GIVING time to help the community has always been rewarding and worthwhile, but with Volunteers' Week coming to Great Yarmouth, it has never been easier to find out how to get involved.

GIVING time to help the community has always been rewarding and worthwhile, but with Volunteers' Week coming to Great Yarmouth, it has never been easier to find out how to get involved.

The week-long celebration of volunteers and volunteering from June 1 to 7 gives a chance to find out what's on offer and how you can make a difference to the community.

Voluntary Norfolk, the charity that runs Yarmouth Volunteer Centre, is staging a variety of events throughout the week, including a volunteer recruitment fair at the Priory Centre next Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Paul Cheeseman, from Voluntary Norfolk, said: “Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your local community and to meet new people, as well as providing valuable experience that can be included on a CV or job application form.”

Research shows that volunteering can help people to stay relaxed, healthy and happy and has a positive effect on the local and national economy too.

In 2005 it was estimated that volunteering contributed £48bn to the economy of England and Wales.

Nicky Hopkins knows just how good it can feel to volunteer. She has been helping out at the Priory for the last couple of years gaining a whole new circle of friends as well as new skills and qualifications, including Level 2 Floristry and GCSEs in maths and English.

Nicky said: “As a single mum I could have become very isolated but volunteering has helped me to get out, be active, make new friends, learn new skills and feel good about myself.”

Information and advice drop-in sessions are being held Monday, Yarmouth

Job Centre 9am to 3pm; Tuesday, Sainsbury's, St Nicholas Road 9am

to noon and Yarmouth library 2pm to 5pm; Wednesday, St George's Park,

11am to 2pm; Friday, Market Place 9am to 3pm.

Volunteers' Week also coincides with the United Nations World Environment Day on June 5.

The day aims to promote low-carbon economies and lifestyles, through improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.

In Yarmouth, Voluntary Norfolk is working alongside SeaChange Arts, Green Light Trust, Sea of Trees,

and pupils from Greenacre First and Middle School to raise awareness about the environment by undertaking a variety of environmental projects on the day.

To find out more about how you can support World Environment Day contact Simon O'Leary on 01493 845925 or e-mail simon.oleary@nvs.org.uk