A leading children's charity in West Yorkshire is making a fresh appeal for volunteers to help transform the lives of young people, amid a nationwide decline in charitable support.
Turning Intentions into Lasting Impact
Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust is calling on local residents to step forward and dedicate their time, as it confronts the challenge of falling volunteer numbers seen across the UK's third sector. Recent figures suggest only one in three adults volunteers on a regular basis, creating significant pressure for organisations that rely on community goodwill.
"Our volunteers don't just help, they shape futures," explains Dawn Kershaw, the trust's volunteer co-ordinator. "Through building confidence and providing consistent support, they enable young people to visualise a brighter future for themselves. Giving just a few hours can create a profound and lasting impact, both for the young person and the volunteer."
The Power of Long-Term Mentoring
Central to the appeal is the charity's mentoring programme, which pairs volunteers with young people aged between 10 and 19 across the Kirklees district. This initiative is designed for long-term engagement, with relationships often developing over several months.
This extended timeframe allows mentors to build genuine trust, understand the individual's unique circumstances, and offer steady guidance through various challenges. The charity reports a dual benefit: volunteers gain leadership skills, personal growth, and a strong sense of purpose, while the young participants see boosted self-esteem, improved social skills, and a greater belief in their own potential.
Join the Volunteer Drive This January
To inspire new recruits, Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust is hosting a special volunteer drive on Tuesday, January 27, 2025. The event will be held at the charity's own venue, The Northorpe Barn, located at 53 Northorpe Lane in Mirfield.
There will be two identical sessions to accommodate different schedules, one at 1pm and another at 6pm. Attendees can expect to hear powerful case studies from young people who have benefited from mentoring, as well as firsthand accounts from current volunteers.
The sessions will also cover:
- Details of the application and training process.
- A chance to ask questions directly to the Northorpe Hall team.
- Information on other supporting roles, including site support, office help, marketing, and future trustee positions.
The charity emphasises that no prior experience is necessary, only a genuine willingness to invest time to help change lives. Those interested in attending are asked to register via the link: https://bit.ly/3LELmPC.
This initiative highlights the critical role of community-based support in shaping positive outcomes for the next generation, offering a tangible way for people in Mirfield and the wider Kirklees area to contribute.
