North Swindon MP Delighted At Top Recognition For Involve Swindon

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, believes that volunteering in Swindon has never been stronger following the recognition of Involve Swindon.

Representatives from the local employee volunteer network welcomed the new Minister for Civil Society, Brooks Newmark MP, and members of the Cabinet Office to Swindon and were rewarded with the news that Involve Swindon has been honoured with one of the Prime Minister's 'Big Society Awards'.

The Minister for Civil Society presented the award and met members of the Involve Swindon strategy committee at the Swindon MS Therapy Centre (an Involve Swindon member) and heard first hand from local employee volunteers who have shared their skills.

Involve Swindon was established ten years ago by Tony Martin, UK Volunteer manager for the Zurich Community Trust. Run by the Volunteer Centre Swindon and Voluntary Action Swindon, with annual funding from the Zurich Community Trust, Intel and Nationwide, it brings together representatives from local employers, the statutory sector and the voluntary sector to work collaboratively to share skills.

Since 2004, Involve Swindon has worked with over 120 organisations and encouraged more than 3,500 employees to give their time and skills to the local community. In 2013 alone, 762 employee volunteers donated 4,474 hours either as teams or individuals on projects supporting 52 charitable organisations and 14 schools

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "Involve Swindon are real community champions; organising, encouraging and enthusing thousands of volunteers to make a real difference in Swindon.  I am delighted the Minister took time to personally meet the leaders and present the Big Society Award.  I am very proud that Swindon is leading in this field and Robert and I will continue to offer our full support to their excellent work."

he original article on this event is from Swindon Link and can be found here