Twenty charities and community groups gave people a taste of volunteering over the weekend.

It was the Big Help Out weekend across Huddersfield on Saturday and Sunday which gave people the chance to see what volunteering opportunities there are in the town.

One place that was really busy was Colne Valley Museum where volunteers dress in Victorian clothes and show visitors how to do age-old crafts such as spinning, weaving and clog-making.

Sue Starr from the museum said: “It was really buzzing. As many current volunteers as possible came to bring the museum to life as only they can. On the top floor spinners and weavers were working hard along with the clog makers. The schools team put on a special exhibition of photographs of past visits as well as having crafts for children to try.

“Probably the most popular place was the baking room where various breads and scones were being made and eaten.

“The current exhibition is about dyeing from plants in our newly created dyeing garden which is proving very popular.”

Find out more about Colne Valley Museum at https://www.colnevalleymuseum.org.uk/

 

Gallery of images from Colne Valley Museum by: DEBBIE BALL

 

People also got the chance to go behind the scenes at Uniform Exchange in Lockwood which provides free school uniform throughout Kirklees and expects to send out 100,000 items of school uniform this year.

The charity needs more volunteer drivers to pick up school uniform donated by people throughout Kirklees in collection bins in supermarkets, libraries, community centres and schools. To find out more go to https://www.uniform-exchange.org/volunteering/

The charity already has a team of 34 volunteers but always needs more to sort out the donated school uniform and then put it on shelves ready to be picked and sent to those who have requested it.

Uniform Exchange founder Kate France said: “Our volunteers feel to be part of a team, making a real difference by enhancing the lives of young people and families struggling financially while also keeping tonnes of school uniform out of landfill and so improving the environment.

“Generally speaking, volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, keep people mentally stimulated, physically active and provide a sense of identity and purpose. It’s also useful work experience and is good for people’s CVs if they are looking to move into paid work or further education.”

Becky Bracey, volunteer services lead at Third Sector Leaders (TSL) in Kirklees, added: “People often tell us they don’t have time to help but volunteering has changed and there are now so many ways to volunteer that are flexible and still make a difference.”

To find out more about volunteering in Kirklees go to the TSL website HERE or e-mail volunteer@tslkirklees.org.uk or Tel/Text/Whatsapp: 07776 588691.