Citizens asked to step forward to volunteer for Glasgow 850

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are being sought to support the celebrations around Glasgow 850’s yearlong programme of activities, next year.

Article Source: Glasgow 850
Last Updated: 29 October 2024 10:25

Image: Volunteers from Govanhill Baths Community Trust helping to launch the Glasgow 850 Volunteer and Employability Programme. Left to Right: Paula Larkin, Archive & Heritage Manager, Govanhill Baths Community Trust, Steven, volunteer and historian, Bailie Annette Christie, Pheona, volunteer.

The Glasgow 850 Volunteer and Employability programme will offer Glaswegians, a unique opportunity to play a key part in the city's birthday year, with roles to support the smooth running of its main events, and within local community projects.

In a break from the conventional volunteer programmes that recruits and trains people for specific roles, as part of a one-time event, the Glasgow 850 scheme will ask people to register to hear about a rolling programme of volunteer and learning opportunities, throughout the anniversary year.

Developed in conjunction with Volunteer Glasgow, this approach to volunteering creates an inclusive and rewarding experience for participants. It allows them to engage in a range of activities at their own pace, offering greater flexibility and choice than traditional volunteer schemes.

A key aim of the programme is also to create a legacy by helping young people, in particular, build skills that will boost their employability.

Through a series of learning academies, with event delivery partners, participants will have the chance to learn about different career pathways and roles within a particular industry including events and music. This can also help grow a person's confidence and help them gain practical experience that could open doors to future career opportunities.

In registering their interest, volunteers will have the chance to be at the heart of Glasgow's 850th celebrations by supporting the signature activities including a three- day music event; Clyde Chorus, People's Palace pop-up exhibition and Taste the Place food trail.

In addition to these flagship events, there will be a chance for volunteers to get involved in events run by Glasgow 850 Festival Fund recipients and locally based roles with community organisations, ensuring that participants can contribute in ways that best suit their interests and availability.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Throughout 2025, the city will host an array of events and activities to mark Glasgow 850. To contribute to the success of this we are looking for volunteers with a love for Glasgow and desire to be part of the milestone year.

“We are looking to build an inclusive community of people who will, over the year, volunteer to support our core programme of activity and be at the heart of our city celebrations.

“Working with Volunteer Glasgow, the programme has been specifically developed to be as flexible as possible and provide a range of opportunities that suit people's different interests.”

David Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer, Volunteer Glasgow, said: “People ask us all the time, 'why on earth would I want to do something for nothing?' The answer is simple: you get as much out of volunteering as you put in.

“The fun, the sense of satisfaction, the people you meet, the chance to do something completely different.

“You really will be surprised by the huge choice of incredible things you can do that make a difference in communities across the city.”

One grass-roots organisation that relies on the help and support of people volunteering throughout the year is the Govanhill Baths Community Trust. They have recently received an award from the Glasgow 850 Festival Fund to support their Irish Roots project that celebrates the contribution made to Glasgow by Irish immigrants. Irish Roots will be part of Govanhill International Festival & Carnival 2025.

The charity, based in the southside of the city, delivers health, wellbeing, arts, environmental and heritage projects is always looking for volunteers to support their work and activities in the local community.

Paula Larkin, Archive and Heritage Manager for Govanhill Baths Community Trust, said: “Volunteers bring a great energy and enthusiasm to our projects, helping us to create activities for our community. Our Irish Roots project for Glasgow 850 is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our communities and encourage more local people to get involved and show their support.”

To register interest in the Glasgow 850 Volunteer and Employability Programme, visit glasgow850.com

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