2010 has been designated York's 'Year of Volunteering' with the aim of encouraging more York residents to discover for themselves the benefits of volunteering, and to raise awareness of the many ways in which volunteers contribute to the life of the city.

What is volunteering? – It can be any activity that people do for the benefit of other people or the environment. Many organizations depend heavily on volunteers to deliver their service and are always grateful for people who can offer their time to support the work they carry out in the community.

Whether you, your business, or your organisation wants to benefit from volunteering, watch this space for events taking place over the next year...

• Volunteer’s Week – tasters & events
• York’s Spontaneous Acts of Kindness Day – 13th Aug
• A performing arts tour of York’s Hospitals (volunteers 16-25)
• Painting a mural at Amelia Care House (volunteers 16-25)