Orange ROCKCORPS

How To Get Involved?

Current volunteering opportunities: v challenge Make a Change. Take Charge. Develop Your Career. v challenge is a 13-week voluntary placement for graduates aged 16 – 25 years old. It aims to break the vicious cycle faced by many graduates of "No experience = No job = No experience" by giving: • Real hands-on project management experience in the environmental and regeneration sector, under a variety of areas including community engagement, conservation, youth work and marketing. • A volunteer placement that suits your career aspirations, skills and academic background. • A structured programme of development with added training. • Travel expenses. • Help and advice with taking the next step and securing full employment. Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale has been helping graduates get a head start in careers in the third sector since 1993- over 1000 people so far. They are currently building our next team of motivated graduates to make a real difference to the communities of Oldham and Rochdale. You don’t need any specific degree, just enthusiasm and commitment to 13 weeks of volunteering, starting on 21st September 2009. Closing dates for this rounds application is 3rd August 2009 however the course runs three times a year so keep checking the website for further details. Ready to make the change? For more information or to apply: Call James Ferguson on 0161 624 1444 or visit www.gwor.org.uk and follow the links: Volunteering, v challenge. Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale always tries to find suitable opportunities for individuals wishing to volunteer with us. Volunteers can be office-based or working with our teams out on one of our projects. If you would like to find out more about the possibilities for volunteering with Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale, please contact us on 0161 624 1444 or via email on Laura laura.roden@groundwork.org.uk.

Mission Statement/Purpose

Groundwork is a federation of Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, each working with their partners to improve the quality of the local environment, the lives of local people and the success of local businesses in areas in need of investment and support. Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale works in partnership with local people and local organisations to change places and change lives.

Charity Profile

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale was established in 1983 as one of the first Groundwork Trusts as a partnership between the local authorities and the Countryside Commission. Our aim was to enhance and manage the urban fringe areas by creating a partnership of the public pride and voluntary sectors. The Trust soon grew to encompass environmental improvement projects across our area of operations, from the Pennine Way to inner-city sites. We also became involved with education and training, personal development programmes, and business support schemes. The Trust today runs a wide range of programmes including landscapes and conservation work, business support, education and community activity, Youth Works, the Prince’s Trust volunteer programme, employment programmes, training involving basic skills and construction, and their unique v challenge programme, for unemployed graduates.