first direct are the main sponsors for Leeds Year of Volunteering 2010, a celebration of the amazing volunteering work happening in the city and an opportunity to encourage more people to get involved .  The drive by Voluntary Action Leeds and Leeds City Council plans to increase the number of volunteers in the Leeds area from the current 19% to 24% by the end of 2010. 

In Leeds the value of volunteering has been estimated to be worth £39.5 million per annum* and the planned increase in volunteers would see many more people helping out. 

first direct has been focussed on encouraging volunteering amongst its workforce for some time with all employees awarded a paid day off to take part in volunteering every year. 

Michaela Wright, Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility at first direct commented: 

"At first direct we understand how important it is to give back to the community and support local charities through volunteering work.  We're really pleased to be able to sponsor Leeds Year of Volunteering 2010 - it's a great fit with what we're already doing as a business. 

"Not only do the charities get help for free, but we've also found that the engagement of our staff has improved which can only be positive for the bank." 

Councillor Richard Brett, joint leader and executive board member with responsibility for the 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering said: 

"first direct are long-term supporters of volunteering and actively encourage their employees to get involved by giving them an extra day off each year to undertake some kind of voluntary work. 

"We welcome their support for the 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering, and hope that their involvement will persuade more businesses to encourage their staff to get involved in volunteering activities in and around the communities where they work. 

"Volunteering is a really positive experience for those who take part, and can provide a real boost to people's confidence, whilst helping them to develop new skills that can transfer into the workplace." 

In 2009 over 900 first direct employees took advantage of their volunteer day helping charities such as St George's Crypt, The Dogs Trust and The Haven Centre.  first direct are looking to increase this to over 1000 in 2010. 

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Example of volunteering at first direct 

first direct have built up a close relationships with many charities and organisation including  St Georges Crypt who provide help and support for homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged people.  

Volunteering opportunities have included helping the Crypt relocate to temporary premises, clothing sales at Leeds University, toy and food sorting at Christmas and Harvest festival, collections for their shop and support with funding for a polytunnel and birch trees for their nurture project. 

Pictures are available on request. 

Notes to Editor 

For further information on this press release please contact Amanda Brown on 01132 766700 or Amanda.brown@firstdirect.com or Rebecca.hirst@firstdirect.com or Rebecca Hirst on 01132 766899. 

http://www.leedsyearofvolunteering.co.uk/ 

Want to get involved?  Here's how you can register your interest and find out more:

Come and see us at the new Volunteer Centre Leeds at Enterprise House, St Paul's Street, LS1 2LE

Phone us on 0113 3950405

Email us on volunteering@val.org.uk

*Figures from "The Ripple Effect: Two Years On" p 19 Leeds VOICE 2009