9th March 2010

Local MP backs local volunteers

Today Alan Keen, local MP for Feltham and Heston signed up to Volunteering England’s volunteering pledge.

Volunteering England, the volunteering development charity, drew up the pledge as a way for MP’s across the country to demonstrate their commitment to volunteering and their support for the efforts of voluntary workers in their constituencies.

Alan Keen MP recently made the following pledge at the House of Commons.

“I will work hard to support volunteers and organisations that involve volunteers, both in my constituency and across the country. I will do this by:

·        Recognising the value of volunteering in building a strong society

·        Promoting positive messages about volunteering

·        Encouraging more people to give their time by helping free volunteers from red-tape

·        Supporting the organisations who support volunteers”

Alan Keen MP said:

“Volunteering has rarely played a more important role in society. Right now, in Feltham and Heston, many people are giving their time to help others: Delivering meals to elderly residents, mentoring young people to help them secure a brighter future, providing much needed support in hospices and hospitals, and campaigning on local issues. Volunteers contribute in many ways; and being a volunteer contributes to people’s skills, confidence and employability.”

• The Volunteering Pledge forms part of Volunteering England’s Manifesto Campaign. The Manifesto launches on the 3^rd March 2010 and aims to secure ongoing support for volunteering by the new Government after the election as well as widespread recognition of the value of volunteering.
• Volunteering England is the volunteer development agency for England. We work with private, public and voluntary sector organisations and individuals to increase the quality, quantity, impact and accessibility of volunteering.
• For media enquiries about Volunteering England, contact Kimberley Rowley on 0207 520 8932 or email Kimberley.rowley@volunteeringengland.org
• To find out more about the work of Volunteering England visit www.volunteeringengland.org