Information on Coalville

Volunteering project shows how Leicestershire has been delivering the 'Big Society'

Posted on 11/03/11

Leicestershire Councty CouncilCommunity Services

11 March 2011

Volunteering project shows how Leicestershire has been delivering the 'Big Society'

Photo/Interview Opportunity: The Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Peter Osborne is hosting a special reception to thank more than 350 volunteers for all their hard work. The celebration is taking place at Snibston Discovery Museum in Coalville at 7pm on Tuesday 15 March.

Leicestershire has a long-established tradition of volunteering by local community groups and organisations. For the last two years, Leicestershire County Councils Libraries, Heritage and Arts Service has been piloting a volunteering scheme which has lead to over 350 local people contributing nearly 23,000 hours of their time to projects in their communities!

Building on previous activities, the Volunteering, Internships and Placements (VIP) project was funded by Leicestershire Together. The aim of the project was to support cultural and environmental volunteering in North West Leicestershire.

Run by the County Council and hosted at Snibston Discovery Museum, VIP worked with a range of partners including the National Forest, North West Leicestershire District Council, Stephenson College, v-Involved, Job Centre Plus and the local community.

The VIP project enabled the volunteers to develop new skills and many of them were able to use this to their advantage in the search for employment. Some have gone on to university whilst others have changed their careers because of their new found skills and enthusiasm.

An external evaluation of the VIP project concluded that it was a resounding success. This was attributed to a number of factors including a well-resourced and specialist team, activities that people wanted to do rather than had to do and the partnership approach between organisations, volunteers and local communities.

Since it started in 2009, over 350 volunteers joined the scheme and around half of these were young people. Some of the volunteers had learning disabilities and over 90% of the participants had never volunteered before. The project also encouraged families to get involved.

VIP was innovative in the development of unique partnerships between the heritage and environment sector. This presented an intriguing and exciting opportunity to people who had never volunteered before, introducing them to their local heritage and environment.

These are just some of the things that the volunteers have been involved in:

  • Working with museums and heritage centres to learn new skills in the care and preservation of their heritage
  • Preserving and maintaining local country parks, nature reserves and their natural heritage
  • Supporting festivals and events in Leicestershire

Funding from Renaissance (MLA) will enable the VIP project to continue for another year as it seeks to roll-out its successful model in targeted areas around Leicestershire by working together with local communities.

Danielle Kennell, aged 25 from Leicester, is one of the volunteers from the project, she said:

"Ive had more support while volunteering than I have actually experienced in a paid working environment. This role has re-established my aims and goal for the future. Given me a huge confidence boost and made me realise that I can achieve things.

Another volunteer, Paige McWilliams, aged 15 from Coalville, said:

"VIP is inspirational. Because of volunteering I now know what I want to do with my life and I have the confidence and the skills to go out and get it."

Peter Osborne, the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said:

This project was highly successful thanks to the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of all of the volunteers involved. They have shown how by working in partnership we can improve our lives and those of people in our communities. Volunteering provides a good opportunity for people to boost their skills and could open new doors for those involved. I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work and wish them well for the future!

A DVD featuring some of volunteers has been produced and will be shown at the celebratory event.

For more information about the VIP project or if you are interested in volunteering please contact the Volunteer Team on 0116 305 6899 or email: VIP@leics.gov.uk

http://www.leics.gov.uk/volunteers

Notes to the Editor

For more information about the photo/interview opportunity or to obtain a copy of the DVD featuring the volunteers, please contact: Permjit Mann, Press Office on 0116 305 6242 email: permjit.mann@leics.gov.uk

Latest News

Get on board with new bus guides

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Environment & Transport17 May 2012Get on board with new bus guides Updated bus guides have been produced to help county residents plan their journeys. The leaflets, produced by Leicestershire County Council, contain the latest details on bus frequencies, stops and routes and are available now either by request , online at www.... 17 May 2012 Get on board with new bus guides

Still chance to sign up for cycle courses

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Environment & Transport14 May 2012Still chance to sign up for cycle courses Theres still time to sign up for free adult cycle courses being held across the county this summer. Leicestershire County Councils courses are filling up fast, but there are still spaces on sessions being held in Coalville, Loughborough, Melton and Ashby-de-la-Zouch over the next couple of months.... 14 May 2012 Still chance to sign up for cycle courses

How did "WEEE" do?

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Environment & Transport10 May 2012How did "WEEE" do? ***List of schools that took part at the end of the release***Nearly 12 tonnes of old and broken small electrical items were collected by county school children in a special recycling initiative. The initiative, known as an Eco Day, was organised by Leicestershire County Council, Sims Recycling Solutions and DHL Envirosolutions.... 10 May 2012 How did "WEEE" do?

