The Centre for Participation works to strengthen individuals, organisations and communities.
We do this by connecting people and organisations with community, learning, volunteering and partnership opportunities that help them flourish and build an active, vibrant region.
As a volunteer-involving organisation, volunteers are vital in supporting us to deliver our mission. And just as importantly, the volunteering opportunities we create also help volunteers themselves to be involved and connected with the local community.
All of this work makes a difference to someone’s life and contributes to a stronger and more resilient region.
Along with our opportunities for internal volunteering, the Centre for Participation is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports other volunteer-involving organisations, clubs and groups. In our region – like all regions – frameworks that support volunteering, enable people to actively participate in community life, and build social cohesion are essential. This support needs to be grounded in local understanding, so it is place-based and community-led – and that is why localised support organisations like ours are so important.
The impacts of this work are numerous and wide-reaching. Benefits include reduced welfare through social enterprise development and job creation, greater employability by boosting confidence and work skills, improved emotional and mental health, and greater community cohesion through reduced isolation. All of these outcomes can reduce the need for health services and contacts with the justice system by providing outreach and opportunities to meaningfully participate and belong.
We are just one of many organisations that rely on volunteering – an act that is crucial to the long-term viability of rural communities. The incredible efforts of volunteers were celebrated in May during National Volunteer Week, where we recognised all the things volunteers do to make our community a better place to live, work, study and raise a family. We thank these amazing people and encourage everyone in our community to put up their hand next time you see an opportunity to participate.
For more information on some of the amazing work our team is doing, check out our latest Participate newsletter here.
Robbie Millar
Acting CEO, Centre for Participation
