Ruth Barnes - Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency

Why did you decide to become a Community Champion?

It’s important that all residents of South Tees access the right service within the health service, when they need it and where they need it. I hope to be able to speak up for local people if this is not the case and be able to signpost them to them to services that can help. 

How does your role help people in South Tees?

As a specialist in all things volunteering, I engage with local communities and the voluntary sector every day. I support people to engage with their communities, finding something that helps them by providing them with an opportunity to upskill, build confidence, relieve social isolation, whatever they need it to do.  For organisations, I provide staff and volunteer training, support, the opportunity to network with others in the sector and building links to provide the best service for local people.

Volunteering Academy website Volunteering Academy | Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (mvda.info)

Facebook link Facebook: @volunteeringacademy