AN initiative designed to get council staff in York involved in volunteering within their communities has been launched.

City of York Council has unveiled its staff volunteering scheme to raise the profile of opportunities to help local groups across the city, as well as allowing its employees to gain experience, use their skills and pursue their interests.

The council’s first-ever volunteering fair includes representatives from York Older People’s Assembly, the RSPCA, St Leonard’s Hospice, York Playspace, The Island, Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation and Age UK, with York Cares and York Council for Voluntary Service providing information and advice on local activities and running voluntary projects and council staff outlining opportunities within the authority.

Coun Linsay Cunningham-Cross said: “Volunteers play a vital role across the city and the council takes volunteering very seriously, as we want to be a positive example.

“Volunteering is a positive experience in many different ways and it brings real benefits to local communities.”

For more information about volunteering, phone York CVS on 01904 621133 or visit yorkcvs.org.uk, while organisations wanting to offer voluntary opportunities for their staff can phone York Cares on 01904 323482 or email info@yorkcares.co.uk.