LEND A HAND

A new project to help residents get involved with volunteering and increase community participation has been launched by Sevenoaks District Council.

'Lend a Hand' is a new Kent-wide project, run in partnership with Kent volunteer centres, to help local people to volunteer in their community. The project provides residents with details of local volunteering opportunities and provides them with a single point of contact for enquiries.

Residents can find details of volunteering opportunities, how to make their mark and get involved at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/lendahand. Alternatively they can call Sevenoaks District Council 01732 227000 or e-mail

lendahand@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

Lend a Hand is run in partnership with Swanley, Sevenoaks & Edenbridge Volunteer Centres, Kent Partnership and Kent Community Development Managers Group.

Christine Terry, Volunteer Development Manger, Volunteer Action Within Kent, adds: "Sevenoaks and Swanley Volunteer Centres are pleased to be working with Sevenoaks District Council to encourage residents to take an active part in their community. Through volunteering, people can influence how their neighbourhood develops, identify with their environment and be valued for their contribution."