THIS Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7), National Lottery-funded Better Start Bradford is offering people in Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton the opportunity to support its work with families as a volunteer Community Champion or a Community Board Member.

Community Champions volunteer by helping out at Better Start Bradford’s fun-packed family events for families with children under four and spreading the word about all the exciting projects and activities offered by Better Start Bradford.

Community Board Members are the real voice of the community on Better Start Bradford’s Partnership Board, helping make key decisions to improve the lives of local expectant parents and families with young children. Board meetings take place once a month.

Both roles are key to ensuring that Better Start Bradford listens to the needs and opinions of the community it serves and adapts its work accordingly. All volunteers will receive training and support, and both roles provide a wealth of opportunities to gain new skills, meet new people and have fun. Ideally you will have some experience of children under four, either in a paid, voluntary or a family situation.

You can find out more at one of the following open days being held at the Mayfield Centre, Broadway Avenue, BD5 9NP:

  • Community Champions: 18 June 2019 – 9.30-11.00am
  • Community Board Members: 18 June 2019 – 12.30-2.30pm
  • Community Champions: 20 June 2019 – 6.00-7.30pm

Ali  Nahani , Better Start Bradford Community Champion said: “We need to nurture and educate our babies and children from before they are born and from the first day of their birth, and that is exactly what we are encouraging as Community Champions.

"Our children are the future of this country and it’s our job to make this future brighter together. We need more Community Champions at Better Start Bradford to connect to more people and to help us to plan and support the creation of a great future for Bradford children and their families.”

Zakra Yasin, Workforce Development Manager, Better Start Bradford, added: “Volunteering with Better Start Bradford provides a whole host of experience and opportunities, with a chance to gain knowledge of early childhood development, new skills and confidence as well as a network of friends.

"If you’re interested but not sure it’s for you, come to one of the open days and hear about the benefits directly from the people already volunteering with us.”

For an informal chat, or to request an application form for either role,  contact Zakra on 01274 723146 / zakra@bradfordtrident.co.uk