Office of the Third Sector Homepage
Last updated: 23 November 2008
Phil Hope, the Minister for the Third Sector, has recorded a video message in support of the GoldStar volunteering and mentoring regional road shows.
The GoldStar programme is a two-year, £5 million programme funded by the Cabinet Office, which was launched in November 2005 to encourage volunteering among people from socially excluded groups.
The current road shows are visiting venues across the country to raise awareness of volunteering and mentoring opportunities, and to promote examples of good practice.
In his message, the Minister praises the GoldStar programme's role in involving disadvantaged groups in voluntary work to transform their communities.
Phil Hope says:
“The main emphasis of this programme is vital to ensuring that the benefits of volunteering extend to all in society. This is particularly important for groups at risk of social exclusion such as people with no qualifications, people with disabilities or a limiting illness and people from black and minority ethnic groups, as volunteering offers a key opportunity to reduce isolation and connect with others in the community.
“The GoldStar programme is so important in enabling more people who might otherwise have felt on the margins not only to gain confidence and skills through volunteering, but also to give something back and use their experiences to empower others.”
The road shows are continuing till 3 October, with shows in Nottingham, Birmingham, Peterborough, Bristol and London. To book a place on one of the road shows, or to find out more information, please visit the GoldStar website [External website].