This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Volunteers step forward
09/02/2006
Interest in volunteering has more than doubled since the launch of a marketing campaign in January.
The first month of the Executive's 'You won't believe what you can do' campaign saw over 8,000 hits on the Volunteer Scotland website, and more than 200 people have already taken up volunteering opportunities through the Volunteer Centre Network Scotland.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said the dramatic increase in interest showed that many people who had not previously considered volunteering were now aware of the opportunities available.
Mr Chisholm said:
"People are finding out not only the wide range of opportunities for volunteers, but also how volunteering can widen their horizons.
"It's a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and can even help people into jobs.
"Volunteers are anything but stereotypes, and there are possibilities for young, old and everyone in between to enjoy themselves and help others."
People who are interested in finding out more can visit www.volunteerscotland.org.uk, text VC to 61611 or visit their local Volunteer Centre.
The Volunteer Scotland website had around 4,000 visits in January 2005, and over 8,000 in January 2006. This represents an increase of 106 per cent. Visitors spend an average of almost ten minutes on each visit to the website.
The campaign will run for three months. It includes advertising posters, press and radio and has a budget of £155,000.