IPSWICH has received a rallying call for more volunteers for community groups and charity organisations in the area.The launch of Volunteer Ipswich was timed to coincide with National Volunteers Week and designed encourage people to put their skills and expertise to good use.

IPSWICH has received a rallying call for more volunteers for community groups and charity organisations in the area.

The launch of Volunteer Ipswich was timed to coincide with National Volunteers Week and designed encourage people to put their skills and expertise to good use.

The new initiative will be based right in the centre of town at the offices of Ipswich and District Council for Voluntary Services (ICVS) on the Cornhill.

ICVS staff have pledged to work with the host of voluntary services already operating in the town and help people wanting to find the right volunteering opportunity for them.

Liz Louch, Chief Executive of ICVS, said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer help to those who want to volunteer. There are so many fantastic organisations here, making Ipswich a better place in so many ways. We know how much difference volunteers make and their help is invaluable.”

Ipswich has been without a volunteer centre for the last two years but with the help of ICVS and the Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre, it is hoped that Volunteer Ipswich will be here to stay.

Wendy Herber, Volunteer co-ordinator at Volunteer Ipswich, said: “Volunteering can be one of the best things you can do and research shows volunteers stay fitter and live longer too!”

“It's a real chance to do something different, meet people and really make a difference. It can be hard to get started so we'll be there to tell people what help is needed, help them find the right opportunity for them and be there to make sure they really enjoy what they do.

“We'll be really glad to hear from people who would like to volunteer their time or from organisations needing help.”

If you would like to lend some of your time to volunteer services in Ipswich, contact Liz Louch of Wendy Harper at ICVS on 01473 251834. Alternatively, you can email liz.louch@ipswich-cvs.org.uk or wendy.herber@ipswich-cvs.org.uk.