Celebrating Volunteering
Diabetes UK South West Volunteer’s Conference 2012
On Saturday 17 November 100 Diabetes UK volunteers came together at Taunton Racecourse to celebrate volunteering. The year’s volunteering successes were shared, achievements were acknowledged and everyone’s contribution was celebrated.
The programme was packed with workshops, exhibitors, volunteer stories, research updates, medals and awards, speeches from the president and an update from the region.
There was something for everyone who attended, and this year’s conference really did reflect the great variety of roles and opportunities volunteers get involved with to support Diabetes UK mission and people living with diabetes.
There were people who were new to volunteering with Diabetes UK and just wanted to find out more, members of the Diabetes Voices network came to find out about new and existing campaigns. A special workshop was facilitated for voluntary groups, presenting an ideal opportunity to network with other voluntary groups, share ideas, learn from their experiences and ask any questions about running a group, as well as plan for the future. The volunteers, who support Diabetes UK to raise awareness out and about with the general public, were able to attend a tailored workshop to bring them up to date with all the latest Diabetes UK changes and key messages. Those that are keen fundraisers were given the chance to find out about how they can optimise opportunities and support the Diabetes UK fundraising team.
This year’s conference was extra special with the introduction of the Inspire Awards, an award scheme which recognises excellence in volunteering at Diabetes UK. The regional awards were announced and presented by Diabetes UK President Richard Lane, OBE and Gill Fine, Trustee. To find out more about the winners and who was nominated visit Volunteers Inspiring Change.
Thank you to all that attended the conference, it really was a fantastic event and we are all very much looking forward to another fantastic volunteering year ahead. For all volunteering opportunities in 2013, including training sessions and roadshows click here and watch this space.
We hope to see you at the conference next year!