The return of a volunteer centre in Haverhill has taken a significant step forward

ONE Haverhill Partnership’s plans to create a volunteer centre in the heart of the town centre have moved closer.

Haverhill Community Trust, Community Action Suffolk and West Suffolk Council have teamed up to reintroduce a dedicated centre in the town to help people find volunteering opportunities with local charity and community groups.

A new co-ordinator role is being advertised to take the day-to-day lead at the Volunteer Centre with the post managed by the town council, on behalf of ONE Haverhill Partnership.

John Mayhew, chairman of ONE Haverhill Partnership, said: “We are delighted that once again partners have come together to deliver a new service for the people of Haverhill, this one being a much-needed focus for volunteering.

“We know there is a strong volunteering ethos within Haverhill and this centre will act as a shop window for opportunities, raise awareness of the many groups and organisations and promote good practice, supporting these groups.

“It is a win-win and a great way of promoting the volunteer sector in our town.”

Initial plans to bring back a volunteer centre in Haverhill began following the success of a volunteer garden party, hosted by then-High Sheriff of Suffolk George Vestey.

In January, the Haverhill Community Trust was awarded £14,750 from West Suffolk Council’s Community Chest initiative with the new project set to open in an unnamed High Street venue.

The project is also the nominated good cause for Haverhill Mayor John Burns and Haverhill Town Council has allocated £10,000 a year to the project.

Cllr Robert Everitt, West Suffolk Council Cabinet member for Communities, said: “This is a great example of the living Town Centre Masterplan in action.

“The key location of the premises, the funding and the partnership approach will help grow community strength, bring people together and add to the vitality of the high street.”

To find out more about the volunteer coordinator vacancy, please visit https://haverhill-tc.gov.uk/vacancies.