Helen Oparinde, NCVS Group Support Coordinator (Broxtowe Borough) went to a community network event to promote the training and group support project currently available to voluntary groups in Broxtowe Borough. Here, she shares her thoughts and takeaways.
Broxtowe Green Umbrella, an informal group of climate activists, organised a community networking event with other green and sustainability-focused groups at Round Tree Primary School on the evening of Tuesday 17 September 2024. The purpose of the event was to connect local people in social and climate action.
The event consisted of over 20 individuals giving a two-minute presentation about the group they were involved in. For example, Hope Nottingham CIO talked about their community allotment, which volunteers maintain on a Tuesday morning from 9.15am to 12.15pm. Food grown here supports their Community Food Club, Community Meal, and the Foodbank.
Following the formal part of the event, there was half an hour to network with delegates, where Helen got the opportunity to chat with two individuals who were interested in using their skills in English as a second language and knowledge of cybercrime to volunteer for local charities.
Other discussions were with representatives from local groups about their organisation and how the NCVS Broxtowe project might be able to help via one-to-one support and fully funded training.
One discussion included a director of Plane Tree Independent CIC who runs a retail outlet on High Road in Beeston. The outlet sells products created by local artists. At the same time, giving the opportunity of person-centred retail training and experience for adults with additional needs.
The event was a wonderful opportunity for Helen, NCVS’s Group Support Coordinator, to gain knowledge of the vibrant community action being conducted in Beeston and offer support. Since then, Helen has been in touch with several groups and started to provide support around business planning for one organisation.
- If you are part of a group offering services to the residents of Broxtowe Borough, do get in touch with Helen to see how she can help your organisation. Helen can be contacted by email at heleno@nottinghamcvs.co.uk. Or by telephone on 07908 357037. Download our flyer to share with your networks, or have a sneaky peak at what's on offer.
- If you are an individual looking for volunteer opportunities within the borough of Broxtowe, do take a look at our website. We have over 150 volunteer opportunities advertised for volunteering in the county of Nottinghamshire.
- Next time you are in Beeston, why not pop into the Plane Tree to get some lovely locally produced goods and support adult learners in the process?
