ROMSEY Volunteer Centre’s new manager is encouraging all those making New Year Resolutions to get involved in volunteering – and have fun at the same time.

Tessa Makepeace, Test Valley Community Services’ recently-appointed volunteer development officer, is urging the public to get in touch with her to find out how they can put their spare time to good use.

Tessa says: “Volunteers come from all walks of life and volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some have lots of time, some have very little, but there is nearly always a role to suit everyone and the help they give makes a considerable difference to the work of voluntary organisations.”

With around 250 volunteer vacancies in the Romsey area alone, ranging from help with backstage theatre to fund-raising, club helpers to animal care assistants, drivers and conservation helpers to occasional cake bakers, there is something for everyone, claims Tessa.

“But above all, volunteering is fun!” she says. “Just a few hours a week can give you experience working with a team; maybe some free training and certainly looks good on your CV if you’re looking for work.

“Volunteers should get at least as much out of their volunteering as the organisation they are helping – it is a win:win situation.

“Without the support of volunteers, many of our local organisations would not be sustainable and the good they do for the community would be seriously restricted.” TVCS, a part of the Council for Voluntary Services’ network, helps groups with recruitment and management of volunteers, providing low-cost training and giving governance advice. Like many other charities, the volunteer centre is itself looking for volunteers for a variety of administrative roles and Tessa would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help.

All volunteer roles promoted by the Volunteer Centre can be viewed by appointment at the TVCS office in Duttons Road, Romsey.

They are also available on line at www.do-it.org.uk.

Tessa can be contacted on 01794 519998, or e-mail volunteers@tvcs.org.uk.