STAFF at Okehampton and Tavistock Volunteer Centres are celebrating, following the announcement they have been awarded Quality Accreditation (QA) status by Volunteering England, the national body for volunteering centres. Volunteering England introduced the QA scheme as a high standard benchmark towards which all volunteer centres can aim. It indicates a higher degree of service for the users of the centres and could attract increased funding to support the centres? work. The achievement by the staff at Tavistock and Okehampton is testament to their continued commitment to supporting their communities. Jan Simpson, chief officer of Tavistock Volunteer Centre said: ?We?re very pleased, here and in Okehampton, that our high level of support to the voluntary sector across West Devon has been recognised. ?Volunteering is an important part of the local economy and community alike and we shall continue to build on the success we?ve achieved already.? Okehampton volunteer centre chief officer Karen Nolan said: ?To be awarded Quality Accreditation status by Volunteering England is a huge boost. ?This scheme illustrates an ongoing commitment by the local volunteering infrastructure across England to high quality delivery of its service in a uniform manner.? There are a huge variety of volunteering opportunities available in both Tavistock and Okehampton, from office support to driving, helping elderly people, assisting with gardening or conservation projects. Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they wish ? staff at the Volunteer Centres would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to consider voluntary work. Call the Tavistock office on 01822 618224 or Okehampton on 01837 55047.