Online clips break down clinic barriers

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Children & Young People's Service3 May 2012Online clips break down clinic barriersA team of young filmmakers has created a series of short online films to raise awareness of contraceptive services in communities. The group uploaded clips onto You Tube showing where the clinics are located and to help make visits less daunting for young people.... 03 May 2012 Online clips break down clinic barriers

Appeal after robbery at a supermarket in Coalville

Police,Loughborough

Appeal after robbery at a supermarket in CoalvilleDetectives from the county are appealing for public help after a robbery at a supermarket in Coalville. The incident took place at about 10pm on Friday April 20 at the Co-op store in Meadow Lane when two men entered the premises and forced staff to open the safe and tills.... 02 May 2012 Appeal after robbery at a supermarket in Coalville

Related News

Volunteers show history of Coalville mining

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Adults & Communities26 May 2011Volunteers show history of Coalville miningA group of 12 volunteers with special educational needs have created an exciting new exhibition about the history of mining in Coalville. The volunteers have spent more than a year planning, designing and producing the "What Mining Means to Me" exhibition which will be on display at Snibston Discovery Park from Monday, May 30th 2011.... 27 May 2011 Volunteers show history of Coalville mining

Boost your CV with volunteering scheme

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Community Services30 July 2009Boost your CV with volunteering schemeA two-year scheme has been launched to encourage people to volunteer in museums, country parks and arts and heritage venues. People can boost their CVs by working in the National Forest, on museum restoration schemes or as volunteer rangers and learn the relevant skills, free of charge.... 30 Jul 2009 Boost your CV with volunteering scheme

Boost your CV with volunteering scheme

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Community Services30 July 2009Boost your CV with volunteering schemeA two-year scheme has been launched to encourage people to volunteer in museums, country parks and arts and heritage venues. People can boost their CVs by working in the National Forest, on museum restoration schemes or as volunteer rangers and learn the relevant skills, free of charge.... 30 Jul 2009 Boost your CV with volunteering scheme

Volunteers are buffing up at Snibston

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Community Services24 November 2009Volunteers are buffing up at SnibstonLocal residents are bringing a new shine to a unique exhibit which is part of the permanent displays at the County Councils award-winning regional museum of science and technology. Working with specialist staff at Snibston, volunteers have been learning how to clean and conserve the 121 year old Shepshed Fire Engine.... 26 Nov 2009 Volunteers are buffing up at Snibston

Former miners create new ‘underground’ experience at Snibston!

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Community Services9 February 2011Former miners create new underground experience at Snibston!Former coal miners from Leicestershire have gone back in time to re-create a new colliery experience for visitors at Leicestershire County Councils Snibston Discovery Museum! In direct response to visitor feedback, the team including volunteers and staff have re-created the dark and cramped conditions of working underground. They have created a coal-face, pit pony stable and displayed mining equipment in one of the former Snibston Colliery buildings.... 09 Feb 2011 Former miners create new ‘underground’ experience at Snibston!

Relevant News

MP WELCOMES £1.2 MILLION TO HELP STEPHENSON COLLEGE BUILD NEW FACILITIES AND SAVE THE PLANET AT THE SAME TIME

News

David Taylor, MP for North West Leicestershire today welcomed the 1,212,650 that Coalville's Stephenson College stands to gain as part of a 2 billion pound strategy to develop new low carbon colleges, marking a radical new approach to the delivery of public buildings. ... 01 May 2008 MP WELCOMES £1.2 MILLION TO HELP STEPHENSON COLLEGE BUILD NEW FACILITIES AND SAVE THE PLANET AT THE SAME TIME

Snibston Mining Lives and Wives

News

Mining Lives and Wives, a special day of free events at Snibston, will show what family life was really like in a mining community.... 15 May 2008 Snibston Mining Lives and Wives

Plea for photographs for miners' gala

News

Snibston is appealing for memorabilia to contribute to its miners gala event in September. The gala, a traditional-style celebration of mining life, will feature some of the attractions that made a miners gala the highlight of the mining community s year, including a horticultural competition and a display of memorabilia.... 07 Aug 2008 Plea for photographs for miners' gala

Celebrating our youth

News

19 February 2009 Celebrating our youth Photo Opportunity: Young people from North West Leicestershire will receive special recognition for their achievements at a celebration event later this week. The event is taking place at Stephenson College in Coalville at 7pm on Thursday 19th February.... 20 Feb 2009 Celebrating our youth

Voice your opinion on Snibston's Mining Lives project

News

Community Services 9 April 2009 Voice your opinion on Snibston's Mining Lives project Snibston is inviting the public to have their say on plans to renovate and improve parts of the award winning visitor attraction run by Leicestershire County Council. Museum staff have been working with two design companies to create plans for new exhibition spaces and interpretation of the colliery buildings as part of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Mining Lives project.... 10 Apr 2009 Voice your opinion on Snibston's Mining Lives project

Most Read News (today)

Vehicle damaged in Coalville

Police,Loughborough

Vehicle damaged in CoalvillePolice are appealing for witnesses after a car parked outside an address on Bridge Road in Coalville was damaged. The incident happened sometime between 1am and 8.... 30 Nov 2009 Vehicle damaged in Coalville

