SUPPORT for voluntary organisations - and services for people seeking to volunteer - have undergone a revamp across the Hambleton area.

Northallerton Volunteer Centre has now become Volunteering Hambleton and is expanding to cover the whole of the district, working in partnership with the Volunteer Centre in Stokesley.

The move comes at a time when the area is experiencing a shortage in volunteers and Volunteering Hambleton is actively seeking people who can help.

Organisations in need include the Thirsk, Easingwold and Stokesley Community Care Associations which are looking for volunteers to support their visiting, respite sitting, good neighbour and community car schemes.

Volunteers can decide what sort of help they are able to offer and how much time they want to give and will receive any necessary training.

And Volunteering Hambleton will be delivering pop-up volunteer sessions in Northallerton, Easingwold and Thirsk during National Volunteers Week in June with a view to launching more regular sessions in the coming year.

Co-ordinator Lizzie Clapham said: “We are here to offer individuals and organisations all sorts of support and advice about volunteering.

“For anyone thinking of volunteering, we have details of a wide range of different roles available in the local area and can put people in touch with local charities, community groups and other organisations looking for volunteers.

“A small offer of help can make a big difference. Depending on interest, time and skills, there are many different roles available with an occasional, regular, one-off, short or a longer term commitment.

“Our aim is to promote more and better volunteering for all and we really do need more people to come forward.”

For more information visit ndvsa.co.uk/ or contact Lizzie Clapham on 01609-780458.