The Halesworth Volunteer Centre is based in the centre of the market town of Halesworth, Suffolk. It opened in 1986, providing a co-ordinating point for people needing voluntary help and people wishing to volunteer. One part-time member of staff was employed to co-ordinate and direct requests for help, either to existing agencies or to a suitable volunteer. Requests for help, included shopping, help with the elderly, driving and gardening. In 1987 the centre secured financial support from Suffolk County Council to set up a social car scheme providing drivers for people unable to access public transport services.

News - the Pathfinder bus service which has been operating since 2006 has recently been re-branded as the Suffolk Links Pathfinder, part of a network of Demand Responsive Transport operating across the county. The service provides connections to bus and train links within our service area and end to end journeys where connecting to other transport services is inappropriate. Further information about the service is on our Suffolk Links Pathfinder tab.       

News - Volunteering Opportunities at HVC -  We are currently have the following opportunities for volunteers at the Centre:

• A Minutes Secretary to take notes at our Trustees meetings which are held every two months.   Meetings are held at our London Road office, usually in the afternoon and are fairly informal occasions. Shorthand skills are not required!

• We are also looking for a voluntary admin person to help out in our Halesworth office.  Hours would be to suit and duties would include meeting and greeting personal visitors to the Centre, answering the telephone and other general duties to assist our administrative team during busy times.  This opportunity may be suitable for someone looking to gain work experience and new skills or to help out in a non driving capacity at the Centre.

• We are seeking volunteer drivers for the Community Car Service. Voluntary hours are to suit and a mileage allowance is paid to cover expenses. Training is also provided. This is a great opportunity to get out and meet new people and contribute to a volunteer led service now in it’s 25^th year.

How we work -  The centre is open 5 days per week and employs 3 support staff supported by a pool of dedicated volunteers. The centre is managed by Co-ordinator Tracy Gardner, assisted by Karen Kerridge and Pat Lickman who run the Community Car and Suffolk Links Pathfinder services.

The Volunteer Centre has expanded and evolved over the years and we are here to serve and be of service to the community. We respond to individual requests for help and we work closely with other statutory and voluntary agencies, signposting to more specialised help if necessary.

We also offer a resource centre for other voluntary and charitable organisations and an information and advice centre to the public.

How can I access the services of the centre? Please browse our website to find out more about the services on offer, you can find out all about how to get in touch with us by clicking on the Contact Us tab at the top of the page.

A few words from the Centre Co-ordinator, Tracy Gardner:

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

"I am now into my fourth year at the Halesworth Volunteer Centre and every day is so very different from the last.  It makes for a greatly varied working atmosphere and I enjoy every minute. 

We have a fantastic team of volunteers who really do go above and beyond in the call of duty!  Each and every one of our volunteers gives their time and their smiles generously – something that we really could not put a price on.  During this time of economic troubles we are utilising volunteers in many more ways and lots more opportunities are arising each and every day.

You do not need any qualifications to volunteer; there are so many varied activities that are currently on offer – from positions within our Community Car Service to volunteering for the First Responders – with of course, a variety of other opportunities in between!!  Enthusiasm is a must though, and that is something our team of volunteers overflow with!  We are always on the lookout for more people to join our team, so if you have any spare time at all, please do contact us.  We could help to fill your spare time and ensure you a great deal of personal satisfaction.  There is no better feeling than that of making a real difference to a person’s life.

To anyone reading this who already volunteers – Thank you!  Your time and efforts are so very much appreciated by the recipients and by the Volunteer Centres who endeavour to look after you all."                                                                                           

Those who can, do.  Those who can do more, volunteer!!

Registered Charity No. 1001776