Plea for photographs for miners' gala

News

Snibston is appealing for memorabilia to contribute to its miners gala event in September. The gala, a traditional-style celebration of mining life, will feature some of the attractions that made a miners gala the highlight of the mining community s year, including a horticultural competition and a display of memorabilia.... 07 Aug 2008 Plea for photographs for miners' gala

China Earthquake

News

Leading Leicestershire figures are pulling together to offer vital support to the people of Sichuan in China.... 14 May 2008 China Earthquake

Keep up-to-date at Coalville meeting

News

Chief Executive's 3 March 2009 Keep up-to-date at Coalville meeting Coalville residents can keep their finger on the pulse of local issues at an interactive meeting. At Coalville Community Forum next week, people can hear from NHS County and Rutland who will be outlining their plans for the coming year and talking about changes to community health.... 02 Apr 2009 Keep up-to-date at Coalville meeting

Give nappies a 'real' chance

News

Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 21 April 2009 Give nappies a 'real' chance - photo opportunity - A new campaign is highlighting that by the time a baby is potty trained, they could have used 6,000 nappies. By turning away from disposables and making the change to real nappies, not only will people reduce the amount of waste going to landfill but they could also save up to 700.... 23 Apr 2009 Give nappies a 'real' chance

Most Read News (this month)

Motorcyclist involved in a serious collision in Coalville

Police,Loughborough

Motorcyclist involved in a serious collision in CoalvilleOfficers from Leicestershire Polices serious collision investigation unit are appealing for witnesses after a serious collision in Coalville. The collision occurred at about 7.... 30 Apr 2012 Motorcyclist involved in a serious collision in Coalville

Online clips break down clinic barriers

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Children & Young People's Service3 May 2012Online clips break down clinic barriersA team of young filmmakers has created a series of short online films to raise awareness of contraceptive services in communities. The group uploaded clips onto You Tube showing where the clinics are located and to help make visits less daunting for young people.... 03 May 2012 Online clips break down clinic barriers

Youngsters tuck into self-styled school food

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Children & Young People's Service27 April 2012Youngsters tuck into self-styled school food*** Photo opportunity ***Young masterchefs from Coalville will be tucking into a new range of tasty school lunches which they've helped to create. Pupils from Broom Leys School tested their tastebuds and culinary skills by playing a major role in planning Leicestershire County Council's new primary school menu, which launches across the county on Monday (30th April).... 27 Apr 2012 Youngsters tuck into self-styled school food

Appeal after robbery at a supermarket in Coalville

Police,Loughborough

Appeal after robbery at a supermarket in CoalvilleDetectives from the county are appealing for public help after a robbery at a supermarket in Coalville. The incident took place at about 10pm on Friday April 20 at the Co-op store in Meadow Lane when two men entered the premises and forced staff to open the safe and tills.... 02 May 2012 Appeal after robbery at a supermarket in Coalville

How did "WEEE" do?

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Environment & Transport10 May 2012How did "WEEE" do? ***List of schools that took part at the end of the release***Nearly 12 tonnes of old and broken small electrical items were collected by county school children in a special recycling initiative. The initiative, known as an Eco Day, was organised by Leicestershire County Council, Sims Recycling Solutions and DHL Envirosolutions.... 10 May 2012 How did "WEEE" do?

Most Read News (alltime)

Vehicle damaged in Coalville

Police,Loughborough

Vehicle damaged in CoalvillePolice are appealing for witnesses after a car parked outside an address on Bridge Road in Coalville was damaged. The incident happened sometime between 1am and 8.... 30 Nov 2009 Vehicle damaged in Coalville

Plea for photographs for miners' gala

News

Snibston is appealing for memorabilia to contribute to its miners gala event in September. The gala, a traditional-style celebration of mining life, will feature some of the attractions that made a miners gala the highlight of the mining community s year, including a horticultural competition and a display of memorabilia.... 07 Aug 2008 Plea for photographs for miners' gala

China Earthquake

News

Leading Leicestershire figures are pulling together to offer vital support to the people of Sichuan in China.... 14 May 2008 China Earthquake

Keep up-to-date at Coalville meeting

News

Chief Executive's 3 March 2009 Keep up-to-date at Coalville meeting Coalville residents can keep their finger on the pulse of local issues at an interactive meeting. At Coalville Community Forum next week, people can hear from NHS County and Rutland who will be outlining their plans for the coming year and talking about changes to community health.... 02 Apr 2009 Keep up-to-date at Coalville meeting

Give nappies a 'real' chance

News

Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 21 April 2009 Give nappies a 'real' chance - photo opportunity - A new campaign is highlighting that by the time a baby is potty trained, they could have used 6,000 nappies. By turning away from disposables and making the change to real nappies, not only will people reduce the amount of waste going to landfill but they could also save up to 700.... 23 Apr 2009 Give nappies a 'real' chance