Huppert backs volunteers and signs national pledge (Cambridge Liberal Democrats)

Cambridge Liberal Democrats <camlibdems@gmail.com>

Huppert backs volunteers and signs national pledge

March 15, 2010 10:14 AM

Julian Huppert

Julian Huppert, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Cambridge has given his backing to the city's volunteers by signing up to a national pledge.

He was invited to demonstrate his commitment to volunteering through the Cambridge and District Volunteer Centre in Regent Street.

"Volunteering has rarely played a more important role in society," said Julian. "In Cambridge, there are an army of volunteers giving up their time for nothing to help others.

"I used to be a volunteer ambulance technician with St John Ambulance, proving emergency assistance to people at many events around the city. I know firsthand how much volunteering matters - and how we have to make it easier for people to volunteer.

"The Cambridge and District Volunteer Centre helps to match these volunteers with organisations needing help and develops new opportunities for volunteers.

"Volunteers provide support across the city, working with the young, the elderly and campaigning on local issues. In return, they have the chance to build up their skills and confidence and often increase their opportunities for paid work in the future if they so desire."

The pledge was drawn up by Volunteering England, the volunteering development charity, as a way of Parliamentary Candidates and MPs demonstrating their commitment to volunteering and the support and efforts of voluntary workers.

It reads: "I will work hard to support volunteers and organisations that involve volunteers, both in my constituency and across the country. I will do this by:

• Recognising the value of volunteering in building a strong society

• Promoting positive messages about volunteering

• Encouraging more people to give their time by helping free volunteers from red-tape

• Supporting the organisations which support volunteers."