The Actiondesk

If there was ever an easier way to kick start that new years resolution to give a little time and get involved, then getting in touch with your local Volunteer Centre is it!

Last Saturday saw forty West Berkshire charities and voluntary organisations brought together under one roof, for another successful Volunteer recruitment fair organised by West Berkshire Volunteer Centre.

Don't worry if you weren't able to get to the fair, simply contact the BBC Radio Berkshire Actiondesk. We have bags of info about contacting your local volunteer centre and opportunities throughout Berkshire.

West Berkshire Volunteer Centre director Garry Poulson said of the fair: "this is the event where you can take your first steps to becoming a local hero", but rest assured, superpower skills are not required and you don't need to have any previous experience.

No matter what you're interested in or how much or how little time you have to spare, there really is something for everyone.

Why Volunteer?

There are loads of good reasons to volunteer. In the words of Phil Daniel's on Blur's Parklife, not only does it "give a sense of enormous well-being", but it also gives you the chance to meet new like-minded people, learn and develop skills, gain new experiences and make a difference to something you care about.

And if that's not enough reasons, apparently studies show that people who volunteer regularly, are likely to enjoy better health and even live longer!

There is nothing like the satisfaction of knowing, that whoever you are volunteering for really needs and values your help.

West Berkshire Volunteer Centre

Even if you've come across the Volunteer Centre in West Berkshire before, you may not know that it is one of about fifty centres England-wide supported by the charity, Volunteering England.

It's main aim is to help match individuals with volunteering opportunities in the local area.

Make 2008 the year to get involved …volunteer!