SEVERAL of Darlington’s biggest employers have already signed up, but more recruits are needed to expand the project.

Different levels of membership are available, with prices to suit a range of budgets.

Board membership, which costs £5,000-a-year, enables employers to have a hands-on role in shaping the direction of the scheme.

Full membership costs £1,000 annually and offers access to a range of benefits including team challenges.

A third level, associate membership, costs just £250-a-year and is designed for companies with a small number of employees and limited capacity to volunteer.

Programme manager Katie Blundell said: “Through combining the resources and skills of members, Darlington Cares is able to deliver a range of benefits to the local community from high impact and multi-volunteer challenges, through to smaller bespoke company challenges and annual schemes.

“We make it easier for businesses to volunteer by identifying local areas of need and interest and working with local charities and projects to package and facilitate volunteering opportunities.

“Not only do these activities make a real difference to the local community, but they also offer tangible benefits for employers and their employees through skills development, team building, leadership and networking opportunities.”

For more information about membership, call Miss Blundell on 01642-738970, or 07917-473-992 or email k.blundell@tees.ac.uk