Students benefit from partnership with Barking & Dagenham Volunteer Bureau

11th August 2015

From September 2015, the residents of Barking & Dagenham will have access to an additional source of volunteer support thanks to a new partnership between Barking & Dagenham College and Barking & Dagenham Volunteer Bureau.

The partnership will give students on the College’s BTEC Extended Diploma in Uniform Public Services the opportunity to fulfil volunteer roles which, as well as providing a valuable service to local people, will enhance their employability skills.

Lynne Hopkins from the Volunteer Bureau and Tim Bamforth-White, Curriculum Team Leader for Public Services at the College will coordinate the initiative to match the students to the volunteer opportunities.

Tim said,

"This partnership represents a fantastic opportunity for all concerned. Our students, in their final year at College before seeking employment, will benefit from real work placements that will help them develop their employability skills – skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and effective communication.

"The Volunteer Bureau, through Lynne, will identify those organisations and people who represent the best match for the skills offered by our students, and ensuring that the residents of the Borough get the maximum benefit.”

Lynne added,

“Barking & Dagenham Volunteer Bureau is happy to be working in partnership with Barking & Dagenham College. The Bureau will not only be supporting students through volunteering, but also helping them gain experiences which will hopefully improve their employment opportunities at the end of their College course. We hope that the partnership will continue for years to come.”