dame Elizabeth, who is chief executive of the King’s Cross based CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is suggesting that a Monday in October would be suitable, providing a much needed bank holiday break in the period between August and Christmas.
“We are a country with very few bank holidays,” said Dame Elizabeth, who spoke at the former derelict site in Rodney Street, off Caledonian Road, where she was helping remove rubbish.
“We know from our own research that there are millions of people who want to volunteer but don’t have the time or don’t know how to start.”
A Highbury woman and former Islington Labour councillor (1964-68), she is calling for Volunteers Bank Holiday in time for the Olympics and the Queen’s golden jubilee in 2012.
“We expect there will be thousands of volunteers employed for the Games,” she added. “They will show people to their seats and welcome athletes.
“Britain leads the world when it comes to volunteering work. It may be something to do with our generous nature, but each year in the UK 250,000 volunteers work on various projects in their spare time.
“Volunteering contributes significantly to the UK economy, boosts people’s wellbeing, makes them happy and prevents isolation.” |
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